DEITY OF CHRIST

Friday, June 22, 2012

What does(not) 'Faith alone' really mean?


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'Therefore, we accept the Protestant doctrine of sola fide,
which means “by faith alone,” but we reject solifidianism.
John Fletcher explained that “solafidianism” is a softer word
for antinomianism. Solafidians not only hold that sinners are
justified solely by faith in the day of conversation, but that because faith is the sum total of salvation, they deny the final justification by works of faith at the day of judgment. However,
scripture teaches a final justification by works. Thus, as James
2:17-24 taught, saving faith will produce good works.'

                                                       - Ric Reasoner

I was once a solafidian , but after studying the scripture I reached the same conclusion which ric reasoner has made in the aove quote  ,though independent of man,but with the guidance of God. 

My experience and study confirm  that solafidianism results in antinomianism. It happens subtly , but sometimes even blatantly. That is the reason  why I and so many young christians were and are 
1. Very insensitive to people , who are made in the image of God , bought with his blood ,though they may come from differnt cultures , families , socioeconomic status , caste , race etc. This leads to discrimination and segregation within the body of Christ and defeats the purpose of the Gospel of Christ, who wants his church to embody his love and reflect a degree of unity , that comes through acceptance and love, and which is possible only with the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. Very insensitive to injustices in the society  , like casteism , socio economic exploitation , racial segregation  etc. The very thought of racial segregated churches should be very repugnant to Christ , as the most segregated hour in USA is sunday morning church hours . How is it even possible . Why is the Church so powerless to overcome this ? Is it because it is not connected the head ? Is it because , the solafidiarian  pew dweller thinks that , it's okay , as he is already saved and does need to care about these injustices and inequalities? 
3. Very insensitive to private sins 
4. Very insensitive to the commands of Christ ,as if they are optional.

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