Orthodox Doctrine Exposed: Difference between revisions
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(Created page with "= Orthodox Doctrine Exposed = Orthodox doctrine, as represented by the various branches like Eastern Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, and Greek Orthodox, is often associated with deeply ingrained religious traditions. This article seeks to highlight critical views on its teachings and contrast them with the core biblical message of salvation. == The Nature of Orthodoxy == Orthodoxy is fundamentally defined as traditionally accepted and approved religious practices and beli...") |
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One such statement reads: | One such statement reads: | ||
''"It is only in and through Christ that we can be saved. Salvation cannot be earned. It’s a free gift from God. But being saved requires our cooperation with God because God will not violate our free will. A life of repentance is needed, turning away from our sin and toward God. Along with repentance, participation in the sacraments like baptism and Holy Communion is how we cooperate with God."'' | |||
Critics describe this as double talk, as it starts by affirming salvation by grace but quickly shifts toward the necessity of human effort. According to them, this nullifies the finished work of Christ on the cross and contradicts the biblical doctrine of salvation being entirely the work of God. | Critics describe this as double talk, as it starts by affirming salvation by grace but quickly shifts toward the necessity of human effort. According to them, this nullifies the finished work of Christ on the cross and contradicts the biblical doctrine of salvation being entirely the work of God. | ||
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Critics point to several verses to support their argument that salvation is entirely the work of God: | Critics point to several verses to support their argument that salvation is entirely the work of God: | ||
''2 Corinthians 1:20-22 (KJV):'' "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Now he which establisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." | |||
These verses emphasize that God establishes, anoints, and seals believers, leaving no room for human cooperation. | These verses emphasize that God establishes, anoints, and seals believers, leaving no room for human cooperation. | ||
''John 3:17 (KJV):'' "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." | |||
According to critics, salvation is fully accomplished through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, with no need for additional human efforts. | According to critics, salvation is fully accomplished through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, with no need for additional human efforts. | ||