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Salvation in the Orthodox Understanding

Salvation in the Orthodox Understanding. By H.H. Pope Shenouda III. How we should read the Holy Bible ?.

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Salvation in the Orthodox Understanding

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  1. Salvation in the Orthodox Understanding By H.H. Pope Shenouda III

  2. How we should read the Holy Bible ? • Introduction: * The Holy Bible is not mere verses but a certain spirit involves all its parts. * To reach the truth, one should bring together all related verses to see what they signify.

  3. Example 1: “ Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved you and your household” (Acts 16:31)

  4. This verse was said to one of the Gentiles, an unbeliever. Whatever good deeds that person might do, would not benefit him unless he first believes in Christ.

  5. Sometimes, the first step is used in the Holy Bible to signify the whole matter which begins with this step:-

  6. e.g. (1)The words of Simeon the Elder:“ Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation” Luke 2:28-31 e.g. (2)The words of the Lord to Zacchaeus:“ Today salvation has come to this house” Luke 19:9

  7. Salvation here meant the first step leading to it. This is evidenced by saying “ … you will be saved, you and your household.” How could his family be saved merely by his Faith?

  8. We understand the verse better by putting beside it the following verses from the meeting between the Lord and the young rich man:“.. What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” Matthew 19:16The Lord answered “If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments” Matthew 19:17

  9. Example 2:“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God.” Romans 5:1- We understand it correctly in view of:“For not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the Law will be justified” Romans 2:13

  10. - And also in view of:“You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out to another way” James 2:24,25

  11. Example 3:“But to him who does not work but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.” Romans 2:5- We understand it correctly in view of:“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men” Romans 1:18

  12. - And also in view of:“.. Condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly” 2 Peter 2:6“Who does not work” perhaps means the ritual works of the law such as circumcision.

  13. Example 4:“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” Ephesians 2:8,9 - We understand it correctly in view of the verse immediately following:“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10

  14. Example 5:“And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace” Romans 11:6- We understand it correctly in view of its following:“…you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.” Romans 11:20-22

  15. If we go with this “single verse” understanding we end up far from the truth. For instance:“ If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him” 1 John 2:29Does this mean that regeneration depends on works alone? Of course not!

  16. Conclusion:Thus, to be acquainted with the right faith, we have to remember always the beautiful verse,“…not of the letter but of the spirit, for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life” 2 Corinthians 3:6

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