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The 39 Articles of Religion. Part twelve: Solus Christus. Article XVIII. Of obtaining eternal Salvation only by the Name of Christ.
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The 39 Articles of Religion Part twelve: SolusChristus
Article XVIII. Of obtaining eternal Salvation only by the Name of Christ They also are to be had accursed that presume to say, That every man shall be saved by the Law or Sect which he professeth, so that he be diligent to frame his life according to that Law, and the light of Nature. For Holy Scripture doth set out unto us only the Name of Jesus Christ, whereby men must be saved.
Salvation of unreached people • Scripture speaks largely indirectly to the eternal fate of unreached people • Their moral accountability is clear, as is God’s judgment; universalism is biblically unsustainable, but God’s justice and graciousness are absolute • “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Acts 10:34-5 Francesco Trevisani, Peter baptizing Cornelius, 1709
The way, truth, and life • “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12 Titian, Christ Blessing, c. 1565
Relativism and ‘the Real’ • “If we insist we know the one way to God, we're putting God in a very small box.” – Katherine Schori, Nov. 2006 • “The way the God of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, is presented, he's a monster. The God we've been preaching is a monster. He's worse than Saddam.” – Carlton Pearson, Dec. 2005 Presiding Bishop Katherine J. Schori
Taking a strong stand on a firm foundation But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 1 Peter 3:14-16 Jacques Louis David, Leonidas at Thermopylae, 1814
Eastern/western religion and theories of truth Western thought historically has held to the objective “correspondence theory” of truth, but subjective views of spiritual truths now prevail Creation emanates Brahma as he lies in ‘cosmic sleep’
Truth, revelation and credibility • Religious relativists claims the ability to harmonize all religions into a unified truth transcending dogma, but their view of truth is subjective—it comes from no definite source • “The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.” John 19:35 • “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” 2 Peter 1: 16 Canterini Simone, Risen Christ, c. 1646