(February 22, 2011 at 3:56 pm)Strongbad Wrote:(February 22, 2011 at 2:17 pm)apophenia Wrote: I'm not sure this is an accurate representation of current Christian theology, at least not Protestantism. Salvation isn't "earned" but bestowed upon one by the Grace of God, freely given by him, according to the five Solas of reformation Christianity (specifically Sola gratia ("by grace alone")).
You are correct in observing that varying sects of Christianity have differing views on the attainment of salvation. However, the main tenet in all of Christianity is that belief in and acceptance of Jesus Christ is a prerequisite to salvation. From Wikipedia:
Quote:Christian salvation in the general Western-centric Christian concept is the acceptance of the Lord Jesus the Christ as one's personal Savior and acceptance that Christ Jesus gave up his mortal life for one's individual sins in the belief of an eternal resurrection. While various Christian denominations will debate Christian theology and specifics, individual acknowledgement and acceptance of Christ as one's personal Savior is generally mandated or defined as the "key" to Christian salvation.(bolding mine)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_salvation
Again, if party A (Christian person wanting salvation) meets certain conditions (belief and acceptance), then party B (Christian God) will perform a benefit (salvation) = contract.
And, you have missed the point of discussion completely: that irrespective of varying beliefs regarding salvation, ALL of the beliefs that form the basis of the contract are based completely upon hearsay.
You have made a positive statement about hearsay, now if you will, please prove your statement.
Apophenia is correct in saying that salvation is by grace and grace alone, salvation is a gift as defined in scripture, it really doesn't matter how you define salvation the original definition set forth in scripture is the reference mark by which one must hold.
God loves those who believe and those who do not and the same goes for me, you have no choice in this matter. That puts the matter of total free will to rest.