CHRISTIANITY

T he idea that our lives, the events that occur to us every day and even our own salvation, has already been determined by God from before we were born, has occupied the mind of humans from various religions and philosophical schools at different times in history. In Hinduism, Krishna, the Hindu god, tells his charioteer Arjuna not to fear going into battle and kill his enemies, because he had already predestined Arjuna’s duty and the death of his opponents. (Bhagavad Gita 11:31-34, 200 BCE). Earlier Egyptian literature, as in the story of “The Doomed Prince”, also reflects the belief in a pre-appointed fate for humans among ancient Egyptians. 1 As this belief in a higher power beyond our control, marking and determining our earthly existence expanded, Judaism was no exception. Their belief in their own election as a privileged nation in Abraham was deeply rooted in God’s sovereignty (Ex 33:19; Dt 7:7-8; Jos 11:20; Mal 1:2); and from them, passed onto Christianity and Isl

In modern Christian circles this question sooner or later comes up among new believers.   The question arises as a consequence of new converts being taught the doctrine of “Once saved, always saved”, where they are told that once a prayer of repentance is said, they become children of God, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and therefore their salvation is guaranteed.   Those who profess this belief hold that once a person becomes a believer in Christ, the atonement of Lord Jesus guarantees their salvation regardless of their conduct, even though most of them will say that a real convert will live in righteousness if he truly has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Others on the contrary, will emphasized on the believer’s conduct, and claim that salvation received at conversion becomes null once the believer falls into sin or apostasy.   So, can Salvation be lost or not? The problem with this question is that Justification is confused with accomplished salvation, which is wron

Through history, Christians have debated about the relationship between faith and righteous conduct as essential elements that may determine salvation. Some have emphasized holiness of life as a determinant factor; others believed that only intellectual faith was enough to guarantee salvation, while others again, have taught that not only faith and good conduct are necessary for salvation, but also the performance of basic rituals, like Baptism and Confirmation.   But regardless of these positions, all Christians have always agreed that faith is the essential element required to attain salvation, and that without faith, good conduct and sacraments are pointless, unable to save for themselves. The Bible teaches that “without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb. 11:6). Since Christianity has as a pillar of faith the belief that all humans come into existence desti

The Bible teaches that humans were created in a state of moral innocence and biological perfection; immortal, unable to attain illness or deteriorate with age, with infused knowledge and in perfect connection with nature, in the likeness of God himself (Gn. 1:26-27, 31); but later humans broke this harmonious relationship with God and the creation around them through an open act of disobedience (Gn. 2:15; 3:6). When humans fell off God’s grace, the devastating consequences not only affected those who had committed the act of disobedience, in this case Adam and Eve, but also their descendants and the world around them, bringing upon themselves eternal separation from God, spiritual decay, tendency to sin, illness, physical decay, disconnection with nature and physical death (Gn. 3:16-19). When humans fell into sin, they found themselves helpless to find their way back to their original state in perfect communion with their Creator, because to attain forgiveness, which God was w

This blog is dedicated to expand the knowledge of Christianity through the media, addressing different issues in light of the Judeo-Christian Scriptures and the doctrinal legacy of historical Christianity. All visitors are welcome and invited to comment and ask questions in a public or private manner. Blessings Omar Flores-Rodriguez Administrator