FIVE
SOLAS
REFORMATION
FAITH AND THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)
In the
sixteenth century the Christian Faith was often expressed in terms of five “solas”
of the Protestant Reformation. How
does the PC(USA) relate to these standards?
3.
SOLA GRATIA – GRACE ALONE
Sola Gratia affirms that, in salvation, we
are rescued from the consequences of our rebellion by God’s grace alone. It is
the work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ, overcoming the effects of
the Fall, releasing us from bondage to sin, and raising us from spiritual death
to spiritual life.
The Erosion of the Gospel
The PC(USA) makes frequent references to grace, but has a
humanistic (optimistic) understanding of the nature of fallen humanity. From
what are we saved? Injustice and oppression are the usual answers. - Liberation Theology, with Marxist overtones,
has replaced salvation with justice and evangelism with political activism. Many
extreme left wing causes have received support.[i] - Liberation
theology has also led the denomination to denounce the state of Israel and to
compare its policies to Nazism. Divestment from companies seen to be helping
Israel is being promoted.[ii]
- St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX, received an avowed atheist into membership, not because of religious conviction, but because he approved of the church’s politics.[iii] Grace is cheapened when it is not linked to either sincere repentance or saving faith.
- St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX, received an avowed atheist into membership, not because of religious conviction, but because he approved of the church’s politics.[iii] Grace is cheapened when it is not linked to either sincere repentance or saving faith.
No comments:
Post a Comment