Salvation – Soteriology, Part 4

Shawn McCraney, host of "Heart of the Matter," discusses the complexities of the relationship between Jesus and the Father, highlighting the contrast between LDS views of separate beings and the Christian belief in their oneness as stated in John 10:30 and John 17:22. He also emphasizes the importance of supporting their unique ministry efforts, including a 24/7 Christian television network and local church gatherings in Utah, encouraging those who are able and feel led by the Lord to contribute to their outreach.

Understanding the nature of Christ involves recognizing Him as the Word who was with God and was God, taking on human form as Jesus to save the world, and living in subjection to God while possessing delegated authority and glory. The Christian perspectives on Jesus' salvation are diverse, with debates about aspects like the extent and certainty of salvation, illustrated by contrasting views such as Calvinism, which emphasizes God's choice in salvation, and other beliefs focused on individual belief and responsibility.

The teaching discusses the contrasting views of Calvinists and Arminianists on Christian soteriology while acknowledging both perspectives are biblically supported, urging believers to focus on shared beliefs in Jesus Christ as the author of salvation rather than allowing divisive dogma to create animosity. It points out the problematic nature of division among Christians, which can inadvertently provide opportunities for cults like Mormonism to propose alternative, less biblically-supported doctrines.

In exploring Christian Anarchism, Shawn highlights concerns about associating blessings with the act of tithing and questions the legalistic interpretation of tithing in modern Christianity, suggesting instead that blessings are not contingent upon financial offerings but are part of a broader spiritual practice. Additionally, Shawn challenges the literal interpretation of the creation account in Genesis, questioning the traditional view of a 24-hour creation day due to the absence of the sun and emphasizes understanding the biblical text in a nuanced way regarding time and creation.

Shawn teaches that while humans are not gods, they can become heirs and joint-heirs with Christ as children of light, guided by biblical principles found in Ephesians, Romans, and Galatians. He also explains that the Bible, though not exhaustive, serves as a guide for believers to live as new creations in Christ by being in tune with the Holy Spirit, emphasizing faith over rigid scriptural adherence.

The Bible is not the final or exhaustive word on God's will but rather a beginning that imperfectly tells of God while perfectly guiding one to become His child, urging believers to live by faith and the Holy Spirit's guidance rather than seeking prescriptive instructions. Shawn advocates reading any books that draw one nearer to understanding God, emphasizing personal spiritual growth and working out one's salvation with reverence.

Shawn teaches that the Bible, while fundamental, is not exhaustive or definitive, urging believers to read God's word, be led by the Holy Spirit, and embrace faith to grow spiritually rather than seeking exact dictations of God's will. He stresses the importance of exploring additional religious literature that brings individuals closer to God and encourages Christians to work out their salvation by walking their own faith journey.

Shawn emphasizes that faith is central to the Christian journey, suggesting that individuals should seek personal spiritual growth and understanding of God by exploring diverse religious texts beyond the Bible, ultimately encouraging believers to "walk by faith" and develop their own relationship with God. He contrasts this perspective against the rigid interpretation of predestination, highlighting the ongoing theological debate between Arminianism, which gives prominence to human free will in salvation, and Calvinism, which focuses on God's predetermined election of individuals for salvation.

Shawn explains two perspectives on salvation: Arminianism asserts that salvation relies on a cooperative effort between God and man, with man's free will playing a critical role in accepting grace, whereas Calvinism emphasizes that salvation is wholly an act of God's grace, with the elect being irresistibly drawn to faith through the Holy Spirit's work. The Synod of Dort rejected the Arminian view, deeming it unscriptural, and reaffirmed Calvinism as the doctrinal belief that salvation is solely determined by God's sovereign choice.

The "five points of Calvinism" were developed in response to the five points presented by the Arminians, aiming to articulate key theological positions such as total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints. These points address critical aspects of salvation and grace within Calvinist theology and continue to provide a framework for discussion and understanding within Christian theological debate.