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Salvation
Though Faith |
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Religion by Self-Effort |
Salvation by Faith |
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Goal |
Please God by our own good deeds |
Trust in Christ and then live to please God |
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Means |
Practice, diligent service, discipline, and obedience, in hope of reward |
Confess, submit, and commit ourselves to Christ's control |
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Power |
Good, honest effort through self-determination |
The Holy Spirit in us helps us do good work for Christ's Kingdom |
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Control |
Self-motivation; self-control |
Christ is in us; we are in Christ |
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Results |
Chronic guilt, apathy, depression, failure, constant desire for approval |
Joy, thankfulness, love, guidance, service, forgiveness |
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Salvation by faith in Christ sounds too easy for many people. They would rather think that they have done something to save themselves. Their religion becomes one of self-effort that leads either to disappointment or pride, but finally to eternal death. Christ's simple way is the only way, and it alone leads to eternal life. |
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