Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Reflection - How to define and explain the gospel of Christ

Source (book): "Faithful to the end", Chapter 1, Question 4, Page 10.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
By the Old Testament Law we have sinned, and the punishment for sin is death.

PHOTO: By the Old Testament Law we have sinned, and the punishment for sin is death. In order for us to go to heaven, God’s dwelling place and the realm of life and light, sin must be somehow removed or paid for. The Law established the fact that cleansing from sin can only happen through the bloody sacrifice of an innocent life (Hebrews 9:22). None of us is innocent. That is the bad news.
The gospel of Christ is the good news of His coming to provide forgiveness of sins for all who will believe (Colossians 1:14; Romans 10:9). The bad news that all are guilty of sin and condemned by God is countered by the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. God, because of His love for the world, has made a way for man to be forgiven of their sins (John 3:16). He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the sins of mankind on Himself through death on a cross (1 Peter 2:24). In placing our sin on Christ, God ensured that all who will believe in the name of Jesus will be forgiven (Acts 10:43).
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Paul's emphasis in 2 Timothy is the gospel of Christ. How would you define this gospel to Christians and explain it to non-Christians?
The word gospel
The word gospel means "good news," and occurs 93 times in the Bible, exclusively in the New Testament. In Greek, it is the word euaggelion, from which we get our English words evangelist, evangel, and evangelical. The gospel is, broadly speaking, the whole of Scripture; more narrowly, the gospel is the good news concerning Christ and the way of salvation. [3]


Why the gospel is good news
The key to understanding the gospel is to know why it’s good news. To do that, we must start with the bad news. The Old Testament Law was given to Israel during the time of Moses (Deuteronomy 5:1). The Law can be thought of as a measuring stick, and sin is anything that falls short of "perfect" according to that standard. The righteous requirement of the Law is so stringent that no human being could possibly follow it perfectly, in letter or in spirit. Despite our "goodness" or "badness" relative to each other, we are all in the same spiritual boat—we have sinned, and the punishment for sin is death, i.e. separation from God, the source of life (Romans 3:23). In order for us to go to heaven, God’s dwelling place and the realm of life and light, sin must be somehow removed or paid for. The Law established the fact that cleansing from sin can only happen through the bloody sacrifice of an innocent life (Hebrews 9:22). [3]
 

The Old Testament Law was given to Israel during the time of Moses (Deuteronomy 5:1).
PHOTO: The Old Testament Law was given to Israel during the time of Moses (Deuteronomy 5:1). We are all in the same spiritual boat—we have sinned, and the punishment for sin is death, i.e. separation from God, the source of life (Romans 3:23). In order for us to go to heaven, God’s dwelling place and the realm of life and light, sin must be somehow removed or paid for. The Law established the fact that cleansing from sin can only happen through the bloody sacrifice of an innocent life (Hebrews 9:22).
Picture posted by Brad Jersak on Wednesday, 30 April 2014 at 5:07 PM
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https://christianity-without-the-religion.blogspot.sg/2014/04/beyond-without-shedding-of-blood-brad.html?m=0


Since the first man’s sin, mankind has been under the condemnation of God (Romans 5:12). Because everyone breaks God’s perfect law by committing sin (Romans 3:23), everyone is guilty (Romans 5:18). The punishment for the crime of sin is physical death (Romans 6:23) and then an eternity spent in a place of punishment (Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:46). This eternal separation from God is also called the "second death" (Revelation 20:14–15). [2]


Since the first man’s sin, mankind has been under the condemnation of God (Romans 5:12).
PHOTO: Since the first man’s sin, mankind has been under the condemnation of God (Romans 5:12). The punishment for the crime of sin is physical death (Romans 6:23) and then an eternity spent in a place of punishment (Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:46). This eternal separation from God is also called the "second death" (Revelation 20:14–15).
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http://michaelherbphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Eve-Apple-After.jpg
http://pixshark.com/eve-and-the-apple.htm
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2016/01/reflection-evidence-for-lilith-in-bible.html
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2016/11/reflection-banish-anxiety-from-your.html


The gospel of Christ is the good news of His coming to provide forgiveness of sins for all who will believe (Colossians 1:14; Romans 10:9). The bad news that all are guilty of sin and condemned by God is countered by the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. God, because of His love for the world, has made a way for man to be forgiven of their sins (John 3:16). He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the sins of mankind on Himself through death on a cross (1 Peter 2:24). [2]
 

The bad news that all are guilty of sin and condemned by God is countered by the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. God, because of His love for the world, has made a way for man to be forgiven of their sins (John 3:16).
PHOTO: The bad news that all are guilty of sin and condemned by God is countered by the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. God, because of His love for the world, has made a way for man to be forgiven of their sins (John 3:16).  He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the sins of mankind on Himself through death on a cross (1 Peter 2:24).
Picture posted by Carol Weaver, Bible Book Club on Tuesday, 07 May 2013 at 12:00 AM
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http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8468/8105902919_fb7a3c35e8_b.jpg
http://3yearbiblebookclub.blogspot.sg/2013/05/romans-5-blessings-of-justification.html


The gospel involves Jesus’ death on the cross as the sin offering to fulfill the Law’s righteous requirement (Romans 8:3-4; Hebrews 10:5-10). Before the coming of Christ, under the Law, animal sacrifices were offered year after year as a reminder of sin and a symbol of the coming sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:3-4). When Christ offered Himself at Calvary, that symbol became a reality for all who would believe (Hebrews 10:11-18). The work of atonement is finished now, and that’s good news. [3]
 

Before the coming of Christ, under the Law, animal sacrifices were offered year after year as a reminder of sin and a symbol of the coming sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:3-4).
PHOTO: Before the coming of Christ, under the Law, animal sacrifices were offered year after year as a reminder of sin and a symbol of the coming sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:3-4).
Picture posted by London Mockler
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http://images.slideplayer.com/13/3977065/slides/slide_8.jpg
http://slideplayer.com/slide/3977065/
 

The gospel involves Jesus’ death on the cross as the sin offering to fulfill the Law’s righteous requirement (Romans 8:3-4; Hebrews 10:5-10).
PHOTO: The gospel involves Jesus’ death on the cross as the sin offering to fulfill the Law’s righteous requirement (Romans 8:3-4; Hebrews 10:5-10). When Christ offered Himself at Calvary, the symbol of the coming sacrifice of Christ became a reality for all who would believe (Hebrews 10:11-18). The work of atonement is finished now, and that’s good news.
Picture posted by Bruce on 23 December 2012
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https://i2.wp.com/broadcast.lds.org/GospelArtBook/images/ArtBook__057_057__TheCrucifixion____.jpg
https://broeder10.wordpress.com/2012/12/23/augustus-caesar-and-jesus/


The gospel also involves Jesus’ resurrection on the third day. "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification" (Romans 4:25). The fact that Jesus conquered sin and death (sin’s penalty) is good news, indeed. The fact that He offers to share that victory with us is the greatest news of all (John 14:19). [3] In placing our sin on Christ, God ensured that all who will believe in the name of Jesus will be forgiven (Acts 10:43). Jesus’ resurrection guarantees the justification of all who believe (Romans 4:25). [2] And that’s good news. The gospel is good news.


Jesus conquered sin and death (sin’s penalty) is good news. He offers to share that victory with us, and that is the greatest news of all (John 14:19).
PHOTO: Jesus conquered sin and death (sin’s penalty) is good news. He offers to share that victory with us, and that is the greatest news of all (John 14:19). In placing our sin on Christ, God ensured that all who will believe in the name of Jesus will be forgiven (Acts 10:43). Jesus’ resurrection guarantees the justification of all who believe (Romans 4:25). The gospel is about this good news.
Picture saved by Olga Gaca to obrazy biblijne from goodsalt.com
Harry Anderson illustration - Christ at His resurrection. An angel looks on, and Roman soldiers lay at his feet.
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https://1920332912.rsc.cdn77.org/view/resurrection-of-christ-3-GoodSalt-rhpas0007.jpg
http://www.goodsalt.com/details/rhpas0007.html
https://www.pinterest.com.mx/pin/363243526177396386/


The gospel is good news because our salvation and eternal life and home in heaven are guaranteed through Christ (John 14:1-4). "He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:3-4). [3]
 

The gospel is good news because our salvation and eternal life and home in heaven are guaranteed through Christ (John 14:1-4).
PHOTO: The gospel is good news because our salvation and eternal life and home in heaven are guaranteed through Christ (John 14:1-4). "He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:3-4).
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https://oguzhansencan.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/shutterstock_91834121.jpg
https://duvar-kagidi.biz/2016/03/01/3d-gokyuzune-cikan-merdiven/


The gospel is good news when we understand that we do not (and cannot) earn our salvation; the work of redemption and justification is complete, having been finished on the cross (John 19:30). Jesus is the propitiation (atonement) for our sins (1 John 2:2). The gospel is the good news that we, who were once enemies of God, have been reconciled by the blood of Christ and adopted into the family of God (Romans 5:10; John 1:12). "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1). The gospel is the good news that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). [3]
 

The gospel is the good news that we, who were once enemies of God, have been reconciled by the blood of Christ and adopted into the family of God (Romans 5:10; John 1:12).
PHOTO: The gospel is the good news that we, who were once enemies of God, have been reconciled by the blood of Christ and adopted into the family of God (Romans 5:10; John 1:12). "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1). The gospel is the good news that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).
Picture posted by rapturebibleprophecy on 19 July 2013
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https://kingjamesbible101.wordpress.com/2013/07/19/eternal-kingdom-of-our-god-and-father-new-heaven-and-new-earth/


The Bible is the gospel
The Bible specifies the content of the gospel message: "Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time" (1 Corinthians 15:1–6). In this passage, Paul emphasizes the primacy of the gospel—it is of "first importance." The gospel message contains two historical facts, both supported by Scripture: Christ’s death and His resurrection. Both those facts are bolstered by other proofs: Christ’s death is proved by His burial, and His resurrection is proved by the eyewitnesses. [2]
 

The Bible is the gospel
PHOTO: The Bible is the gospel
The Bible specifies the content of the gospel message. The gospel message contains two historical facts, both supported by Scripture: Christ’s death and His resurrection. Both those facts are bolstered by other proofs: Christ’s death is proved by His burial, and His resurrection is proved by the eyewitnesses.
Picture posted by Richard Lawry on Friday, 03 April 2015 at 9:29 PM
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http://anarkiesmusings.blogspot.sg/2015/04/hes-alive.html


The elements of the gospel
The elements of the gospel are clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, a key passage concerning the good news of God. Notice, first, that Paul “received” the gospel and then "passed it on"; this is a divine message, not a man-made invention. Second, the gospel is "of first importance." Everywhere the apostles went, they preached the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Third, the message of the gospel is accompanied by proofs: Christ died for our sins (proved by His burial), and He rose again the third day (proved by the eyewitnesses). Fourth, all this was done "according to the Scriptures"; the theme of the whole Bible is the salvation of mankind through Christ. The Bible is the gospel. [3]

The elements of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-6)
PHOTO: The elements of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-6)
  • Paul “received” the gospel and then "passed it on"; this is a divine message, not a man-made invention
  • The gospel is "of first importance." Everywhere the apostles went, they preached the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
  • The message of the gospel is accompanied by proofs: Christ died for our sins (proved by His burial), and He rose again the third day (proved by the eyewitnesses).
  • All this was done "according to the Scriptures"; the theme of the whole Bible is the salvation of mankind through Christ.
Picture posted by WFR Church‏ on 17 September 2017 at 3:05 PM
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Faith in Jesus and grace from God to be saved (Ephesians 2:8-9)
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that God provided the way for man to be freed from the penalty of sin (John 14:6; Romans 6:23). But not all people will be saved from hell; only those who place their faith in Jesus will go to heaven when they die (Acts 4:12). [2]
 

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that God provided the only way for man to be freed from the penalty of sin (John 14:6; Romans 6:23).
PHOTO: The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that God provided the only way for man to be freed from the penalty of sin (John 14:6; Romans 6:23).
Picture posted by kingdom-biz.net - (Bigotry)
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http://www.kingdom-biz.net/bigotry.html


The gospel of Jesus Christ is the best news anyone will ever hear, and what a person does with this news will determine where he or she spends eternity. God is calling you to choose life. Call on the name of the Lord and be saved (Romans 10:13). [2]

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the best news anyone will ever hear, and what a person does with this news will determine where he or she spends eternity.

PHOTO: The gospel of Jesus Christ is the best news anyone will ever hear, and what a person does with this news will determine where he or she spends eternity. God is calling you to choose life. Call on the name of the Lord and be saved (Romans 10:13).
Picture posted by Tara D, Doodle Through The Bible on Monday, 13 June 2016 at 9:48 PM
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http://www.doodlethroughthebible.com/2016/06/romans-1013-for-everyone-who-calls-on.html


"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile" (Romans 1:16). The gospel is a bold message, and we are not ashamed of proclaiming it. It is a powerful message, because it is God’s good news. It is a saving message, the only thing that can truly reform the human heart. It is a universal message, for Jews and Gentiles both. And the gospel is received by faith; salvation is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8–9). [3]
 

Saved by Grace through Faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Good works follows . .
PHOTO: Saved by Grace through Faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). Good works follows . . . . .
  • The good works we are to do are themselves the work of God’s grace in our lives. He’s given them to us. He’s graced us with them. We get in on these good works because he’s invited us to join him in his own good work in the world.
  • The works that we are saved to are not works that save us. Only God’s work in Jesus saves us. But as those who are saved, we get in on all kinds of good works that flow out of this saved life.
  • Without these good works, the gospel is not good news at all. It’s just a ticket out of hell and into heaven — which is how it was presented to me as a kid — and we’re just putting in time till we get there.
  • God’s desire for us is that we get in on everything he created us to get in on in the first place. He created us for it and he’s saved us to it. Why would we want anything less than to get in on the good works he prepared in advance for us to do? [5]
Picture posted by Pete Santucci, God & Life & Stuff on 29 May 2017 - Grace through Faith saved Not Works, but good works follows . . . . .
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https://i1.wp.com/www.petesantucci.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_0415.jpg?w=600
http://www.petesantucci.com/2017/05/29/real-faith-works-why-the-grace-vs-works-debate-is-bogus/
 

We need faith to receive grace (Romans 5:2)
PHOTO: We need faith to receive grace (Romans 5:2)
Picture posted by Digie Salamat, KALI, Cartoon Time: Faith, on 30 June 2010
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http://pass-forward.blogspot.sg/2010/06/cartoon-time-faith.html
 

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile
PHOTO: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile" (Romans 1:16). The gospel is a bold message, and we are not ashamed of proclaiming it. It is a powerful message, because it is God’s good news. It is a saving message, the only thing that can truly reform the human heart. It is a universal message, for Jews and Gentiles both. And the gospel is received by faith; salvation is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Picture posted by Articles, BIBLE, English Posts, GOSPEL, MISSIONS on 18 August 2012
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RMWXdn39sLbJ1rP8EvEiTBmWgwRVYDMJ4kmGcJTRTps96bZJKQueQMjJ8oTlSurD0OfAl3oFRHJvElhINUn_KhnzD95kNMkcDxpMdB_iYiGic-Kj3GdkGhhLaoHyNSQ2K8pUcoufL_g/s1600/217954_479045225448195_305457736_n.jpg
https://ioan17.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/217954_479045225448195_305457736_n.jpg
https://ioan17.wordpress.com/2012/08/18/


To reject the gospel is to embrace the bad news. Condemnation before God is the result of a lack of faith in the Son of God, God’s only provision for salvation. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son" (John 3:17–18). God has given a doomed world good news. Why would anyone reject the gospel? [3]


Those who flee from sin and pursue holiness are those who seek to do God's will. All others, by default, end up doing Satan's will.
PHOTO: Those who flee from sin and pursue holiness are those who seek to do God's will. All others, by default, end up doing Satan's will. Whether we are pursuing sinful desires of the flesh or worldly desires of popularity, power, materialism and self-indulgence, we are doing the devil's will. Those who think they are free to do whatever they desire are in fact prisoners of Satan.
Posted by Walmir Almeida on Saturday, 23 February 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MIHLnCLdumFJ_dJ9456QtZE3a4LUbbcuqOSAx4PwXVBe1G9B9R-5voM_th7_PgGJrt7E9jvOCPp4bySVtd9dezW-GLvFVwG9Jt6Db7wS4jInveNrEShEGVsuhsW1-X6cXhDNsCq8URQ/s1600/Depositphotos_8664109_original.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAm_jFeJj-wo3NhbKG0YlKxTyPCYGZpTGfZeEWH7-t2abo4EBt0Qes1YthGmGEaFqhbq3mcpylHTAUxFAWZFj8zqY2b2GjANPEo_NaIRCjvr9AkoB3aVKFauDxaLEJmVb2R13htI4zIhw/s1600/Depositphotos_8664109_original.jpg
http://walmirbsb.blogspot.sg/2013/02/a-inocencia-dos-anjos.html#.VYUsJVKYQz8
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2016/01/reflection-quarrelling-about-words.html
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/08/reflection-how-to-consecrate-our.html
 

Dear Lord, Thank you for sending Jesus Christ to suffer and die for us so that we can be saved and go to heaven. Thank You for the gospel that bring this good news. We know we have sinned and need forgiveness. We are willing to turn from our sins and turn toward You. We would like to receive this good news by having faith in Jesus Christ so that we can have the gift of salvation. Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, Thank you for sending Jesus Christ to suffer and die for us so that we can be saved and go to heaven. Thank You for the gospel that bring this good news. We know we have sinned and need forgiveness. We are willing to turn from our sins and turn toward You. We would like to receive this good news by having faith in Jesus Christ so that we can have the gift of salvation. Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture saved by Jahaziel to JW
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Mvbav8dgeYaAsiCFjWilUffImfjLcnWHz1wmDKt5g1dOTpjU9kpp8D5wjnZSJZvStAcmngptv-M_c7OZv_7yabKfvrJ6_Evw4Q0pvJA10cmM42w3lJVCxJigSm5B_nWc8JruWV4a6EY/s1600/a8a947655f85367f7287a0a11c407fd3--the-skulls-crown-of-thorns-1.png
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/a8/a9/47/a8a947655f85367f7287a0a11c407fd3--the-skulls-crown-of-thorns.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/539517230336686368/

Reflection - How to define and explain the gospel of Christ
Question from the book "Faithful to the end", by Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Reference
[1] From "Faithful to the end" A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, Copyright  2014 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-241-0, PART ONE: UNITED WITH CHRIST, Chapter 2 "I know whom I have believed" (2 Timothy 1:1-18), Page 19-29.

[1a] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - "This grace was given to us before the beginning of time", posted on Wednesday, 01 April 2015, http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2015/04/reflection-this-grace-was-given-to-us.html

[1b] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - "Why is Jesus the unique and only Saviour of the world?", posted on Thursday, 09 April 2015, http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2015/04/reflection-why-is-jesus-unique-and-only.html

[2] Got Questions Ministries, What is the gospel of Jesus Christ?, https://www.gotquestions.org/gospel-of-Jesus-Christ.html

[3] Got Questions Ministries, What is the gospel?, https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-the-gospel.html

[4] Got Questions Ministries, What are the essentials of the gospel message?, https://www.gotquestions.org/gospel-message.html

[5] Pete Santucci, God & Life & Stuff, Real faith works — why the grace vs. works debate is bogus, posted on 29 May 2017, http://www.petesantucci.com/2017/05/29/real-faith-works-why-the-grace-vs-works-debate-is-bogus/

Links
evangelical - https://www.gotquestions.org/evangelicalism.html
redemption - https://www.gotquestions.org/redemption.html
justification - https://www.gotquestions.org/justification.html
propitiation - https://www.gotquestions.org/propitiation.html

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