Tag: Salvation

by Daniel Sutkowski

A Careful Critique of Calvinism

[1] Before I go into this article I want to comment on what a joy it has been to have this continuing series of articles with Camille. Much of what we discuss on the topic of salvation and predestination happens during long and fervent phone calls. Starting with an article discussing what it means to be a “good man,” we have traveled far in a discussion of God’s plan for man in salvation.  That said I want to outline what we agree on so that we can focus – like a laser – on the points of contention. Both Camille … Continue reading “A Careful Critique of Calvinism” →

by Brendan Siemiawski

St. Alphonsus on Vocation

“How narrow is the gate, and straight is the way that leadeth to life:  and few there are that find it!” – Matthew 7:14 The path to salvation is found only in Jesus Christ, yet there are many roads along that path which allow for one to serve Him. The question of which path one is to follow to best serve Him brings about a serious consideration of His Will and the trust thereof. We call discernment the process of prayerfully considering where God is calling a soul to serve Him. Discerning a vocation is no easy task. Marked by … Continue reading “St. Alphonsus on Vocation” →

by Camille Lopez

Salvation and Heart Surgery

Several months ago, Danny wrote an article on the concept of free will and its role in salvation. I have also discovered, to my surprise and great delight, that  it is no difficult task for me to plunge back into the friendly fray. The subject of salvation never does grow stale. So it is with eagerness and anticipation that I offer my thoughts on “Salvation and Free Will.” Danny introduces his subject with an analogy to illustrate the role of free will in the individual’s moment of salvation. To do this, he brings back our friend, the Drowning Man, who … Continue reading “Salvation and Heart Surgery” →

by Daniel Sutkowski

Salvation and Free Will

This post is inspired by the previous post Camille wrote talking about how and why it is so important to understand that man is utterly dependent on God for his salvation. While I know we have our disagreements, I found myself nodding along to most everything throughout Camille’s post. I agree that no one can claim to lead a sinless life. No man is born good. We are all fallen creatures, destined to life separated from God on our own merits. For the purpose of focus, I will table a discussion as to whether it is possible to become a … Continue reading “Salvation and Free Will” →

by Camille Lopez

Eye of the Needle

Watchman Nee

Imagine a drowning man. Head barely above the water, arms flailing, his efforts to reach the shore growing feebler by the minute. You watch, helpless, unable to swim yourself, and discover to your great surprise that one of your friends is standing beside you. An experienced swimmer, he watches calmly as the man begins to sink. You feel your confusion and frustration mounting. What are you doing? Don’t you see this man is drowning? Then, just as the drowning man drops his arms and ceases his yelling, you hear a splash. Strong, swift strokes—and within seconds your friend is gently … Continue reading “Eye of the Needle” →

by Daniel Sutkowski

A Confutation on Circumcision

This article is a continuation of the discussion Zach, Anisha and I are having concerning whether circumcision is efficacious, a proposal that we both think has strong implications for Baptism. I want to revisit Zach’s most recent article and respond to its claims. At the beginning of Zach’s article, he problematically states that “Efficacy entails not only necessity, but also sufficiency.” This definition is not only inconsistent with regard to my beliefs but overcomplicates the discussion to include the technical words of ‘necessity’ and sufficiency’ which is not necessary for this discussion. Instead, I would say that efficacious circumcision means … Continue reading “A Confutation on Circumcision” →

by Daniel Sutkowski

So that No Man may Boast

Oftentimes in conversations with Christians of the reformed tradition, a discussion of the goodness of man and how that relates to the divine plan of salvation will arise. During these conversations I have found that a difference in definitions to be harmful to actually discussing the issues at hand. Add to the differing nomenclature palates actual disagreements over a number of differing nuanced positions and the result is chaotic. In this article I primarily want to clear up the Catholic position, as far as I understand it; however, I will also do my best to show why it makes the … Continue reading “So that No Man may Boast” →

by Benjamin Bjorkman

Salvation for the Wealthy

We often make out the rich as the typical villains of not just the modern world but also the Christian precursor world, as noted in many Christian interpretations. The primary verse most Christians cite when discussing the rich is Matthew 19:24 (or its reiterations in Mark and Luke): “’And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich person into the kingdom of God.’” The disciples were amazed at this proclamation, assuming that the rich would be the first to enter the Kingdom. This reaction dispels the simplistic modern notion … Continue reading “Salvation for the Wealthy” →