Eastern Orthodoxy vs. Biblical Christianity

[Guest shiloh357]

http://www.teachingtheword.org/apps/articles/?columnid=6435&articleid=81482

It has been well said that Eastern Orthodoxy is "Roman Catholicism without its papacy and Mariolatry."

A reader asks, "Are Eastern Orthodox practitioners (Russian, Serbian, Greek, Antiochian, Ethiopian, etc.) true Christians? If not, wherein lies their non-adherence to Scripture in their beliefs and practices?"

It has been said that Eastern Orthodoxy is "Roman Catholicism without its papacy and Mariolatry," and that is indeed an apt summary of its theology and practice. Some church historians make much of what is termed the "Great Schism" that occurred in the 11th century between the Western church (centered in Rome) and the Eastern church (centered in Constantinople). But the impetus for that division was not a choice between obedience to the Word of God and the word of man, but rather a choice between two competing sets of that which Scripture repeatedly condemns as "the commandments and doctrines of men."

What really matters, as our reader's question rightly puts it, are not the differences between Rome and Constantinople, but between both of these visible bodies and Holy Scripture. The section of our Bible Knowledgebase on Roman Catholicism deals extensively with that false church's departures from the Word. In this article we shall focus on key elements of Eastern Orthodox theology and practice. Examining just three areas - Eastern Orthodoxy's positions on Scripture, sin, and salvation - tells us all we need to know to reject it as a false faith.

Scripture

Like the Roman Catholic church, the Eastern Orthodox church insists that it is the one true church of Christ on earth. Like Rome, the Eastern Orthodox church also holds to the false doctrine of apostolic succession, claiming that its patriarchs are the latest in an unbroken line of successors to the authority of Christ's apostles. They believe that salvation lies within the Orthodox church alone.

Like the Roman Catholic church, the Eastern Orthodox also reject the doctrine of the authority of Scripture alone, declaring it to be the great heresy of the Reformation. They believe that Protestants in particular have departed from the true faith. Eastern Orthodoxy holds that the single source of revelation is what it terms "holy tradition." This is, in fact, not a single source of "revelation" but an amalgamation of many alleged sources. In addition to Scripture, the Eastern Orthodox church recognizes these forms of man-made tradition as authoritative:

• The writings and decisions of the first seven ecumenical councils, which took place between the 4th and 8th centuries

• The writing and decisions of later church councils through the centuries (which have often conflicted with each other as well as Scripture)

• The writings of so-called church fathers, especially those of the first four centuries A.D.

• Icons made of metal, stone, wood, and cloth which are set up as objects of worship by edict of the church

• The official (and complex) Liturgy which governs the church's worship

• The church's canon law, consisting of laws, regulations, and commentaries on the various elements of "holy tradition." Canon law not only governs the activities of th church but also claims a degree of authority in matters of state. Eastern Orthodox canon law is known as the Pedalion (Greek for "rudder"), since its purpose is to "steer" the church.

Authentic Christianity, in contrast, tells us to reject the commandments and doctrines of men:

Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:4-10)

Sin

The Eastern Orthodox church rejects the Bible's teaching that man is in spiritual bondage due to the corruption of his nature through the fall of Adam. Therefore the Eastern Orthodox church also rejects the doctrine of the imputed guilt of all mankind, having sinned in Adam. Eastern Orthodoxy teaches that men are guilty only for their own sins rather than being already under condemnation as a consequence of Adam's fall, before they have done any good or evil of their own.

Authentic Christianity, in contrast, declares the doctrine of original sin and the guilt of all men in Adam, and the necessity of the person and work of Christ as the Second Adam who redeems them from that condemnation:

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned - (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:12-19)

Like Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy teaches the necessity of confession of sin to a human priestly mediator in order for the individual to maintain his salvation, and teaches that the Eucharist is a propitiatory sacrifice for confessed sins in addition to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

Authentic Christianity, in marked contrast, declares the priesthood of Christ alone, who has made full and final atonement for sin:

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time... (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever. (Hebrews 7:26-28)

Salvation

Like Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy holds that salvation commences with water baptism. Eastern Orthodox theology falsely claims that no one can be saved unless he is baptized with water.

Like Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy teaches that man is able to cooperate with God in bringing about his salvation, and that regeneration is the product of a synergistic effort of God and man. Like Romanism, Eastern Orthodoxy rejects the doctrine of justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone as heresy.

The operative word describing salvation in Eastern Orthodox theology is theosis - "becoming God". This term describes an alleged progressive transformation of the individual into full likeness to God, in both soul and body, through a cooperative effort involving faith and good works. Like Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy denies the distinction between justification (God's unilateral act in declaring a sinner righteous based on faith in the merits of Christ alone - Romans 5) and sanctification (the indwelling Spirit of God conforming the regenerated individual more and more to the image of Christ, a work consummated in the believer's glorification - Romans 8). In fact, Eastern Orthodoxy's false doctrine of theosis additionally conflates regeneration with justification and sanctification.

Authentic Christianity, in marked contrast, declares the great doctrines of grace:

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. (Romans 5:6-11)

Conclusion

The Eastern Orthodox church deviates from authentic Biblical Christianity in many other respects, but the foregoing are adequate to demonstrate that a great gulf exists between that which God requires according to Scripture, and that which Eastern Orthodoxy requires according to its man-made doctrines. The difference between the two is the difference between Heaven and Hell for a lost sinner.

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. (Titus 3:4-9)

http://www.teachingtheword.org/apps/articles/?columnid=6435&articleid=81482

[Jeff2]

22 hours ago, shiloh357 said:

Therefore the Eastern Orthodox church also rejects the doctrine of the imputed guilt of all mankind,

All from a site that promotes Gnostic Christianity. They wouldn't know "Biblical Christianity" if it bit them. 

[FresnoJoe]

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-9 (English Standard Version)

~

Be Blessed Beloved Of The KING

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. Numbers 6:24-27 (King James Bible)

Love, Your Brother Joe

~

Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Psalms 119:160 (King James Bible)

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword and the Christian’s charter. Here too, Heaven is opened and the gates of Hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully.  It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.

It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

From The Inside Of My Gideon New Testament

[Limey_Bob]

On ‎22‎/‎04‎/‎2017 at 7:17 AM, shiloh357 said:

http://www.teachingtheword.org/apps/articles/?columnid=6435&articleid=81482

It has been well said that Eastern Orthodoxy is "Roman Catholicism without its papacy and Mariolatry."

A reader asks, "Are Eastern Orthodox practitioners (Russian, Serbian, Greek, Antiochian, Ethiopian, etc.) true Christians? If not, wherein lies their non-adherence to Scripture in their beliefs and practices?"

It has been said that Eastern Orthodoxy is "Roman Catholicism without its papacy and Mariolatry," and that is indeed an apt summary of its theology and practice. Some church historians make much of what is termed the "Great Schism" that occurred in the 11th century between the Western church (centered in Rome) and the Eastern church (centered in Constantinople). But the impetus for that division was not a choice between obedience to the Word of God and the word of man, but rather a choice between two competing sets of that which Scripture repeatedly condemns as "the commandments and doctrines of men."

What really matters, as our reader's question rightly puts it, are not the differences between Rome and Constantinople, but between both of these visible bodies and Holy Scripture. The section of our Bible Knowledgebase on Roman Catholicism deals extensively with that false church's departures from the Word. In this article we shall focus on key elements of Eastern Orthodox theology and practice. Examining just three areas - Eastern Orthodoxy's positions on Scripture, sin, and salvation - tells us all we need to know to reject it as a false faith.

Scripture

Like the Roman Catholic church, the Eastern Orthodox church insists that it is the one true church of Christ on earth. Like Rome, the Eastern Orthodox church also holds to the false doctrine of apostolic succession, claiming that its patriarchs are the latest in an unbroken line of successors to the authority of Christ's apostles. They believe that salvation lies within the Orthodox church alone.

Like the Roman Catholic church, the Eastern Orthodox also reject the doctrine of the authority of Scripture alone, declaring it to be the great heresy of the Reformation. They believe that Protestants in particular have departed from the true faith. Eastern Orthodoxy holds that the single source of revelation is what it terms "holy tradition." This is, in fact, not a single source of "revelation" but an amalgamation of many alleged sources. In addition to Scripture, the Eastern Orthodox church recognizes these forms of man-made tradition as authoritative:

• The writings and decisions of the first seven ecumenical councils, which took place between the 4th and 8th centuries

• The writing and decisions of later church councils through the centuries (which have often conflicted with each other as well as Scripture)

• The writings of so-called church fathers, especially those of the first four centuries A.D.

• Icons made of metal, stone, wood, and cloth which are set up as objects of worship by edict of the church

• The official (and complex) Liturgy which governs the church's worship

• The church's canon law, consisting of laws, regulations, and commentaries on the various elements of "holy tradition." Canon law not only governs the activities of th church but also claims a degree of authority in matters of state. Eastern Orthodox canon law is known as the Pedalion (Greek for "rudder"), since its purpose is to "steer" the church.

Authentic Christianity, in contrast, tells us to reject the commandments and doctrines of men:

Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:4-10)

Sin

The Eastern Orthodox church rejects the Bible's teaching that man is in spiritual bondage due to the corruption of his nature through the fall of Adam. Therefore the Eastern Orthodox church also rejects the doctrine of the imputed guilt of all mankind, having sinned in Adam. Eastern Orthodoxy teaches that men are guilty only for their own sins rather than being already under condemnation as a consequence of Adam's fall, before they have done any good or evil of their own.

Authentic Christianity, in contrast, declares the doctrine of original sin and the guilt of all men in Adam, and the necessity of the person and work of Christ as the Second Adam who redeems them from that condemnation:

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned - (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:12-19)

Like Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy teaches the necessity of confession of sin to a human priestly mediator in order for the individual to maintain his salvation, and teaches that the Eucharist is a propitiatory sacrifice for confessed sins in addition to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

Authentic Christianity, in marked contrast, declares the priesthood of Christ alone, who has made full and final atonement for sin:

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time... (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever. (Hebrews 7:26-28)

Salvation

Like Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy holds that salvation commences with water baptism. Eastern Orthodox theology falsely claims that no one can be saved unless he is baptized with water.

Like Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy teaches that man is able to cooperate with God in bringing about his salvation, and that regeneration is the product of a synergistic effort of God and man. Like Romanism, Eastern Orthodoxy rejects the doctrine of justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone as heresy.

The operative word describing salvation in Eastern Orthodox theology is theosis - "becoming God". This term describes an alleged progressive transformation of the individual into full likeness to God, in both soul and body, through a cooperative effort involving faith and good works. Like Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy denies the distinction between justification (God's unilateral act in declaring a sinner righteous based on faith in the merits of Christ alone - Romans 5) and sanctification (the indwelling Spirit of God conforming the regenerated individual more and more to the image of Christ, a work consummated in the believer's glorification - Romans 8). In fact, Eastern Orthodoxy's false doctrine of theosis additionally conflates regeneration with justification and sanctification.

Authentic Christianity, in marked contrast, declares the great doctrines of grace:

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. (Romans 5:6-11)

Conclusion

The Eastern Orthodox church deviates from authentic Biblical Christianity in many other respects, but the foregoing are adequate to demonstrate that a great gulf exists between that which God requires according to Scripture, and that which Eastern Orthodoxy requires according to its man-made doctrines. The difference between the two is the difference between Heaven and Hell for a lost sinner.

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. (Titus 3:4-9)

http://www.teachingtheword.org/apps/articles/?columnid=6435&articleid=81482

It is amazing just how many people are now leaving the evangelical faith for Orthodoxy, as Hank Hanegraff (the Bible answer man at the counter-cult ministry CRI who succeeded the late Walter Martin) has just done. So I firstly believe that the question posed is nonsense, as attending or not attending certain Church buildings does not make a person lost or saved, so first off the bat I'd disagree with the idea that which fellowship you attend makes you lost or saved, as nothing in the Bible states that, that is a modern evangelical tradition! Secondly, whilst I would agree that both Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy do teach certain highly erroneous doctrines, particularly with regard to justification and sanctification, which both tend to confuse by amalgamating those particular doctrines, assuming that by some form of sacramentalism (i.e. the sacrament of the mass), that such a sacrament can justify us (which is pure nonsense)! Nonetheless, as a former evangelical Christian myself, living in Plymouth in the UK, who now fellowships only very occasionally with the odd rare person who possesses some modicum of true genuine spirituality, as I myself have been extremely badly treated by evangelicals in the past, I'd have to say that at least the Roman Catholic and Orthodoxy faiths are Trinitarian, even if they are badly wrong in other areas such as soteriology (how people are saved).

 

I point this out because evangelicalism across the world by focusing only upon the heart and not loving God will all of our minds as well: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27), has become progressively more and more aggressively anti-intellectual, so much so that here in the UK numerous evangelical church leaders local to me in different (so-called) Trinitarian fellowships have told me that Jesus is God the Father (which is modalism), and also that God is three spirits or three beings or the persons are separate and not distinct (which is tritheism), and other crazy things such as Jesus only having one spirit (Apollinarianism), and Jesus did not make an atonement on the cross but in hell (JDS). Several noted scholars, such as James White, have warned us that whilst many evangelical churches still do have good, solid Trinitarian doctrinal statements of faith up on their web sites, in practice these fellowships have abandoned the Trinity and Trinitarian theology, whilst retaining the label "we are Trinitarian" so that they can be accepted by other fellowships such as the Catholics and Anglicans. I have noticed this very problem myself now, which is now massive here in Plymouth in the south-west of the UK, as some fellowships are little better than cults, bulling and manipulation are rife (as I have discovered myself), and too many evangelical Church leaders cannot be challenged or questioned, they are completely unaccountable to anybody and so the numerous scandals and false doctrines tend to get swept under the carpet and ignored. Above all few local evangelical fellowships are genuinely Trinitarian.

 

The main doctrine in many churches here in Plymouth is Tithing, that doctrine is far more important to these church leaders than Christ himself, and as for Christ's resurrection, that's hardly taught, as in evangelism, it's not Christ's resurrection which is taught; just as 1st Corinthians 15:4 teaches that this is central to the true gospel, Paul stated that he taught the resurrection of Christ and not a litany of his own personal subjective experiences (2nd Corinthians 2:2). Instead of the resurrection, what I have seen time and time again is a focus on three things: (1) Manipulating people through loud Christian Rock Music.  (2)  Endless claims of miracles and healings, none of which people are encouraged to investigate seriously as 99% of these healings are either fake, or merely psychosomatic temporary alleviation of pain brought about by an altered state of consciousnerss (i.e. hypnosis).   (3) A focus on endless non-stop constant personal testimonies, and feel-good messages of personal improvement such as Rick Warrren’s Purpose Driven movement, which is heavily and regularly promoted at Plymouth’s largest church, rather than these so-called Christians focusing solely upon Christ's resurrection and Biblical facts about Jesus' person and work.

 

So in conclusion, whilst I would certainly agree that the Roman Catholic and Orthodoxy faiths do badly  corrupt the doctrine of soteriology (salvation), by confusing justification with sanctification, both also have a highly incorrect Episcopal view of church by wrongly claiming of mere men, apostolic authority of the first century apostolic office, which nobody today can truly claim, as nobody today has physically seen the risen Christ to qualify for this office (Acts 1:22-24). This is a similar error which many Charismatics and Pentecostals who would also claim that the office of the 12 apostles exists today, also make, and this common heresy in both groups, explains the close ties which are now extant between extreme (word of faith) Pentecostals such as Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn, with the Roman Catholic institution and in particular Pope Francis. However, to their credit, the Roman Catholic and Orthodoxy faiths are infinitely more Biblical and God honouring on who God actually is (i.e. the Trinity), and on certain narrow aspects of the person (but not work) of Christ and on teh person of the Holy Spirit, than so many evangelical fellowships local to me, many of whom are completely and utterly clueless on the Trinity, the person and work of Christ and frankly even the most basic Biblical concepts. I have absolutely no desire to attend any Church building at the moment, but if I did so, I might attend a Roman Catholic or an Orthodoxy Church, but not participate in the mass (which I know to be mistaken), rather than attend a service in a barn or in a converted supermarket, led by some "Billy Bob-Jo" pastor, with ziddly squat Biblical knowledge, no education and who makes stuff up as he goes alone, is accountable only to himself, who lord’s like some medieval King over his gullible flock, none of whom are brave enough to challenge his authority and his demand of bind obedience to him, and whose main doctrine is: "pay me your tithe money or go to hell."

[Guest shiloh357]

3 minutes ago, Limey_Bob said:

It is amazing just how many people are now leaving the evangelical faith for Orthodoxy, as Hank Hanegraff (the Bible answer man at the counter-cult ministry CRI who succeeded the late Walter Martin) has just done. So I firstly believe that the question posed is nonsense, as attending or not attending certain Church buildings does not make a person lost or saved, so first off the bat I'd disagree with the idea that which fellowship you attend makes you lost or saved, as nothing in the Bible states that, that is a modern evangelical tradition!e

It's not that where you attend determines if you are saved or not.  No one said that.   The problem is what kind of Gospel is being taught where you attend.   If where you attend is teaching a false gospel as is taught in the EO, RCC, and some "churches"  in Evangelical circles, if you are not getting the true Gospel, then it is likely that you are not saved.  There is only one true Gospel and it is the Gospel of Salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone.  Any other Gospel is anathema and those who preach another Gospel are anathema, according to Paul.

[Limey_Bob]

6 minutes ago, shiloh357 said:

It's not that where you attend determines if you are saved or not.  No one said that.   The problem is what kind of Gospel is being taught where you attend.   If where you attend is teaching a false gospel as is taught in the EO, RCC, and some "churches"  in Evangelical circles, if you are not getting the true Gospel, then it is likely that you are not saved.  There is only one true Gospel and it is the Gospel of Salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone.  Any other Gospel is anathema and those who preach another Gospel are anathema, according to Paul.

OK Roman Catholics and Orthodox get the Trinity and person of Christ 100% right, but Soteriology and Christ's work very wrong. many Evangelical Christians local to me here in Plymouth get everything wrong, so I'd say that the Roman Catholics and Orthodox are often (but not always) closer to the Bible.

[Guest shiloh357]

24 minutes ago, Limey_Bob said:

OK Roman Catholics and Orthodox get the Trinity and person of Christ 100% right, but Soteriology and Christ's work very wrong. many Evangelical Christians local to me here in Plymouth get everything wrong, so I'd say that the Roman Catholics and Orthodox are often (but not always) closer to the Bible.

No, they are not closer to the Bible, their emphasis on praying to saints, Mary and salvation by works and rejection of the authority of Scripture places them outside of Scripture and outside of the Christian faith preached by the Apostles and Jesus.   The Gospel is salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.   If you're not preaching that, you're not saved, no matter what denomination you belong to.

[Jeff2]

2 hours ago, Limey_Bob said:

There is only one true Gospel and it is the Gospel of Salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone.

In fact, the only faith that is alone in Scripture is a dead faith! James 2:17.

Evangelicals do not believe in grace alone, most don't believe that God is gracious, but demands His pound of flesh. 

Most Evangelicals not believe in Christ alone, but believe that the individual must accept the work of Christ in order to be saved, unless they are consistent Gnostic Fatalists.

Strange how after all these years of Evangelicals complaining against man-made creeds, and they erect one of their own, then condemn you to Hell for not believing it!   

Edited April 26, 2017 by Jeff2

[Jeff2]

2 hours ago, Limey_Bob said:

OK Roman Catholics and Orthodox get the Trinity and person of Christ 100% right, but Soteriology and Christ's work very wrong. many Evangelical Christians local to me here in Plymouth get everything wrong, so I'd say that the Roman Catholics and Orthodox are often (but not always) closer to the Bible.

Evangelicals cannot fathom why an attack against a Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox believer is seen as coming from someone who just gets it wrong. Yet, Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox believers cannot understand why an Evangelical cannot see that they are unbiblical and wrong.

Perhaps one should try on the other's colored glasses awhile and they might see things more clearly from both sides.

[Guest shiloh357]

11 minutes ago, Jeff2 said:

In fact, the only faith that is alone in Scripture is a dead faith! James 2:17.

Except that James is not talking about how we are saved.  Faith without works is dead when it comes to our profession of faith.  If you are relying on your works in addition to faith get saved, you're not saved.  Works save no one.

Quote

 

Evangelicals do not believe in grace alone, most don't believe that God is gracious, but demands His pound of flesh. 

Most Evangelicals not believe in Christ alone, but believe that the individual must accept the work of Christ in order to be saved, unless they are consistent Gnostic Fatalists.

 

I asked you before to prove that faith alone is "Gnostic."  So far you have failed to back up your claim.

Quote

Strange how after all these years of Evangelicals complaining against man-made creeds, and they erect one of their own, then condemn you to Hell for not believing it!   

It's not a man-made creed.  It is biblical truth and the true Gospel, which many reject.