Beliefs about salvation - the good, the bad and the ugly

Welcome back to my blog. Thank you for visiting today. We continue our exciting series exploring relevant research findings from Teleios!

 

Teleios conducted a survey with 244 participants: 93% were adolescents (< 18) and millennials (18-34), 60% evangelicals and 60% female. We asked them what they must believe to be a Christian. Wow, we received some amazing answers! (full report here Belief survey: Understanding the gospel)

 

The good 

Fortunately, almost all participants agreed that salvation was by faith through grace based on Christ's substitutionary sacrifice for our sins on the cross (87%). Furthermore, most (60%) believed their salvation was secure after their belief through faith; all very scriptural, YAY! (Romans 10:9-11; Ephesians 2:4-10; Romans 3:23-26; 1 Peter 1:4-5; John 10:28-30).

 

The bad 

However, high percentages of our participants also added in some extra biblical requirements for being saved, which are not mentioned in biblical salvation texts. The non-biblical additions to salvation were (percent agreeing with statement):

• Believe in the trinity (i.e., Father, Son and Holy Spirit) - 87%
• Believe heaven and hell are real places - 78%
• Believe the devil is real - 65%
• Believe in creation - 64%
• Believe every word of the Bible - 58% 

Although our participants are admirable in their zeal, when sharing the gospel, we should be careful not to add burdens that God does not Himself mention. For salvation a person simply needs to believe in the sacrifice of Christ for their sins and His resurrection by faith. 

 

Then upon belief, a person is regenerated by the Spirit to become a new person in Christ. They will then grow in orthodoxy, accepting the issues listed in the Table, by the help of the Spirit as they study and grow in biblical knowledge.

 

The ugly

Further, the participants also frequently added in some extra-biblical requirements for salvation, including being anti-abortion and water baptized (40% each). Again, these are important topics but have nothing to do with our salvation. 

 

Christ alone and His glorious sacrifice is sufficient to save us.

 

We have a wonderful Savior who has provided the amazing gift of salvation. For those who already have believed to salvation, He then graciously causes us to grow. Don't make it hard for others! It is God who causes young believers to stand, not us (Romans 14:4).

 

Join us again next week as we continue to explore what one must do be saved and assured of salvation. We will continue the amazing findings of Teleios research and the advantages of the scripture.

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email - info@teleiosresearch.com

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

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Disclaimer - Teleios, Inc. provides this website and its content for informational and educational purposes only. The Stewarts are not trained or licensed theologians, pastors, or psychologists. For spiritual, psychological, medical, or other specific concerns, please consult qualified professionals or conduct your own research. Content is intended for visitors over 18 and should not be taken as advice or recommendation for any personal or institutional situation. Materials may change and contain errors; Teleios makes no guarantees regarding accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Use of this site is at your own discretion, and Teleios accepts no liability for the content or its use. External links do not imply endorsement. All content is protected by copyright and may be used only for personal, non-commercial educational purposes. This website is operated from the United States.

 

 

Hypostatic Union

Hypostatic Union

This important theological concept is a second term, in addition to the Trinity, that is not mentioned in scripture. However, the concept is broadly described and is based in the New Testament describing Jesus Christ as being both God and man.

Christian orthodoxy accordingly teaches that Christ is both all man and all God, joined together, being of one essence but two distinct wills. This is called the hypostatic union. The word hypostatic comes from the Greek word ὑπόστασις (Hupostasis) and is defined by Thayer in part as ‘substance, real being, the substantial quality, nature, of a person or thing’.

Important verses indicating the existence of the hypostatic union are the following:

Christ as God and man:

o   Christ is God - Psalms 45:6; Psalm 110:1; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1; 1 John 5:20; John 1:1,34; John 20:28; Hebrews 1:1-3

o   Christ is man - 1 Timothy 2:5: 1 John 4:2; 2 John 1:7; Romans 5:15

Titles:

o   Son of God (equal to God) - John 5:18; John 19:7; Matthew 26:63-64

o   Son of man (the representative man) - There are numerous references to Christ calling Himself son of man in the gospels as it was his favorite reference to Himself - Matthew 16:27-28; John 1:51; John 6:62

Development of the concept

In the first 300 years after Christ, Christianity was illegal in the Roman Empire. Only after the edict of Milan, issued in 313 by Constantine, the first Christian emperor, did Christianity became recognized by the empire.  At that time Christian leaders finally were able to congregate to discuss difficult theological issues generated during the first few centuries of Christian history.

These discussions occurred, most importantly, at the first seven ecumenical councils of the church between 325 and 787 AD. The first council was in Nicaea and confirmed Christ is God and of one substance with the Father; being Himself both fully God and man. This theology was stated in the Nicene Creed often repeated still, or it's derivative, in churches today.

However, following the confirmation of Christ’s deity and humanity the issue arose over the manner both these natures interacted within Christ. Therefore, the 3^rd, 4th and 5th ecumenical councils dealt primarily with this issue and created statements over Christ and His deity and humanity.

The ecumenical councils examined three basic concepts of the union of Christ’s deity and humanity (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_seven_ecumenical_councils):

o   One essence, one will - This hypothesis was proposed by the Oriental churches represented today by Armenian, Syrian, and Egyptian Coptic fellowships. They claimed that Christ was of one essence and one will, shared between his humanity and deity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monophysitism

o   Two essences and wills - This theory was proposed by the Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople from 428 to 431, as a reaction to the Oriental churches’ theology. It indicated that Christ was of two distinct essences and possessed two disparate wills. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nestorianism

o   One essence and two wills - This was championed by the church councils and indicated that Christ humanity and deity were composed of one essence but there were two distinct wills.

In summary, it is key for a Christian to understand that Christ was both fully man and fully God. This union shows the importance of the virgin birth when Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and so was born of man but also is God.

Christ had to be God to provide a perfect sacrifice to satisfy the Father’s justice in demanding the payment for our sins. In contrast, Christ also had to be man, to take our deserved punishment on the cross, so that we could be forgiven and saved by faith.

Thanks for joining us! Come back next week as we begin an exciting discussion about Christian life.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

The Roles of Christ and the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible

Understanding the trinity is foundational to our Christian faith but can be confusing. Scripture clearly states that God is one (Mark 12:29; Galatians 3:20; James 2:19). However, there are three manifestations of God revealed in the scriptures: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit (the godhead).They are all one essence as God, but each member of the godhead has their own distinct will.

Adding to the confusion, the term ‘Trinity’ is not in Bible. Scripture itself does not represent the unity of the 3 members of the godhead by a single term but describes the concept by association, actions and description.

Last time we described the trinity, the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, and the biblical foundations of this important theology. Each member of the godhead has been in existence before time began with the same holy character. However, their actions and roles have differed depending on how God was managing His people at the time.

Let’s examine how Christ and the Spirit are described and how their roles varied throughout scripture.

Roles of Christ and the Spirit in the Old Testament

• Jesus Christ
  • Creator – Colossians 1:16; John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2
  • Sustains creation – Colossians 1:17
  • Angel of Yahweh (Lord) – The Angel of Yahweh is the manifestation of the invisible God throughout the life of Israel. His role is clearly one of deity and although controversial, is most likely the incarnate Christ.
  • Led Israel – Christ, in the cloud, led the Jewish people in the desert as noted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:1-4
  • Visible manifestation of God – Any visible appearance of God must be Christ as no one has seen God at any time (Exodus 3:2; Exodus 33:19; John 1:18; 1 John 4:12)
• The Holy Spirit
  • Creator – Genesis 1:2; Psalms 33:6; Psalms 104:30; Job 27:3; Job 33:4
  • Contended with man – Genesis 6:3
  • Gave revelation and prophecy – 2 Peter 1:20-21
  • Came upon selected believers – The Spirit empowered certain people such as kings (David and Saul), the builders of the tabernacle, as well as the prophets, the 70 elders of Israel, several judges, and others. The Spirit’s association with Old Testament believers appears limited in scope to accomplish specific tasks over a period of time.

These actions by the Spirit contrast with the New Testament where believers are indwelt permanently from salvation and His power is not limited (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14).

Roles of Christ and the Spirit in the Gospels

• Jesus Christ

• • Offered the kingdom with Himself as king – Matthew 3:2-3; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 10:7; Luke 22:70
  • Offered salvation and forgiveness of sin – John 3:3-16

• The Holy Spirit

• • Caused the birth of Christ in human form – Luke 2:52
  • Anointed Christ at His baptism – Matthew 3:1-17
  • Testified of Christ at His baptism – Matthew 3:16
  • Filled Christ – Matthew 3:16
  • Assisted Christ with certain miracles – Luke 4:18
  • Assisted with Christ’s resurrection – Romans 1:4
  • Led Christ into the wilderness for His temptation Matthew 4:1
  • Assisted with Christ’s prophetic messages – Luke 4:18
  • Assisted Christ in offering Himself as a sacrifice – Hebrews 9:14: 1 Peter 3:18
  • Came upon the disciples for certain purposes – Matthew 10:20; John 20:22
  • Revelation of the gospel writings came through the Spirit – 1 Timothy 3:16

Roles of Christ and the Spirit Now in Believers

• Jesus Christ

• • Maintains creation - Colossians 1:16-17
  • Prays for believers – Romans 8:31; Hebrews 7:24
  • Heads His body, the church – Colossians 1:17-18
  • Nourishes and cherishes the body – Ephesians 5:29; Philippians 1:11
  • High priest – He acts as a high priest offering mercy to believers in every time of need - Hebrews 4:14-16
  • Fills believers with His fullness – Ephesians 1:2-23; Colossians 2:19
  • Bears fruit in Christian’s lives - Philippians 1:11

• The Holy Spirit – Please see Holy Spirit – Power Source for the Christian Life for more information.

 Roles of Christ and the Spirit Now in Non-believers

• Jesus Christ

• • Maintains creation - Colossians 1:16-17
  • Provides salvation as a free gift from God through faith (please see Our Great Salvation)

• The Holy Spirit

• • Convicts man of sin, righteousness, and judgment - John 16:8-11
  • Regenerates the new believer at salvation - Romans 6:2-9
  • Places the new believer in the church at salvation - 1 Corinthians 12:13
  • Seals the new believer to their redemption at salvation - Ephesians 1:13-14
  • Please see Holy Spirit – Power Source for the Christian Life for more information.

Indeed, God has given us a great salvation and has provided for every need to attain this, from the beginning of time to eternity future.

Thanks for joining me. Please join us next time as we begin to discuss the essentials of the Christian walk.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…
Email                info@teleiosresearch.com
Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/
Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch
Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch
Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

 Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

The Trinity

The understanding of the Trinity is foundational to our Christian faith but can be confusing. Scripture clearly states that God is one (Mark 12:29; Galatians 3:20; James 2:19). However, there are three manifestations of God revealed in the scriptures: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit (the Godhead).They are all one essence as God, but each member of the godhead has their own distinct will and role. 

Adding to the confusion, the term Trinity is not in Bible. Scripture itself does not represent the unity of the three members of the godhead by a single term, but describes the concept by association, actions and description.

The purpose of this blog is to describe the three members of the godhead to provide a basis of our belief in the trinity and explain the reason it is critical to Christians.

                                              

The existence of the Trinity can be clearly ascertained in scripture for each member of the godhead on several levels. Let us consider the Bible references below.

• Ascribed as God

• God the Father – God Himself, as the head of the godhead, is mentioned thousands of times in scripture by the Greek word θεός (theos), the general word for God in Greek, and by primary names for God in the Old Testament, especially אֱלֹהִים (‘ĕlôhı̂ym) and יְהֹוָה (yehôvâh).

• Jesus Christ – He is attested to as God Himself in the following verses: Psalms 45:6; 110:1; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1; 1 John 5:20; and John 20:28.

• The Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit is testified to as God in: 2 Corinthians 3:17 and Acts 5:3-4.

• By titles signifying deity

• God the Father – Stated in His name, God (theos)

• Jesus Christ – Son of God and identifying God as His Father (signifying equality with God, John 5:18)

• The Holy Spirit – Called Lord and God in 2 Corinthians 3:18; Acts 5:3-4

• By character

• God the Father

• Righteous – John 17:25

• Omnipotent – Ephesians 3:20

• Eternal – Psalm 90:2

• Immutable – Romans 8:35-39

• Omnipresent – Jeremiah 23:23-24

• Jesus Christ

• Eternal – John 1:1; Colossians 1:17

• Omnipotent, authoritative – Colossians 2:9-10

• Equal with God – Philippians 2:6-11

• Omniscient – John 5:18; 21:17

• Eternal ruler – Hebrews 1:8

• Holy Spirit

• Equated with God – Matthew 28:19, Acts 5:3-4

• Omnipresent – Psalm 139:7-10, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11

• Omnipotent – Luke 1:35

• By actions only God could do

• God the Father

• Created everything – Psalm 33:6

• Grants salvation – Ephesians 2:8

• Sent the Son – 1 John 4:9

• Jesus Christ

• Came from the Father – John 1:14

• Controlled nature (calmed a storm) – Matthew 14:32-33

• Healed physical infirmities, forgave sins – Mark 2:5-10

• Resurrected – Romans 1:4

• Raised the dead – Matt 9:23-26

• Creator and sustainer of the world - Colossians 1:16-17

• Holy Spirit

• Provided salvation – 1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 9:14

• Moved people to prophesy – 2 Peter 1:21

• Sealed our salvation – Ephesians 1:13-14

• Eternal – Hebrews 9:14

• In the life of Christ on earth, each member of the godhead:

• Contributed to Christ’s resurrection – 1 Peter 3:18; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:20

• Participated in His miracles – Matthew 12:28

• Attested that Jesus is the Christ – Matthew 3:1-16; 17:1-7; 27:11; John 17:3

• Their association together as distinct parts of the godhead: the Bible references activities with each member of the godhead participating together such as:

• Salvation

• Christ’s baptism – Matthew 3:16-17

• Christ’s sacrifice – Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 3:18

• Act of preaching the gospel and making disciples – Matthew 28:19

• Making believers into Christians – Romans 8:9

• Salvation – 1 Peter 1:2

• Paul’s ministry – Romans 15:19

• Prayers for Paul – Romans 15:30

• Christian life

• Knowledge for Christians – Ephesians 1:17

• Christian service – Philippians 3:3

• Comfort in time of trials – 1 Peter 4:14

• Recognizing Godliness in others – 1 John 4:2

• Witness of Christ on earth – 1 John 5:6-8

• Christian life – 2 Corinthians 3:3

• Believers’ blessings in God – 2 Corinthians 13:14

• Eternity

• Preserving salvation – 1 Thessalonians 5:23

In summary, God is one, yet there are three distinct manifestations of the one God described in scripture, have names of deity, possess characteristics as well as perform actions that only can be of God and are associated together to accomplish the Father’s purposes. These three members together are known as the ”godhead” which is known as the doctrine of the trinity; accepted by the ecclesiastical fathers from the earliest time the church could legally organize (313 AD).

Thank you for joining me this time. Please join us for my next blog when we discuss the role of the various members of the godhead at different sections in the Bible.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.