Part 2
The NT reveals God’s answer to our sinful state was redemption for all in Christ. (Before the foundation of the world. 1 Peter 1:20) The gospel is God’s finished work of remission, reconciliation, righteousness, and redemption for ALL humanity through the death and resurrection of Jesus, and we had nothing to do with it causally. (Chapter 2 spoke to this in detail.) "It's because of Him that we are in Christ Jesus..."(1 Cor: 1:30)
In direct contrast to the above, foundational Christian/Catholic doctrine incorrectly teaches we play the causal role in our redemption, and God’s response to our sin is an OFFER of salvation, not salvation. According to the church, redemption is exclusivly for those who believe, say, and do the right thing (as defined by them of course, thus all the factions); we play the causal role, not God. (I.e., The man who does these things will live by them...the law for righteousness.)
This is critical to comprehend, so bears repeating: Fundamental church doctrine teaches that whether someone experiences redemption/salvation depends on them, not God.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the Christian/Catholic solution to humanities problem of sin/separation from God:
- God offers everyone salvation. (Bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus.)
- Upon hearing the offer, we must respond “the right way” to receive it.
- If we respond the right way, we receive it. (This typically involves some combination of repentance, faith in Jesus, confessing sins, baptism, and commitment to live in obedience and reverence to God, etc.)
There are many versions of this formula, but they all have the same premise; the experience of forgiveness, redemption, and righteousness, depends on you.
That should sound familiar, because in part 1 of this Chapter we discovered the Old Covenant law teaches exactly the same thing; receiving God's blessing depends on you.
According to the "gospel" - as proclaimed by Christians and Catholics - the Old and New Testament paths to righteousness are the same. The path being: The man who does these things will live by them, which is the law for righteousness.
By teaching each of us plays the causal role in receiving redemption, we're preaching the law for righteousness, not the gospel of grace.
(Critical note: Religious leaders insisting they teach "salvation by grace," doesn't mean they do. I've been in and around hearing the Christian/Catholic "gospel" for over 40 years, and can assure you they don't...but swear they do.)
The current foundation of Christian/Catholic doctrine the world over is not Christ as your righteousness because of Him, it's the law for righteousness because of you.