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It is erroneous to believe that by ourselves we can work out for own salvation. It is not enough that a person has faith in God for him to be saved. Faith without deeds cannot save man (cf. James. 2:14). Faith should be coupled with works or deeds for it to be made perfect (cf. James. 2:22).
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Can a man all by himself work out his own salvation by  just having faith in God?


Letter to the Editor:
PASUGO, June 1995, p.3

I CAME TO know of the Iglesia ni Cristo through a friend who is an active member of your Church. I am a devout Catholic who had the opportunity to see for myself what sort of religion the Iglesia ni Cristo is. 

I have the following questions: What makes you certain you are the selected few or the chosen ones Christ will save?  How about those who are not members of your Church?  Will they be saved?

I believe that religion cannot save  man. Only he himself alone can lift up his soul to God through his faith in Him.

J.M.E.
Zamboanga, Philippines


Editor's reply:

     The Bible, God’s word, attests that Christ is the Savior of the Church which is His body (cf. Eph. 5:23). Because of His love for the Church, He gave His life for it (cf. Eph. 5:25). The Church which the Savior shed His blood for is the Church of Christ (cf. Acts 20:28, Lamsa). Thus, members of this Church will be saved. They are also certain that they are the chosen ones because they have been reconciled with God by means of Christ’s death, making them holy and without blemish before God’s sight (cf. Col. 1:22). Those who are outside the Church will be judged by God (cf. I Cor. 5:12-13). Thus, the Church of Christ is indispensable to man’s salvation.

     It is erroneous to believe that by ourselves we can work out for own salvation. It is not enough that a person has faith in God for him to be saved. Faith without deeds cannot save man (cf. James. 2:14). Faith should be coupled with works or deeds for it to be made perfect (cf. James. 2:22). What works should man do for his faith to be put right with God? Our Lord Jesus Christ answers, thus:

     “Not everyone who calls me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do.” (Mt. 7:21, Today’s English Version)

     Thus, man should do the will of God. God’s plan or will is to bring all creation together with Christ as head (cf. Eph. 1:9-10, Ibid.). Man can be gathered in Christ by becoming a member of His body (cf. Rom. 12:4-5). Christ’s body is the Church of Christ (cf. Col. 1:18; Rom. 16:16). Therefore, the deed that God wants man to do is to join the Church of Christ. This is what man should do to be saved.

     However, it is not enough that a person joins the Iglesia ni Cristo. The member of the Church who can be certain of salvation is the one who holds firmly to the gospel up to the end (cf. I Cor. 15:1-2; Mt. 24:13).

 

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Bible Study Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free to visit the Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question you have in mind.  For the latest Worship Service Directory of Iglesia ni Cristo Locales and Congregations outside the Philippines, please visit www.iglesianicristoworshipservice.com or just click link at home page.

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