Sunday, June 17, 2007

On that which relates to the notions of Election, Predestination, Soteriology, Salvation

“Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ” affirms the Saving Lordship of Jesus Christ in unmistakable declarations:

Jesus Christ is the only Savior and Lord, and all people everywhere are called to place their faith, hope, and love in him. No one is saved by virtue of inherent goodness or admirable living, for “by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” [Ephesians 2:8]. No one is saved apart from God’s gracious redemption in Jesus Christ. Yet we do not presume to limit the sovereign freedom of “God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” [1 Timothy 2:4]. Thus, we neither restrict the grace of God to those who profess explicit faith in Christ nor assume that all people are saved regardless of faith. Grace, love, and communion belong to God, and are not ours to determine. [lines 155-168]

This statement has received deep appreciation and approval throughout the PCUSA, clearly proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the Reformed understanding of salvation.