The problem is not a lack or seriousness in Bible study or honesty and integrity before God. The problem is the mistaken belief that salvation can ever come through finding the right theological system. Because our pursuit of Biblical truth always begins with human minds and is filtered through our own human experiences, our understanding of that truth will always be limited and flawed. Every time we go to scripture with open hearts and minds, we will learn something new. And if we learn something new today, then our understanding was flawed yesterday.
But we can know the truth and the truth will set us free! The saving truth of God is not found in a theological formula or an ecclesiastical structure. It is found in Christ. He is the way, truth and life. As Paul calls the Colossians away from "hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition" (Col 2:8), he points them to the All-Sufficient Christ. Our salvation never depends on us knowing the correct theological formulas but on knowing Christ. Paul theological formula is wrapped up in a person--
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:15-20).
Theology matters. We must continue to study, to be unashamed workers "who uses the true teaching in the right way" (2 Tim 2:15, NCV). "Sound doctrine" literally means "healthy teaching," and it leads us to a healthy life in Christ. But we must never think that our salvation depends upon us getting it all right. We never will. But Jesus got it right once and for all. We must continue to diligently search the scriptures, because they testify about Him (John 5:39)
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Under the perfect law of liberty there is freedom to seek righteousness, repent of evil doings, freedom to do what is right and to be freed from. . . what is wrong? The source of our salvation is the author of that truth found in Him. Who ever was and ever will be perfected in our own and by our human minds and understanding. . . there dwells with us a truth not found in any theological system. Sing His praises forever. Our human minds can not on their own understanding stand on there own. We are lifted from the dust to breath and walk with Him, to love and be loved in His way, we are free to serve and praise him first and foremost. We must pull together and help one another in our weakness for a short time before our human form returns to that which it came from and our souls returned, given over for safekeeping to the one to whom we belong, the one we serve for the good of all.
Nailed to the cross it was God’s son who came to earth. He was Conceived of God and born of a woman yet a virgin, he walked and talked among his people. He suffered and died because he loved us! Before we were yet born he knew of us and loved us and gave himself for us for our salvation. The All-Sufficient Christ can cover you and me. What have we to fear? What have we to dread? standing on the everlasting rock!
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