Lutheran/Orthodox-Salvation
<Man Lutheran/Orthodox TOC Next-The Sacraments>
Lutheranism
Salvation
· Man is saved by grace alone, through faith alone for Christ’s sake alone, not of works lest any man should boast.
· Works of the Law in no way contribute to our salvation. (Galatians 2:16)
· Faith is that gift of God (Eph. 2:9-10) which comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom 10:17) and justifies us before God. (Gal 2:16) This faith makes us righteous by appropriating Christ’s righteousness to the heart. (Rom. 3:21-24) It is an alien righteousness.
· God’s grace is universal and offered to all men. (Ezek. 33:11; 1Tim. 2:3-4)
· God’s grace is offered through His ordained “means of grace” i.e.. Baptism, Supper, Word. Nothing else has the promise of grace.
· Christ has made full atonement for our sins.
· God’s Grace can only be rejected prior to conversion.
Man can fall from Grace because of His rejection of God’s word and Savior. Man can lose His salvation. (Genesis 3, Hebrews 6)
Eastern Orthodoxy
Salvation
· Sincere acceptance of the Church’s doctrine becomes the mark of salvation.
· Salvation is by grace. Grace is the divine saving energy and is given to the Church to distribute through the sacraments.
· “Grace” is a process in the development of the individual life covering the following states: conversion, regeneration, justification, sanctification, and the mystical union.
· Justification is said to remain “potential” and not to become “actual” until the final completion in the mystical union with God.
· Faith is mingled with good works to bring about salvation.
Christ’s work is seen as the removal of all roadblocks for the rehabilitation of man and an opening to the way of salvation.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 908 W. Main Middleville, MI 49333 +269-795-2391+ goodshepherdlcms@gmail.com