Plain Talk

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Welcome to PLAIN TALK ABOUT THE SCRIPTURES.  PLAIN TALK is basically an attempt to sort out the teaching of the Scriptures in regard to salvation.  No one has the right to tell another what they must believe or do.  Therefore these articles are offered in the spirit of sharing and persuasion.  Take what you can, dismiss what you must, but always approach God in faith and love.  PLAIN TALK holds that God saves mankind by grace through faith which obeys in love, not by works.  If you are also searching for the truth, we hope you will consider and check out the above statement.  (Ephesians 2: 8- 10; Galatians 5: 6)

Despite many conflicting ideas in the religious world, we believe, we can discover the truth about salvation for ourselves.  Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  Jesus, who is the truth, is central to that endeavor.  Finding the truth about salvation is dependent on two things; first, we must seek; and second, we must deny yourselves.  In regard to the former, Jesus said, “Ask and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.”  In regard to the latter He said,  “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”  (Matthew 7: 7, 8; 16: 24)

What do we think about salvation?  Have we accepted the views of our minister, priest or parents..  This is where most of us get our first answers.  Are we prepared to critically examine our personal views and the views of our mentors?

But what question should we ask, and from whom?  We believe the word of God is true and authoritative; we should seek answers there.  There are many well-meaning folks eager to guide us, but are their answers consistent with the Scriptures?  If they are not, are they are really trustworthy.

Common Salvation Questions:

Who and what saves?

Do they save in the same way?

Does grace save, grace alone?

Does faith save, faith alone?  In what way is faith unique?

Is salvation in Christ alone?

Does the obedience of faith save?  How?

Does love save?  How”

Must we belong to a particular church?  Keep the sacraments?

Must we keep the Ten Commandments?

Do other factors save?

Do works save?  Is there a difference between the obedience of faith and works of righteousness?

 

You will find Plain Talk’s answer to these questions in the article: Common Salvation Questions.  Comments (even if you don’t agree) and questions are invited.

God bless you in your quest for the truth.

 

E-mail:   arland_pafford@yahoo.com

 

Plain Talk

PO Box 1082

Oakdale CA  95361

 

God bless. 

Arland  Pafford  

 

PS:   Thanks to Phil, my son, for all his help.  I can barely turn on my computer.   He is not responsible for any errors you may find.  Also, although my wife and I worship with the Church of Christ, the views presented in Plain Talk are my own and not necessarily any Church of Christ.