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“… to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath of God”    (1 Thessalonians 1:10)

To set a foundation for our discussions, I feel it is necessary to first mention the core beliefs of historical Christianity declared in the centuries old ‘Apostles Creed’ and ‘Nicene Creed’. To acknowledge that the doctrinal truths they declare are recognized and believed by most all professing Christians today, both Protestant and Roman Catholic. That they are to this point our common ground.

So the question is, what are we saved from? The bible reveals that God is holy and we are not. That we are all born under the penalty of sin. “Therefore, just as through one man (Adam), sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all men sinned-“ (Romans 5:12) We have been separated from God because of this sin. A holy and righteous God cannot tolerate our sinfulness. That is the bad news. But, we have the good news. God has provided a way of salvation.

So, we have before us the monumental doctrine that has been debated through the ages. How does one deal with original sin? How does one become righteous or accepted in the eyes of God? How do we avoid God’s wrath, the punishment for our sin? In the book of Acts 16:29-30, the Philippian jailer fell down trembling before Paul and Silas and asked “What must I do to be saved”.

In the articles that follow I will attempt to layout and expound the Biblical (Protestant) Doctrine of Salvation and compare it to the Doctrines of the Roman Church.      

I am extremely aware of the sensitive nature of this subject; of how people view their faith and of their deeply held convictions. It is a very personal and sacred part of our lives, as it should be. With that in mind, I begin this venture with all the love, respect and compassion towards all who read this. I invite you to join me on this journey.  J Cav

Ref: Ligonier Ministry, RC. Sproul