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| This photo may be found at large on line. Here is where I located it. |
- Sola Scriptura – By Scripture Alone can we know God and the way of salvation.
- Sola Gratia – By Grace Alone is that salvation given.
- Sola Fide – By Faith Alone is that salvation received.
In
the days of the Reformation two more assumptions were codified since they had
ceased to be assumptions.
- Solas Cristus – By Christ Alone is that salvation provided.
- Soli Deo Gloria – To the Glory of God alone is that salvation accomplished.
In
these days we need another:
SOLA MISERICORDIA
By Mercy Alone is that salvation provided.
Fundamental
/ Evangelical Christianity may stand guilty of an unauthorized generosity which
has obscured the biblical assumption of the emphatic need for mercy.
We
are cool with grace in terms of receiving good stuff like love and a wonderful
plan for our lives. We don’t even mind forgiveness when understood as a let-bygones-be-bygones
dismissal that removes our obligation. Our “christian” culture has become
comfortable with the notion that, since God is a God of love, he has actually put
himself in our debt. He owes us grace and forgiveness. To receive these gifts is
a favor to him. In fact, we can negotiate the terms and demand that he satisfy
us with some apologies of his own. However, insert the biblical urgency of the
desperate need for mercy and our enthusiasm begins to unravel; and that’s good.
If
stitches have been missed in the knitting of the fabric of the Gospel in our hearts, unraveling
is necessary. The absence of the biblical
emphasis on mercy is a critical omission. Fail to correct that stitch and the
whole piece will one day be cast aside with an ominous, “Depart from me. I never knew you.”
PREVIOUS: Why We Want Grace to be a Package
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