Convo #6 - The Nature of Salvation (jay m)

This particular post is born out of the comments from convo #4 on the essentials for salvation.  I think we, along with all Christians would agree that 'salvation' is by faith alone in Christ alone, how that salvation is obtained, or what the 'process' of salvation is will be debated for some time.  The question for this convo is this:

What is the nature of salvation?  What is its purpose?  How does it play out? What difference does it make?

Tough question, let's hash it out.

Convo #5 - Good Books? (jay m)

I am not imagining that this will be a very controversial topic, but what are some of the books you all have read other than the scriptures themselves that have help form your theology? (either good or bad).

I'll start with Martyn Lloyd-Jones Exposition on Romans 6.  Eye popping to me.

I have a huge list, will add as we go.

How about you?

Jay

Convo #4 - What is essential for salvation (Jay Miklovic)

Ok, sounds simple right? Should be... but let's see what we nail down in the comments.  We may be surprised in our lack of understanding or agreement on very basic Gospel truths.

In your comment, list whatever you see as the necessary elements of salvation?

Convo #3 - Golden Calves of Contemporary Theology (Jay M.)

I thought this would be a good place to continue a side conversation that could easily develop in our first conversation, about things we presuppose to be biblical but are not.

So the comment thread on this post should be devoted to questioning certain practices that people assume to be orthodox but may not have foundation in the scripture.

I will start the questioning with the 'sinner's prayer' and the 'altar call'.  Two items that seem universally excepted in evangelical circles have very little if any precedent in the scripture.

Thoughts?

Convo #2 - HEAVEN (Ben Schilling)

My sister and I were actually talking about this one. We found it interesting how in the Apostles' Creed it says something regarding Jesus to the effect of "he descended into hell...the third day he rose again" but in Luke 23:43 Jesus says to the two men next to him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." So our question was did Jesus actually go to hell for three days like the Apostles' Creed? And if this is true then where did the two men next to him go?