Probably the most influential book that changed my view on my Christian faith in college so wanted to reread this to fully appreciate and brush up on my reformed doctrine knowledge. Going to comment on sections read so that my review is not super long at the end. Haha.
Introduction - Chapter 1
It's so fascinating for me to learn how the Reformation even came about and the history behind it as our forefathers even risked their lives to hold on to this doctrine of saving grace, apart from works. Not only did it revoluationize how we view the Christian doctrine and the Scripture but it also empowered all citizens to read the Bible themselves apart from depending on religious high leaders.
Introduction to solas (Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christos, Soli Deo Gloria) definitely gave me a new perspective on who does what in my salvation when it comes to granting, maintaining, and securing it. This was actually huge for me since I grew up fearing that I had to "work" for my salvation. As a result, I lived in fear of losing my salvation also if I didn't keep up the good "work" and stayed clean constantly. No wonder I had such a hard time understanding what "grace" meant. I heard about it all the time in the Scripture and songs but never fully understood it until Reformed teaching was introduced to me. Salvation by grace & faith alone gave me new set of spiritual eyes to see that it was all God alone. Only then I understood and embraced what grace really meant. I mean it makes sense right? If I had a part in salvation, then I can also have a part in losing it. However, if it's God in saving me out of his grace and mercy alone (while i was still imperfect and sinner..), then it also makes sense that his love will keep me once and for all (Romans 8:38-39).
Introduction - Chapter 1
It's so fascinating for me to learn how the Reformation even came about and the history behind it as our forefathers even risked their lives to hold on to this doctrine of saving grace, apart from works. Not only did it revoluationize how we view the Christian doctrine and the Scripture but it also empowered all citizens to read the Bible themselves apart from depending on religious high leaders.
Introduction to solas (Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christos, Soli Deo Gloria) definitely gave me a new perspective on who does what in my salvation when it comes to granting, maintaining, and securing it. This was actually huge for me since I grew up fearing that I had to "work" for my salvation. As a result, I lived in fear of losing my salvation also if I didn't keep up the good "work" and stayed clean constantly. No wonder I had such a hard time understanding what "grace" meant. I heard about it all the time in the Scripture and songs but never fully understood it until Reformed teaching was introduced to me. Salvation by grace & faith alone gave me new set of spiritual eyes to see that it was all God alone. Only then I understood and embraced what grace really meant. I mean it makes sense right? If I had a part in salvation, then I can also have a part in losing it. However, if it's God in saving me out of his grace and mercy alone (while i was still imperfect and sinner..), then it also makes sense that his love will keep me once and for all (Romans 8:38-39).