Friday, December 22, 2006

A discussion on Faith

Faith/Are You Saved?
Dear all,Mr.Oommen Kappil aptly referred to this question as the Notorious Question.Here's what Rev.Fr.Mathew Vaidyan has to say on this topic -reproduced here for the benefit of all -(Reference- "70 Questions Answered" - Rev.Fr.Mathew Vaidyan)[The same answer was given by him in a video cassette brought out by the Martha Mariya Samajam of the American Diocese a few years ago.]We can understand the Biblical answer from the following verses:Ephesians 2:8:For it is by grace you HAVE BEEN SAVED, through faith--and this notfrom yourselves, it is the gift of God--(here salvation is shown in the past tense)1Cor1:18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us WHO ARE BEING SAVED it is the power of God.(here salvation is shown in the present continuous tense)Hebrews 9:28so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people;and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but TO BRING SALVATION to those who are waiting for him.(here salvation is shown as a thing to happen in the future)So salvation is not a matter of the past alone that can be achieved through any single act, but it includes the present and the future ,and u got to "grow into it".Rev.Fr.Mathew Vaidyan mentioned his intention to publish the book in Malayalam and give it off free to our Churches in Kerala."Iniyum Ithu Paranju aarum sabha vittu Pokaruthu" said Achen.Hope and pray that this noble mission is accomplished.In this age of various forms of assaults of false teachings both from inside and outside the Church, it will be advisable to learn from such books.Other such books that come to mind are"40 Questions Answered" By Osthathios Thirumeni."The Mirror Of Apostolic Faith"which is the translation to English of the book -"Annamayum Pastarum"(Translation to English by E.S. John) which depicts a lady of Orthodox faith, Annama , who in every chapter answers the questions posed by her friend pastors.Luv,Mathew(Queens/LI,NY)Moderators' Note: '40 Questions Answered' as mentioned by Mr. Samuel is one ofthe excellent reference books everyone should keep. This book's translation is available in Malayalam also (with 50 questions answered). 'The mirror of Apostolic Faith' (written by Rev. Fr. K. Geevarghese, Anchal) also is a good reference book well received especially because of its conversational style and wonderful expression of true faith.These two books and other books by renowned authors are available for purchase at the MGOCSM Student Centre near CMS College, Kottayam, and at the Church book Store at the MD Commercial Centre, Kottayam and other stores.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/1406

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