Rivers of life church Oxford

Core Doctrines - Salvation by Faith, not works.

1.0
The Bible teaches that we are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone
1.1
Many people have distorted this message of grace by trying to add to it a requirement for us to perform good works. This is unbiblical.
2.0
It is faith in Christ that brings justification. (Romans 3v28)
2.1
Faith is essential to our salvation (Mark 16v16) - not because there is any particular merit in faith itself - but because faith is the act of us as sinners accepting our place before God in an attitude of trust.
2.2
A sinner is accepted in the presence of a holy God on the basis of righteousness of God in Jesus Christ. This is a righteousness outside of the sinner, accomplished by Christ and given to the sinner through God given means - faith in Jesus as saviour. (Romans 3v19-24)
2.3
We are saved according to God's mercy - not because we have earned it or deserve it. ( Titus 3v5)
2.4
All sins are forgiven freely (Acts 5:31; 13:38; 1 John 1:6-9).
2.5
The sinner is by this act of grace for ever freed from the guilt and penalty of his sins. This is the prerogative of God (Ps. 130:4; Mark 2:5).
2.6
This offer of the forgiveness of sins is available to all. Although only some will accept it.
3.0
Good works are an expression of gratitude in the believer's heart (John 14:15, 23; Gal. 5:6).
3.1
They are the fruits of the Spirit (Titus 2:10-12), and spring from grace, which they illustrate.
3.2
James 2:24 deals with people who profess to be Christians and hold the faith - but do nothing about it. James is saying that real faith will always produce works as a result.
3.3
Good works cannot save a person. (Romans 3v20, Ephesians 2v8,9)
4.0
Faith in Christ secures salvation for the believer.
4.1
That is freedom from condemnation
4.2
Justification before God
4.3
Participation in the life that is in Christ
4.4
Peace with God
4.5
And the beginning of sanctification
5.0
All who believe in Christ will certainly be saved. (John 6v37, Romans 8v1)