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Class. The ABC’s of Salvation through Christ and His Orthodox Church (why do we have all this stuff?)

September 19, 2013 By

Our Faith: Orthodox Christianity at St. Michael’s
Woonsocket, Rhode Island

Opening Prayer: O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, who is everywhere present and fills all things; come and abide in us, cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One..

Opening Scripture: Psalm 8; Ephesians 2: 1-10

Summary of Scripture: The Glory, Power, and Love of God for us.

The Basics

  • God is all powerful (Psalm 18: 1-3). He loves you (John 3:16-17). He has a plan for you (John 10:10 & 2 Peter 1:2-4).

  • Sin separates man from every good thing (Romans 3:23). There is an impassible chasm between us in our sin and God and from fellowship with one another (Romans 6:23).

  • Jesus Christ bridges the chasm between man and God and between men (Ephesians 2:14). He is perfect God and perfect man. God before the ages, He became man so that we might be united with God, one another, and perfection (John 17:22-23). He died for us then rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15: 3-4). Through faith in Him, we become children of God (John 1:12). He is the only bridge (John 14:6).

  • We are crossing the chasm in and through Christ. Through Faith (Ephesians 2: 8-10), and a Sacramental life (e.g. John 6: 53-59). He comes to all who invite him (Revelation 3:20) . Continual progression in Christ, eternally (1 John 5:11-15). Trust Him to forgive us and live accordingly.

  • Why sacraments? Why a priesthood?  Why all this stuff? Because the BRIDGE IS REAL. CHRIST IS REAL. HE LIVES PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY IN HIS CHURCH (Colossians 1: 16-20). Jesus Christ was more than “idea”. Flesh and blood. The Church is also more than an idea. It is also physical. So are its mysteries (rituals, etc.)

  • Each of the sacraments/mysteries is a living “symbol”, an incarnation of God’s redeeming love for us and the mechanism/way of our salvation

  • Icons, too, are part of this continuing incarnation, as is the music, the temple, etc.

To grow in perfection, to have life in abundance, we must accept Christ and make him the center of our lives. Trust Him to “carry you across”. He will satisfy your yearning.

Discussion: What do each of the sacraments do for us?  How do they draw us towards Him and reconcile us to one another?

Filed Under: Classes and Presentations, General, Orthodox Christianity