For Our Eastern Orthodox Friends
Instructions: Read each point. For each one that you agree is the truth, place a mental checkmark in the box and then read the next point, and so on. Citations are hyperlinked to their sources.
Square 1. The Bible is the Word of God.
“All scripture is inspired by God”
2 Timothy 3:16 (King James Version)
“The Bible is truly the Word of God in human form because its origin is not in man but in God, Who willed and inspired its creation. … It is the faith of the Orthodox Church that the Bible, as the divinely-inspired Word of God in the words of men, contains no formal errors or inner contradictions concerning the relationship between God and the world. There may be incidental inaccuracies of a non-essential character in the Bible. But the eternal spiritual and doctrinal message of God, presented in the Bible in many different ways, remains perfectly consistent, authentic, and true.”
'Volume I - Doctrine and Scripture: The Bible: Word Of God' - Orthodox Church In America
Square 2. God does not contradict Himself.
“in which it was impossible for God to lie”
Hebrews 6:18b (KJV)
“Surely I, the LORD, do not change”
Malachi 3:6a (KJV)
“Or, in the words of Thomas Aquinas, “Nothing which implies contradiction falls under the omnipotence of God.”
‘Essential Orthodox Christian Beliefs: A Manual For Adult Instruction’
(Departments of the Orthodox Church in America)
Square 3. The Orthodox Church also speaks for God.
“The highest authority of the Eastern Church is the Ecumenical Council, involving the whole church. When the bishops of the church define a matter of faith in an Ecumenical Council, a requisite for its recognition is the acceptance and consent of the whole Church. Only then can it be considered infallible, or inspired of the Holy Spirit, who resides in the whole church, consisting of clergy and laity, to guide it to all truth.”
'Introducing the Orthodox Church: Its Faith and Life.’ By Anthony M. Coniaris
“The decisions of an Ecumenical Council, formulated by the bishops under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and accepted by the clergy and the laity, constitute the highest authority of the Orthodox Church."
'Introducing the Orthodox Church: Its Faith and Life.’ By Anthony M. Coniaris
“It is from the Church that the Bible ultimately derives its authority, for it was the Church which originally decided which books form a part of Holy Scripture; and it is the Church alone which can interpret Holy Scripture with authority."
'The Orthodox Church’ By Bishop Kallistos Ware
Holy Tradition: The Source of the Orthodox Faith
Square 4. The Orthodox Church teaches faith plus works for salvation.
“Through Baptism, we receive a full forgiveness of all sin, whether original or actual.”
'Holy Baptism: Preparing to be a Sponsor at a Baptism' (St. Eleftherios Greek Orthodox Church)
“Justification is accomplished at baptism and maintained through a life of obedience to God and confession of sins”
‘Justification!?’ (Holy Spirit Orthodox Church)
“…not only loving deeds but also the sacraments of Baptism (Rom 6:1-11) and the Eucharist (1 Cor 10:16-22; 11:23-32) are decisive to salvation.”
How Are we Saved?’ (Greek Orthodox Diocese Of America)
Square 5. The Bible teaches salvation by faith alone.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (King James Version)
“For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”
Romans 3:28 (KJV)
“since no human being will be justified in his sight by observing the law; for through the law comes consciousness of sin.”
[ Also ref. Romans 4:3 + Romans 4:5 + Romans 5:1 + Romans 9:30 + Romans 10:9-10 + Romans 11:6 + Galatians 2:16 + Galatians 2:21 + Galatians 3:1-6 + Galatians 5:6 + Philippians 3:9 + 1 Tim 1:16 + John 5:24 + 2 Tim. 1:9 + Titus 3:4-7 ]
Square 6. Final Point.
If the Bible is the Word of God (pt. 1), and God does not contradict Himself (pt. 2), then the Orthodox Church, which claims to also speak for God (pt. 3) discredits itself as the one true religion because it contradicts the Word of God by teaching faith plus works for salvation (pt. 4) when the Bible, which came first, clearly and unmistakenly teaches faith alone for salvation (pt. 5).
[ Also ref. Acts 17:10-11 + 1 Corinthians 4:6 + Isaiah 64:6 + James 2:10 + Galatians 3:10 + 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 + Galatians 1:8-9 + Matthew 7:15, 21-23 + John 6:28-29 + Colossians 2:13-14 + 1 John 5:13 + Matthew 11: 28-30 + Mark 7:13]
The Biblical Gospel
God is holy and just, and has set a day in which He will judge the earth in righteousness (Acts 17:31). He will not overlook any sin. How will you do? Here’s a quick test: How many times have you ever lied, stolen, and used God’s name in vain? Jesus said, “Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” If you’ve done these things God sees you as a liar, thief, blasphemer, and adulterer at heart; and the Bible warns that one day God will justly punish you in Hell.
But God lovingly and mercifully provided a way for forgiveness. We’ve broken God’s moral Law, but Jesus, who was sinless, paid the fine on the cross for guilty sinners. This means God can legally dismiss their case: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Then Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death. Make up your mind/heart to turn from sin and to trust Jesus alone and in His righteousness (not your own failed self-righteousness), then God will forgive your sins and grant you eternal life as a free gift. Then read the Bible daily, obey it, and find a Bible-believing church where you can learn and grow as a believer.
For a more comprehensive proclamation of the Biblical Gospel, click here.
If you have any questions or concerns related to this issue, please don't hesitate to email us; we'd be happy to talk with you: elderchuck@mail.com.
For a printable PDF version of this tract, click here.