Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 105:417 (Jan 1948)
Article: Editorials
Author: Anonymous

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BSac 105:417 (Jan 48) p. 1

Editorials

Are There Two Ways to Be Saved?

The following statement made by the Editor in his article on “Dispensationalism” (Bibliotheca Sacra, XCIII, 410)—”Whatever may have been the divine method of dealing with individuals before the call of Abraham and the giving of the Law by Moses, it is evident that, with the call of Abraham and the giving of the Law and all that has followed, there are two, widely different, standardized, divine provisions whereby man, who is utterly fallen, might come into the favor of God”—has led to misunderstanding and unjust criticism.

In the first place, the word salvation is purposely not used in this declaration. The context and subject in hand bear on the truth that some have come into right relationship to God, as in the case of Israel in Judaism, by physical birth and some, as in the case of Christians in Christianity, by spiritual birth. There could be no argument relative to the truth being asserted when it is rightly understood.

But the determination persists that those who hold dispensational distinctions teach there are two ways to be saved. What they really teach, if at all, is that Judaism had its requirements summed up in works of the Law of Moses, which system, or religion, is not now in effect, and that Christianity has its requirements summarized in faith and is now the one and only basis of acceptance before God. Those are the clear teachings of the Scriptures, to which men do not it seems always give sincere heed.

When talking to an individual and in respect to the present provision for the salvation of lost men, the Savior said to Nicodemus: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Likewise, when talking to an individual respecting the securing of

BSac 105:417 (Jan 48) p. 2

eternal life as it was promised in the Jewish kingdom expectation, Christ held the following conversation with the lawyer (i.e., a teacher of the Mosaic system): “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:25–28).

There is no question to be raised about these words or their precise meaning. “This do, and thou shalt live” is far r...

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