Salvation Through Faith And The Early Church

By Scott Hayes


When it comes to belief in God, Jesus, a higher power, spiritual practice or no such belief, the United States constitution allows citizens the right to religious freedom. While this is the case, the predominant religion in the country is that of Christianity. In most cases, Christians believe in Salvation through Faith.

Based on the bible verse Ephesians 2:8-10, most believe that individuals are saved though faith. While this is the case, the core of the Christian faith has changed over the years to fit a number of different churches, denominations and sects. As such, different churches and denominations often have different practices and beliefs related to salvation, such as good works, public prayer and baptism.

The two most common churches in early Europe were the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox. As such, the beliefs of these two churches spread quickly throughout the Middle Ages. After which, the religion continued to spread throughout Europe and later to the United States. As a result, there are now over 2 billion people whom identify as Christians around the world.

In the earliest days, the faith grew out of the Jewish faith based on a vision of Saul, later known as Paul. After which, Christianity became a well known religion which took over the Greco-Roman world and beyond. While there are still many orthodox Jews, a number converted to Christianity based solely on the experiences and ministry of Paul during these early days of the church.

Currently, there are basically two aspects of the Christian church. First, is the apostolic church led by the disciples of the time. Whereas, the second episcopal structure was developed during the post-apostolic period. During this time, there were intense persecutions of individuals converting to Christianity. Then, in approximately 324 AD, Constantine found tolerance with the church and the persecutions ceased over time.

In the Apostolic church, the church was led by the apostles, generally relatives of Jesus Christ. While this is the case, upon resurrection Jesus commanded that the teachings be spread throughout the world. Denounced by some critics, the Acts of the Apostles as described in the Bible book of Acts is believed to be the most accurate history related to the time.

For, it is the book of Acts that provides a history of the Church and the command to spread the gospel and the message of salvation among the Gentiles and the Eastern Mediterranean by the apostle Paul and others. As a result, the book is often considered to hold the truth as to the original message of salvation by a number of churches. In fact, many Baptist church congregations use the gospel of Acts as a guide for salvation as well as day to day living.

In most cases, the earliest Christians were ethically Jewish or Jewish mystics and proselytes. When considering this truth, it becomes clear that Jesus first preached to Jewish people whom became the first disciples. Whereas, as stated in the book of Matthew, the intention was for the teachings of Jesus and salvation to be spread to all nations throughout the land.




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