I will be posting some blogs based on readings from the book, Reclaiming the Great Tradition, ed. James S. Cutsinger. Contributing authors identify what constitutes the “Great Tradition” in Christianity, the Trinity and the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ. They probe what it would mean for Christians from the different traditions to affirm together this “Great Tradition,” fundamental to Christianity.
It is becoming clear to [Christians of different traditions] that we are saved only by Christ, by grace; that faith is our acceptance of that grace, so we are saved by faith; and that good works, the works of love, necessarily follow that faith if it is real and saving faith, so we cannot be saved by a faith that is without good works. (Peter Kreeft, reclaiming the Great TRadition)
When we are saved in repentance by God’s grace through the sin sacrifice of Jesus Christ we are baptized by His Holy Spirit, who counsels us in the lifelong process of sanctification that results in good works and the manifesting of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.