06-27-2011, 06:53 PM
Paul Younan Wrote:I read the position in certain posts (perhaps my own, I don't remember) that, in effect, those who do not believe in the Divinity of the Messiah aren't saved. While it's not really the type of debate I care to have on this forum, nevertheless it is an established doctrine of orthodoxy.Just to back this up, there are about 30 million oneness pentecostals (but not necessarily me) that believe this to be a salvation issue (that Jesus is Yahweh), and very most of them never even heard of the peshitta. They find it very clearly expressed everywhere in the bible, both OT and NT.
In any case, one can believe in the Divine Nature of the Messiah, without subscribing to the MarYah theory. I suppose that is more a matter of linguistic debate, despite its potential theological implications.
Paul and Jerry, i really appreciate the way you two debate this issue. i would love to see both of you write an essay on this topic where no argument would fall short. i admit i mostly agree with Paul, but i can't help but think he might be pushed to defend his understanding beause of his own tradition (the same might be true for Jerry though).