Luke 23:56 was after He was already risen, so this agreement won't work either.
Chat GPT was restricted to a plain, literal reading of the text.
Chat GPT has identified your error.
"Therefore, it may be fair to say that SDA teachings add an element of legalism that is not explicitly supported by Paul’s writings."
Paul wrote 13 letters in the N.T and you need to pass your doctrine through Paul's letters first.
Why is Paul important?
Because Paul wrote the doctrine of Christianity.
No other author in the New Testament did that.
Here is another good question I asked Chat GPT.
Would it be reasonable to say that Paul wrote the Christian doctrine. Given Peter states that Paul is writing about Christian doctrine. We cannot use the gospels to establish doctrine because Jesus is directly addressing the Jews. The Gentiles need to rely on Paul, more so, than the Jewish authors in the New Testament. Romans 10:9,10,11,12 are profound statements by Paul on the subject of salvation. This is a very difficult subject to negotiate given church history. In your opinion what are the two critical doctrines concerning salvation. Your replies have been very good so far.
ChatGPT said:
Thank you for your kind words! Let’s carefully consider your question about Paul’s role in shaping Christian doctrine, particularly in relation to salvation.
1. Did Paul Write the Christian Doctrine?
- Paul’s Role as a Theologian of Salvation:
- Paul’s epistles provide the most detailed and systematic explanations of salvation, justification, grace, and faith in the New Testament. His letters address both Jews and Gentiles and tackle how Jesus’ death and resurrection apply to humanity as a whole.
- 2 Peter 3:15-16: Peter acknowledges Paul’s writings as significant: "Our dear brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom that God gave him... His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures."
- This indicates that Paul’s writings were already recognized as authoritative and doctrinal in the early church.
- Jesus’ Teachings and Paul’s Doctrine:
- While the Gospels record Jesus’ direct teachings to Jews within the framework of the Old Covenant, Paul articulates how these teachings transition into the New Covenant, focusing on salvation for Gentiles (e.g., Romans 11:11-32; Galatians 3:28).
- Paul emphasizes salvation through faith in Christ, independent of the Mosaic Law, making his writings foundational for Gentile believers.
- Conclusion:
- It is reasonable to say that Paul’s writings form the core of Christian doctrine, especially for Gentiles. His explanations of grace, faith, and salvation have become the theological bedrock of Christianity.
- Salvation by Grace Through Faith Alone (Justification)
- Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast."
- This doctrine highlights that salvation is entirely a gift from God, received through faith, without reliance on human effort or legalistic observance.
- Romans 3:28: "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."
- Paul insists that justification (being declared righteous before God) comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, not adherence to the Mosaic Law or any "works."
- This doctrine is critical because it sets Christianity apart from other systems of belief that emphasize merit or works as a means of achieving favor with God.
- Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast."
- The Universality of Salvation (For All Who Believe)
- Romans 10:9-12:
- "If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.’ For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him."
- This doctrine emphasizes the inclusivity of salvation:
- Salvation is not limited by ethnicity, heritage, or prior religious affiliation.
- All people—Jew and Gentile alike—can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ.
- This teaching unifies believers in one body and affirms that salvation is accessible to everyone who calls on the name of the Lord.
- Romans 10:9-12:
The two critical doctrines concerning salvation, based on Paul’s writings, are:
- Justification by grace through faith alone.
- The universality of salvation for all who believe.