Steven Hunter's editorial on beliefs on salvation

Steven Hunter of Clemmons, writes this editorial response to the editorial submitted by Margaret Leinbach who suggests "to those who presume to judge Moravians" that scripture tells us "Correct doctrine or belief will not save us. What counts for faith is not belief, but actions of loving one's neighbor as individuals made in God's image and likeness." ( This letter, provided by Steven Hunter, takes exception to her claims that scriptures instruct that salvation is through good deeds, not faith.

See Response letter from Walter Wardlaw (May 29)

One Way

The writer of the letter to the editor "Following Instructions" (May 21) directs readers to Matthew 25:31-46, which she paraphrases "to avoid eternal punishment, we must feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked and visit the imprisoned." She goes on to say that "correct doctrine and belief will not save us."

She is right. We should do the things Jesus instructed us to do out of love for our fellow man, just as he loves us. However, there is only one way to gain eternal life, and it cannot be "earned" by good deeds. I refer to John 14:6 which says, "And , Jesus answered, 'I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me."'

There is no "secret" or "trick" to gain salvation. All we must do is accept the free gift that Jesus offers everyone by his death on the cross. By the way, I'm a former Moravian who is now a member of a Baptist church. People put too much emphasis on denominations, as far as I'm concerned. No matter what "religion" you label yourself with, there is only one God, and he is god of all gods and king of all kings.

R. STEVEN HUNTER
Clemmons.