Question:

Have you ever noticed that neither Luke nor Acts makes any reference to the doctrine of savation by the bloood of Christ ?

Answer:

Yes, I have noticed that Luke does not mention this doctrine, although I would dispute that it is not found in Acts. I believe that it has been claimed that one other of the four gospels also does not mention this, but probably the best claim that it is not mentioned is for Luke.

As for Acts, I believe that chapter 2 does imply this doctrine. God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. They were cut to the heart and asked Peter what to do. He said that they should repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (paraphrasing a bit). Anyone familiar with Christian teaching reading this passage will see the relationship between the blood of Jesus and the forgiveness, although I will admit that it is not specifically stated. Also, Acts 20:28 has Paul describing the chuch as “bought with his own blood.” This is a clear exception to the claim that salvation by the blood of Jesus is not mentioned in Acts. I think that people should NOT claim that salvation by the blood of Jesus is not mentioned in Acts.

As for Luke, I believe it is worth mentioning that Jesus says of the wine in the Passover meal, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” I think the implication is fairly clear, but if people want to discount this one and say that the doctrine is not specifically taught in Luke, I am prepared to concede the point (kind of).

To me, the fact that a particular doctrine of Christianity is not taught in a particular book is pretty much neither here nor there. God is not mentioned in Esther. Does this imply that the writer did not believe in God? Heaven is mentioned specifically and directly rather few times in the Old Testament (Daniel 12 being the most obvious exception). Does this mean that it is not real? No. Jesus confronted the Saducees on their incorrect believe in this area.

The fact is that the principle message of Jesus was the Kingdom of God. He talked about this, perhaps more than all other subjects combined. If Luke did not have Jesus mentioning the Kingdom of God, now that would get my attention!

So, I am aware of this interesting fact, yes.

I look forward to hearing from you.

John Oakes,