Like Fr. Thomas I had also come across many people from other denominations
claiming that they have attained salvation once they have been baptized.
They say the sins after this baptism are not counted. But what I believe is
the word of Christ which clearly says, "M't:5:13: Ye are the salt of the
earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?
it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden
under foot of men." Also, it is by the good lives that we are to be an
example to others rather than a life of sin. M't:5:16: Let your light so
shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father
which is in heaven.
And on whether non belivers who live good lives will attain salvation, I
completely agree with George Micheal. Our good Lord is a merciful God full
of grace and love. We all know that it is by grace alone that anybody is
saved as St. Paul puts it in his letter to the Romans chapter 5 verses 15 to
21. And in Matthew 18:10 and the first letter of Timothy chapter 2 verse 4
'it is God's wish that all be saved and none to persih". An example of His
saving grace can be seen in the first letter of St. Peter chapter 3 verse 8
to chapter 4 verse 6 we see Christ in His spiritual existance, going to the
world below and preaching to the imprisoned spirits i.i. the spirits of
those who disobeyed God during the time of Noah. Why? Because the good Lord
does not want anyone to perish. So if he had given a chance to the people of
then would He not give a chance to others also so that they be saved. His
message is always a message of love and mercy, as we see in the parable of
the prodigal son and after the parable Christ points out that there will be
much happiness in heaven when a sinner returns to the fold when the shepherd
leaves the 99 of his sheep to look for the lost one and finds it (Matt 18:12
to 14).
So we know that it is our good Lord's wish that all attain salvation and
this salvation is attained by the Lord's grace and mercy. And it is our part
to love Him in return. The way we can love Him in return is by obeying Him
or by following His ways or in short, by keeping away from hurting Him,
keeping away from sin.
Joh:15:10: If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I
have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Joh:15:8: Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall
ye be my disciples.
Joh:14:21: He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that
loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will
love him, and will manifest myself to him.
He is a loving God full of mercy and His love keeps no account of
wrongdoing.
Praise and honour and glory be His now and forever.
Regards in Christ,
Samji
**********************************************************************
This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list.
To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org
**********************************************************************
