Re: [TruthTalk] Christian Perfection

[Dave]

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 4/12/2004 6:23:27 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: DAVEH:  So Terry, do you think a saved Christian who converts to Mormonism has lost their salvation? =========================================================  God's ways are beyond my understanding Dave.  Some places in the Bible make it look as though God will accept about anyone, no matter how screwed up their theology, as long as they have even a little faith.  Other places indicate that God is big on obedience, and you better do it His way or go to Hell.  Since there is no more important item on my list than spending eternity with my Lord (and avoiding Hell), I generally tend to go with the be obedient route. Why take chances? Paul told those who were calling themselves Christians, yet trying to gain favor with God by keeping the law , that they had "Fallen from Grace".  In my opinion, Mormons do the same thing with the same result.  Adding to the requirement for salvation says that Jesus alone is not enough.   I would hope that the Lord sees you as confused but sincere, and allows you to spend eternity with Him, but I sure would not bet on it, as your whole system of belief contradicts much of God's word.   No hard feelings, just the truth as I am able to see it. Terry I think Terry's answer is heartfelt and right on.   but let me ask this, directed to DaveH:  Does the Mormon church view as saved those who leave that church DAVEH:  I don't perceive that LDS theology teaches that those who remain in the Church are saved (in the sense of popular Christian salvation), so your question doesn't seem pertinent, John.  We do believe that all men, whether in or out of the Church are saved from physical death though.  This is a form of salvation that Protestants seem to gloss over (no offense.....I just can't think of a better way of putting it right now).  _   I mean, my wife was given a letter of excommunication when she left. DAVEH:  Some in the Church may think she has lost the opportunity for salvation, but I don't see it that way at all.  I don't want to get too squirrelly with my answer on this (as there are going to be some detractors who will criticize me for appearing to beat around the bush on this), but I think it depends on how salvation and heaven are defined.  As you may know, we define it a bit differently.  And, I'll be happy to discuss any or all of that with you if you wish.  And I am not just trying to turn question back onto you.   Your question could have something do with our (yours and mine, for example) sense of fellowship in Christ? DAVEH:  I have an old friend who left the Church, and I have no problem fellowshipping with her.....though I don't for reasons other than her choosing to leave.  I have another friend who was excommunicated and I have had no problem fellowshipping him.  In fact, though he is not a member, and is in fact a thorn in the side of many members (especially those in authority), the Church has continued to give him support beyond what most would consider normal.  I often times spend time with him listening to him criticize those Church leaders that have lent their hand of help.  It is at times draining for me to listen to his gripes and negativity, but I feel he needs somebody to dump on, and offer my shoulder to carry his burden.  So.....to me, fellowship does not start and end with Church.....it begins with Jesus and crosses most all boundaries.   John Smithson -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dave Hansen [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.langlitz.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you wish to receive things I find interesting, I maintain Five email lists... JOKESTER, OPINIONS, LDS, STUFF and MOTORCYCLE.