From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 5/20/2004 11:23:22 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> I'm not sure anyone can be a "genuine" Believer (in God's definition) if > they don't believe in God's promises of eternal judgment for sinners who > reject the Savior. I am assuming you do believe in this. Izzy >
Hi Izzy:
I don't understand this observation. Doesn't the reality of hell (whatever
that is) exist apart from our consideration? Why would God punish us for
being wrong in our understanding of eternal judgment. And if we have to think
correctly on this subject, would not correct thinking be required about all of
biblical doctrine?
John
John, You make a good point. I do not beleive that *any* christian has *all* doctrine 100% right. But the question arises as to how much wrong doctrine is too much wrong doctrine. Is there a line beyond whiich we are not acceptable? Are some of us (Chrstians) too far off in our doctrine to be accepted? Are RC's. Are Mormons? Are JW's? Are Muslims? Are Pagans? Can we even say for sure?
If our acceptance is based on our faith in Christ only, then can we believe any doctrine, as long as we have faith? If it is based on works, then can we believe any doctrine as long as our works are good and plentiful enough?
Regardless of the answer to the questions above, can we have assurance of our salvation? What if our doctrine is just one step below acceptable? What if our works lack one deed of being enough? How can we have assurance if this is so?
I believe the answer is very simple, otherwise I could not understand it. If you "confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved". Then, "whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him". When you walk in the spirit, the fruit is "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance".
It can't be as hard as to understand as many want to make it. Otherwise, those of us who are not mental and philosophical giants, as many think they are, could not be saved. And, "whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life". It is that simple.
Perry
---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org
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