[TruthTalk] Essential doctrines

[ShieldsFamily]

John,    Thanks for the responses.  I don’t think I stated, below, very well.  I did not mean to imply that God has a litmus test of all the correct doctrines about hell, etc.  I just mean that I don’t think a person can really appreciate the atoning work of the Cross if they don’t appreciate the fact that it saves us from a very real hell, to which most people are truly going.  It makes the Blood of Christ much more of a salvation issue than if one assumes that everyone is saved, no matter what they believe or do.    There are a few “core” essential doctrines which are necessary for salvation.  Fortunately, even a child can grasp them. J (Good for me!!!) I wonder if it would be possible for us on TT to define what those essestial doctrines are? Anyone want to take a stab at it? I would say that one of them is that we must believe and confess that we are sinners in need of a Savior, who have no hope of saving ourselves.   Izzy   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2004 10:51 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] The Mediation of Christ   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