Re: [TruthTalk] Million dollar question from Christine

[Ruben Israel]

Thank you for your thoughts, Ruben. I guess you're right. I could be more laid-back about how gray the Lord keeps some of His issues. Is this a topic where it's best to let the person just be convicted by the Lord? What do you say to those drunks on Bourbon St. or the Homosexuals? (Especially since James 4's "Faith without works is a dead faith" is in an epistle, lol.)    Ruben: Sorry for the delay, we had company and Jed stayed over so now I will respond. Yes Christine, if they claim to be saved, I exhort them of holiness.  The lifestyle must match the faith, which of course they accuse us of believing salvation by works.  Many of these lost souls have been told to repeat a sinners prayer and from that were told they were saved, sealed and forgiven for past, present and future sin.    SIDEBAR:  past (maybe), present (maybe) future (NO WAY!) that would be like a judge today telling a criminal before him that since he is sorry for his current crimes that he is pardoned for all crimes for the rest of his life.  What judge in his right mind would do that? SIDEBAR OVER   Is it not the shed blood that forgives us and the power of the Holy Ghost to help us overcome?  If you pluck out your eye, chop off your fingers, cut off your ears, remove your nose, one can still entertain sin.  So that is why we need a new heart, to be that new man or new creature.  And as you used James, where those works will not save you but give tangible evidence of your repentance and belief.   But as I said, everyone thinks they are saved, just preach in public.  The most famous verse used besides John 3:16 is found in the Epistle of John �These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life�  with this verse they look you in the eye and say �see, I know I have eternal life.�   But ask them what �THINGS� did John write that you will �KNOW� and 9 out of 10 can not answer.  Again, salvation is beyond feelings or head knowledge, we see this more than most and the Bible warns of God wiping away tears because loved ones that were expected will not make it and maybe others that we will be surprised.   Unless you believe in the Mormon god, then all bets are off because someone will baptize you in the temple and save you so live and let live. Ruben