DAVEH: Thanx for your answer, Bill. The definition of salvation is
one that interests me. Though I have two definitions for salvation
that I commonly use, I ultimately perceive it as one's entrance to
heaven....that is when we are ultimately saved. But, there are some
TTers who are critical of me for changing the definition of salvation.
The problem I have though, is that I do not really understand how most
Christians define salvation. I know that they perceive it as being
saved from sin....but just what does that mean if it doesn't mean entry
to heaven?
Glenn Tabor (an old TT moderator) used to discuss this with me in
length. He kept explaining that salvation is a past, present and
future event. Yet as I read the Bible, I see the promise of salvation
being in the past and present, and actual salvation occurs when we
endure to the end. (That is simplifying it immensely, because the
resurrection is a form of salvation that has happened in the past.)
And......until one resides in heaven, is one truly saved.....or does he
just have the promise of salvation?
If you wish to discuss this further, I'd enjoy chatting with you
about it. I'll change the subject line in case you wish to do so.
Bill Taylor wrote:
Hi Dave,
We would probably have to go into
some further detail as to what this word "salvation" means to us before
my answer can suffice -- or perhaps even be understood (and that is up
to you) -- but the short answer is this: "yes, the only requirement for
entrance to heaven" is salvation -- with one caveat: in Jesus Christ.
I believe that at the point in which
death entered the world, salvation was necessary in order to receive
eternal life. Anyone who is mortal and has died or will die on this
earth must necessarily be resurrected (which is the pivotal aspect
in my view of "salvation"; i.e., death being swallowed up in victory)
in order to live forever. In this view, then, salvation is that which
stands between death and an eternal life in "heaven."
Bill
-----
Original Message -----
Sent:
Saturday, June 25, 2005 1:03 AM
Subject:
Re: [TruthTalk] Belief
DAVEH: Do you believe salvation is the only requirement for entrance
to heaven, Bill? (BTW....I would be most interested to hear the
thoughts of other TTers on this as well.)
Bill Taylor wrote:
A very wise friend of mine is keen
on opining that there will be many Christians
who hold grossly heretical beliefs, who upon their passing will
nevertheless find themselves securely in heaven. I agree with him: if
entrance into heaven is predicated upon right and only right thinking,
then I suppose heaven will be a mighty lonely place.
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