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To: G32

No, not exactly the same, but, again, the issue of going to Heaven is whether one measures up to the Perfect Glory of God.

No human does so --- all sin --- except one. One who got a raw deal.

But, yes, Christian theology is not horseshoes --- getting close does not get you there. (In Christian parlance "works" don't save you.)

Your thought of well-I-might-as-well-take-drugs-and-go-on-a-killing-spree is not a new one

The Gnostics and various other groups (including those who took the opposite track --- "Christians" (in name, at least) who took his salvation as a license to do horrid things) make your argument about 2000 years ago.

It became a real problem in Corinth, where some had Church-sponsored orgies, if I recall correctly.

In fact, these "license" disputes take up much of Paul's writings in the back of the Bible (the "letters" area). Go get an NIV study bible and read the notes on these topics, if you want answers.

THAT SAID, faith without works is dead. A sincere acceptance of Christ's sacrifice changes you. It changed me. You don't want to sin. (Now, if you are like me; you'll still sin --- albeit perhaps less and you have help resisting temptation.)

But one reason I have less desire to sin is because it is spitting in the face of Christ's sacrifice. It's a slow and steady drip to becoming a better person.

Indeed, this sounds a bit Star Trekky --- but Christ/God exists outside time, so knowing that, this makes more sense. Christ pre-paid for my sins through his suffering. I have no desire to add to his suffering by being a jackass. The thought of me causing the thorns to hurt a bit more keeps me in line, sometimes.

I am also so grateful, I do not want to disappoint Him.


190 posted on 12/06/2004 2:02:50 PM PST by MeanWestTexan
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To: MeanWestTexan

Very well put, MWT! Thank you.


274 posted on 12/06/2004 6:01:35 PM PST by JockoManning (www.biblegateway.com)
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