I’ve always found you to be sincere and a true FRiend here. In real life, I know I’d enjoy having a beer and cooking out burgers with you and your family. :-) You love Christ and think and I appreciate our friendship on FR, even though we disagree on things outside the Creeds. We do agree on virtually everything that is core. Our differences make our conversation enjoyable.
... A couple notes of feedback.
“The issue of ‘saints’ was unopposed until people began to think that they personally were able to interpret the Bible and create their own theology. Up until that time, the Church went on St Paul’s instruction that the Church was the pillar and foundation of truth, not each man.”
... The blessing of the Reformation is that salvation by faith in the Gospel of Grace was restored. It is too much to think all other theological issues would be resolved at the same time. The following centuries allowed a reexamination of the complete record of Holy Scripture in a systematic way. Obviously, the rise in literacy and movable type helped spread a love of God’s Word. Amazingly, this is still happening. I have friends with Wycliffe who continue to translate His Word into several tribal languages in a muslim country. Many have already come to trust and know Christ.
... The Church is described as the pillar and foundation of faith - as it should always be. We only disagree on what that statement means when it uses the word, “church”. :-)
... Everyone should stive to examine and understand the Word of God, as the command reads - “to show ourselves approved as workmen, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” I fail to see how someone can love God with his or her “whole mind”, if they refuse to engage God’s Word with sincere thought, effort and desire.
... Let’s also be frank here as believers. There are LOTS of “Christians” of every denomination that “make up there own theology” anyway - using whichever bits and pieces of Scripture that appeal to them - and this despite teaching authorities. Let’s go farther. Even inside the Church, historically, leaders did the same.
... In addition, Paul and Peter right that God gave teachers to the Church. That doesn’t provide any believer with cover to not know God’s Word. It does keep the Church on track theologically.
“He clearly calls all Christians saints. Since we do not believe in spiritual death for believers, their whereabouts are immaterial (had to say it). All remain what God spoke... here or there.
“You wouldn’t have Scripture that says specifically that, do you?”
... which part? The calling of Christians saints, or the part about no Christian being dead? Or some other thought...?
” Christ came to save all men, yet, does a Mao Tse Tung or a Charles Manson get to be saved? I don’t know. I am not the Judge, but going by the words that He has left us, and the teachings of the Church, probably not. “
... It seems doubtful, but it certainly would involve them turning from their sin to Him before their death. I don’t know of any historical passage that says this happened. He knows. Still, His blood covers the sins of men who entrust themselves to Him.
We’re finally having a Great Day of Global Warming here - nice enough to have our first cook out! I still hope to snag some great beachfront property when the Oceans rise enough to create a new shoreline.
I’ve always found you to be sincere and a true FRiend here. In real life, I know I’d enjoy having a beer and cooking out burgers with you and your family. :-) You love Christ and think and I appreciate our friendship on FR, even though we disagree on things outside the Creeds. We do agree on virtually everything that is core. Our differences make our conversation enjoyable. Oddly enough, I'd have said exactly the same thing except that like my theology, my beer must have substance:
... The blessing of the Reformation is that salvation by faith in the Gospel of Grace was restored. It is too much to think all other theological issues would be resolved at the same time. The following centuries allowed a reexamination of the complete record of Holy Scripture in a systematic way. Obviously, the rise in literacy and movable type helped spread a love of God’s Word. Amazingly, this is still happening. I have friends with Wycliffe who continue to translate His Word into several tribal languages in a muslim country. Many have already come to trust and know Christ.
Actually, salvation follows from faith in God, not specifically in the Scriptures. The Scriptures are the map; the map is not the reality. God is. Scriptures describe God. They are not God. Jesus is the Word. Scriptures are the word. Note the emphasis.
... The Church is described as the pillar and foundation of faith - as it should always be. We only disagree on what that statement means when it uses the word, “church”. :-)
The line of bishops that can be traced back to the Apostles and their flocks constitute the Church. That's how Paul meant it and how we mean it today.
... In addition, Paul and Peter right that God gave teachers to the Church. That doesn’t provide any believer with cover to not know God’s Word. It does keep the Church on track theologically.
Correct. One must understand the Scriptures, but not wander far afield. I liken it to mastering driving a car - one must still drive between the lines.
... which part? The calling of Christians saints, or the part about no Christian being dead? Or some other thought...?
The reference to specific saints here on Earth are Moses and 1st century Jews in Jerusalem, as far as I know. Now, the saints in Heaven are those who are saved. Who do they number? I don't know.
We’re finally having a Great Day of Global Warming here - nice enough to have our first cook out! I still hope to snag some great beachfront property when the Oceans rise enough to create a new shoreline.
We are 82 feet above the nominal level of the Mississippi. If we are flooded out, then we may as well write off the entire Midwest.