What Must I Do To Be Saved?

[Jay]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

I am happy I was raised in a holiness church in my youth I recieved a love for holiness and separation it has not been a burden to me. I am happy being Apostolic.

I have heard my parents and grandparents talk about some of the older standards that were had (hose, shoes, wearing red, radios, etc.). Many things have changed with time. However, many of the basics that influenced the men of God at that time are still valid today.

I grew up in what would have been a moderate house in a more conservative age, but by the time I hit my early twenties, we were one of the most conservative churches that I knew. I grew up believing in holiness, and as I sought after the things of God, I began to see what He did and did not approve. I fell in love with the doctrine of separation and distinction, and I have no desire to depart from it.

[KeptByTheWord]

My thoughts on the standards - the list grows longer and longer, because it is based on "man's" interpretation of a conviction in his life, that he then tries to enforce on everyone else. Most if not all of the above list cannot be found listed specifically in the Bible.

It may be that a man with a certain conviction, such as say... no beard... should keep his own neck shaved, and not worry about anyone else's neck. He may perhaps need to enforce these things in his own life, or perhaps his own home, but most of these things in the lists above should never be taught over a pulpit, as there is no scriptural basis for them.

Just my opinion...

[KeptByTheWord]

Originally Posted by Jay

I grew up believing in holiness, and as I sought after the things of God, I began to see what He did and did not approve. I fell in love with the doctrine of separation and distinction, and I have no desire to depart from it.

That is wonderful Jay! Having your convictions for separation and distinction is wonderful. Do it unto the Lord. But don't condemn someone else who may not see eye to eye with you. You may be a "vegetarian" and feel like you can eat no meat at all (referring here to Paul's comparison in Romans) and your friend across town in another church may feel completely free to eat meat.


Romans 14:2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

I am happy I was raised in a holiness church in my youth I recieved a love for holiness and separation it has not been a burden to me. I am happy being Apostolic.

I don't struggle with the standards at all. I don't own pants or any two legged garment for that matter. my skirts have no slits and are the appropriate length, I only use brown bobbi-pins to hold together a an uncut, undyed, unpermed modest bun, I don't have a secret lipstick or any other makeup hidden anywhere, not even clear nail polish. I do not listen to worldly music, don't own a TV or read people magazine or go to movies or follow Hollywood. I am submitted to my own husband. I go to church regularly and pay an honest 'tithe' if that is what you want to call it. My current pastor does not require panty hose because his wife is menopausal and hot all the time like me and would probably kill him. I am happier this way, it agrees with me.

But none of that means that I can not see how silly it is to require these things as a set of rules or laws and to lie about them being issues of salvation. Or to say that those who want to do them are in disobedience which is as the sin of witchcraft and bound for hell. No man has the right to be another persons conscience or to preach something extra-biblical and require it for fellowship. It just aint right.

[Jay]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

That is wonderful Jay! Having your convictions for separation and distinction is wonderful. Do it unto the Lord. But don't condemn someone else who may not see eye to eye with you. You may be a "vegetarian" and feel like you can eat no meat at all (referring here to Paul's comparison in Romans) and your friend across town in another church may feel completely free to eat meat.


Romans 14:2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

I do not view Romans 14 as an appropriate chapter for discussing the relaxation of standards, as he is expressing opposition to their eating meats offered unto idols (if I remember my passage correctly). That was one of the first standards initiated into the church, and that is documented in the book of Acts.

As for the rest, the Bible is abundantly clear that the Church doe not look, act, talk, sing, pray, dress, or in any other way resemble the world.

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by Jay

I do not view Romans 14 as an appropriate chapter for discussing the relaxation of standards, as he is expressing opposition to their eating meats offered unto idols (if I remember my passage correctly). That was one of the first standards initiated into the church, and that is documented in the book of Acts.

As for the rest, the Bible is abundantly clear that the Church doe not look, act, talk, sing, pray, dress, or in any other way resemble the world.

Our women are the perfect picture of the 1930's housewife. Our men look just like everybody else.

[Jay]

I would disagree with that in part. Our ladies' dresses are nothing like they did in the 30s, except for the fact that they wear dresses.

Second, styles have not changed that much for men in nearly 150 years. The main distinctives now are that Apostolic men do not wear shorts, tank tops, ear rings, or necklaces. However, not all of the men in the world do this either, or at least not all the time. I am personally not in favor of any sleeve shorter than elbow length, but as a rule wear mine to the wrist.

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by Jay

I would disagree with that in part. Our ladies' dresses are nothing like they did in the 30s, except for the fact that they wear dresses.

Second, styles have not changed that much for men in nearly 150 years. The main distinctives now are that Apostolic men do not wear shorts, tank tops, ear rings, or necklaces. However, not all of the men in the world do this either, or at least not all the time. I am personally not in favor of any sleeve shorter than elbow length, but as a rule wear mine to the wrist.

I don't run around with the tank top and earring crowd... even those who are not Apostolic... To me they look the same. Not saying it in a bad way, just as a fact. I personally like looking like a 1930's housewife

[Jay]

I do not fault you taste. I would not look good if dressed as a 1930s housewife. (All guy here!!)

I did say that in more than 150 years basic styles for guys have not changed that much.

[Amanah]

Originally Posted by Sherri

Wow! I REALLY was raised in a liberal UPC. We went to the rodeo, fair, circus, bowling, ice shows, etc. etc. We could wear pants if we wanted to and most of the women cut their hair. This was in the 60's and 70's! Nearly every woman wore jewelry of some sort--pins, necklaces, etc.

Then I went to Bible college in the DEEP south, and I entered the Valley of Confusion.

Our old UC church would have considered you all lost as two boys kissing