Originally Posted by Aquila
I was taught that the only way to "know" that you, or another, is saved is to obey the fullness of the Apostolic gospel,
and to seek Christlike integrity of life. Apostolic doctrine is blessed assurance, Jesus is mine.
I can "know" one that one isn't saved if they do not believe in Christ. If they are atheists, of another religion, new age,
or agnostic. These must be reached. Hell is their destiny unless they obey the Gospel.
Those believers who love Christ, and serve him, and seek Christlikeness under the stained glass traditions of historic
Christianity are a mixed bag. Many claim Trinitarianism, but are Oneness conceptually. By just reading the Bible, they are
Oneness in practice. There are those whose repentance was accepted by God, and as a result He has given them the Holy
Ghost. Though not baptized in Jesus name, they have experienced justification and regeneration. No, their understanding isn't
complete, but their experience is real, not because of, but in spite
of, their misunderstanding. Then there are hardline cessessionists, these are hardened reprobates, who curse the manifestation
of the Spirit. And then there are those precious childlike souls who just love Jesus. They don't even know the debate over
baptism, they just wanted to be baptized. The debate over Trinitarianism and Oneness is beyond them, they just want Jesus.
They believe in the Spirit though they never experienced it. Some will honestly admit, it kind of scares them, the supernatural
just spooks them. They are happy to hear about it, but like children, the reality of it all is too much for them. They need
to be eased into embracing it. Many have experienced justification. Many have encountered the Spirit, but they just don't
know how to let it flow.
I tell these Christians that there is so much more. I tell them that the Apostolic way will bring blessed assurance. Many cling
to their tradition because they are afraid, not because of any animosity against the truth. Many explore the Apostolic truth and
embrace it. Some, the legalism suffocates them and they are left classifying it as just rules and regulations. We often turn
them off with unbiblical impositions.
When one of these Christians die, I offer to pray that God have mercy. Why? Because their faith was incomplete. I don't put
them into Heaven, nor do I put them into Hell. I pray for them, and let it go, and I let God be God. He alone knows what is
just for these souls. And I leave it at that. Do I fault one who wants to believe that God had mercy on their grandma? Do
I insist that they relegate her to Hell? NO. That's their "belief". Ultimately, the truth, no matter what it is, will be revealed
on the great day if judgement. They don't need me insisting on their grandma's eternal torments. I will only say, there is
no assurance. Just let God be God. You obey what He has revealed to you.
I pray that helps you to understand my take on it.
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