Quote:
Originally Posted by Erasmus
Scripturally, I can only find 17 people who made it into heaven (the 12 apostles, Enoch, Moses, Elijah, Lazarus (the poor man), and Jesus). To my knowledge, no one has been able to view the names found in the Book of Life, so we don't truly "know" who is going to heaven or not. Therefore, I can't put someone into hell or heaven. Thankfully, there is a perfect Creator who will do that some day.
However, I feel confident that I am serving God the way He wants based on what I read in the Bible. I believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God, because I HAVE to. If I believe that even one part of the Bible is fallible, then ALL of the Bible is questionable. And if ALL of the Bible is questionable, then I have to choose and pick which parts I want to follow -- which, I feel, can lead to more problems.
When I begin to question these things, I'm always brought back to the Scripture found in John 6:67 - 68 where Jesus asked the disciples, "Will you also go away?" to which Peter replied, "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou has the words of eternal life."
I have read the critiques of the Bible, concerning John 8 and Mark 16, and I think these are explained well in The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict. I'm actually naive enough to believe that the Bible we have today is the Word of God, but I also believe that God is strong enough to preserve His word for us over the centuries.
As a side note, isn't interesting that Jesus walked on this earth for 33 1/2 years, and didn't write a thing down? He had the perfect opportunity to write down EXACTLY what He wanted us to know, but chose not to. I would argue it's because He wanted to work through men to give us what we need to find Him.
However, as I find myself probing myself deeper, I have come to realize that my belief in the Bible comes from much more than just argument and belief-- it truly comes from what I feel when I'm in God's Presence and what I feel when I study out His Word. If I didn't feel the way I do when I'm with God, then I don't think my beliefs would be nearly as strong.
And, there's an even simpler reason for why the thief gets to go to Paradise - because Jesus said so. |
Hey, thanks again for your post. Your sincere passion is evident.
A couple of questions for you: Before the 16th Century, Bibles were not available. How did the majority of the populace of the last 6 thousand years interpret, follow, or decide "How" to follow God in fullness? (Remember, there wasn't even the written word until (about) 1500 BC. Even at that point, so few people knew of any such Word. It is interesting to note, Moses is considered the responsible author of the first 5 Books of the Bible. It is claimed, he aquired (some, maybe much) of the orical and scribbled past of our world from the Egyptians, because he was raised in this (modern) culture for 40 years.
Honestly, these possibilites don't bother me. God is still God, period! These questions only arouse my hunger to follow the Lord "away" from laws no one can keep, and to reject doctrines full of falacy, which we embrace. Paul was so adimit in trying to bring people away from the Law, not to it!
We must know Him beyond any Book, person, or idea born from those who "ball and chain" us to Faith. God made me, He put a soul in me, He gave me a conscience, and with these we may find Truth, not lies.
Danger falls upon society whenever we isolate the "right" and copyright it! We have it! We are it! Wrong is on the outside, and right is in our camp. Just like the Civil War. Both sides felt they were right, using their Christian "Heart" to justify victory. What about the Indians? We abused, hurt, and brought disease to these Native people who lived in North America, using God as reason and purpose for known atrocity.
We fight wars, kissing our crosses, holding our Bibles, and quoting Scripture.
You know Erasmus, I'm tired of the hate. I'm tired of the hypocrisy (me included as a hypocrite). I'm tired of men telling me they know so much, when in fact, they are riveted with spite against their brother. Religion has cancered peoples minds with confusion. I thought God was not the Author of confusion!!
You explain to me why there are 1000's of denominal Churches, all claiming their hold on TRUTH!! This is a petrified MESS! Who can explain God in this melting pot of opinions.
Friend, I'm going back to the Garden. I'm seeking Him on the mountain. I've got to know Him, otherwise my soul will crumble to despair!
Linear Mode
