My Christian friend recently posed a question about the "gift of salvation." Which led to this question.
(assuming the bible is true and applying general Christian doctrine)
How can anyone consider salvation to be a "gift" when the recipient is not only required to worship the giver, he is also required to make payments on the gift?
Would you consider anything else given under those conditions to be a gift?
Thanks for your answers.
DISCLAIMER: I am an atheist, and happily so. Please do not preach, just answer the question. Be concise (short & to the point). Thanks, again.
2006-08-14 02:11:17 · 12 answers · asked by Left the building 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
:-) @ ichi:
I try to help people get "best answer." I can only choose one. And the more words a person uses, the less chance I am going to read what he says, much less give "best answer."
A person can post whatever he wants, but if he wants "best answer," he'll answer the question with as few words as possible.
.
2006-08-14 02:25:23 · update #1
I have given many gifts in my life and do not recall ever demanding people thank me or make payments on the gift. They can do with it whatever they want.
2006-08-14 02:28:41 · update #2
Thanks, Thumper, but I can't make much sense out of what you are attempting to say, or how it relates to the question asked.
Just don't *pout*, okay?
2006-08-14 07:29:17 · update #3
Great question...
The gift of salvation? oxymoronic don't you think...christian religion promotes forgiveness above all things so why do we need salvation if everything is forgiven anyway...
Is that concise enough?!
2006-08-14 02:19:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 6⤋
I could care less about getting your best answer. Here's an answer for you. It's not complicated. Jesus died on the cross as a means of taking your sin upon Himself so you would have a way to approach a Holy God. When He was on the cross, me, you, every person was on His mind. There's no longer a payment, sacrifice needed because by Him doing that the penalty for sin was paid in full and we are free. That doesn't mean that you aren't responsible for your actions.
It's a free simple "gift" of salvation. Take it or leave it. You owe God nothing after that. You're love, devotion, good works, worship of Him come natural when you know Him which are known as "fruits of the spirit".
2006-08-14 02:39:25 · answer #2 · answered by Red neck 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Man is unclean and not pure. Out of love, God let His Son make the ultimate sacrifice which allows us, by accepting, entry. That truly IS a gift. If you gave your son or daughter a car, would you just give it away? No, there would be rules (no speeding, wash it, put gas in it, etc). It's a different thing all together, but the analogy is the same. You do have expectations when you give, that is for the receiver to be thankful, and not trample or destroy the gift.
http://planttel.net/~meharris1/mikescorner.html
2006-08-14 02:24:44 · answer #3 · answered by green93lx 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'll be concise, but you'll call me a THUMPER, won't ya? 2 Corinthians 9:7 "Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver."
Unethical heretical men of the cloth (who unfortunately, abound) RAPE PEOPLE FINANCIALLY. God does not. Giving $ for God's glory (missions, charity) in a way that pleases God is like giving affection and performing honey-do chores in marriage. Love, not compulsion, is the motivation. Salvation a gift? Yes, when I was spiritually repugnant, God cleaned me with his own blood, and brought me into his house to live forever.
2006-08-14 05:34:52 · answer #4 · answered by miraclewhip 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would hope that when a friend of yours gives you a great gift you would thank him and because he gave you such a great gift you would not turn around and belittle him to others!
Magnify that a thousand times and you have the answer to your question.
It is only reasonable we do this things.
2006-08-14 02:21:07 · answer #5 · answered by williamzo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
lol on the final remark, funds,credit and stars!!!! lmao! ok, i could have GLADLY taken the barns n nobles present enjoying cards, cus i want a clean runes set, ok, specific I somewhat have, yet to not ppl i know stay in my city. FOr somone will positively see it and it will come again to me that I gave their present away... I deliver off the present... no hazard of it returning any time quickly! ;)
2016-10-02 01:37:36 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The gift was Christ sacrificing his life to redeem mankind. Choosing to believe and partake of his sacrifice means you accept his gift.
2006-08-14 02:17:31 · answer #7 · answered by whozethere 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't want to call Salvation a "gift". It is more of an unmerited favor, grace. It is there for those who want it. It is available for all. It is unto the you/us to except salvation.
2006-08-14 02:24:37 · answer #8 · answered by LP S 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Flying Spaghetti Monster demands nothing except that you accept him al dente.
2006-08-14 02:55:06 · answer #9 · answered by bubbacornflakes 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Who would know the "gift of life" would come with a price?
I can't think of similiar scam.
2006-08-14 02:25:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
a gift from heaven for me will be me able to help people through my experience and enlightenment.
karen ng beng hong admirer
2006-08-14 02:29:34 · answer #11 · answered by mercury of love 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋