What I mean is this....Why do we often find areas where we can agree (such as "do unto others as you would have them to do unto you")....and then lose the passion for leading others to Christ, acting as if others are saved by merely following these principles? Can one who does not accept Jesus enter into eternal life? Can we be saved by mere principles?
2006-10-23 10:09:13 · 21 answers · asked by whitehorse456 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Love Shepherd: I agree...I am not opposed to finding common ground, only to losing the passion for lost souls who do not know Christ. You make a good point.
2006-10-23 10:14:38 · update #1
The only ones entering into the Heaven are those that have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ...and no one can be saved by mere principles.
2006-10-23 10:12:09 · answer #1 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 3⤊ 3⤋
If we lose the passion to lead! It is because we our-self need to pray more and get a fresh word from the Lord. So that we can share He's good news . That He is coming back soon. We may not know the time or the the hour! But we do know the signs. In Matthew 24: 4 The great Olivette Prophecy. He said "Take heed that no man deceive you"! In Romans 10: 9 " If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him (Jesus) from the dead, thou shalt be save." Principles will get you nowhere my friend... If you not not accept Jesus you can not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. But you will have eternal live ! you must decided where you want to spend it. Heaven or Hell ! You are a free agent you chose...
2006-10-23 17:46:06 · answer #2 · answered by see 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A. The reason we often find areas where we can agree is because God has given us our consciences which are the things that prompt us when we think something is "bad" like people dying and stuff.
B. We lose the passion because possibly we are viewing things on a fear of rejection. We don't want to offend people and say that they aren't going to heaven even though they are nice people. Therefore we allow unbiblical things into Christianity. The simple reason this happens is because we're fallen human beings. because we are born with sin, pretty much anything we do will get screwed up. that's why we're always having reformations and stuff because we can't ever be perfect. we have to be vigilant in keeping Christianity based on the bible, which is God's Word to direct us.
C. People who do not accept Jesus do not enter into eternal life. Romans 3:23 says that "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." if you have sinned, you've fallen short of His glory and hence can't enter into heaven. In Acts 16:31b it says "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." all ya have to do is accept that you've sinned, believe in His free gift of salvation, and confess to God that you've sinned.
D. In Galatians 2:16 it says "know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified." We can't get into heaven or be free from our sins ("justified" in this verse) just by being nice or following a set of rules. We are justified (our sins are erased and we are on righteous terms with God) by putting faith in Christ.
I hope this has helped explain some things for you. I have struggled with some of these things before as well.
2006-10-23 17:23:30 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe 100% you have to accept and follow Jesus Christ to receive eternal life. You cannot "earn" your way into heaven by doing to things and living a good life. Part of our role as Christians is to lead others to Christ. You can and should lead people by your example first and then by what you say.
2006-10-23 17:18:42 · answer #4 · answered by Sarah M 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As Paul would do we become all things to all people but we do not compromise the faith. To do everything possible to not give offense without softening the offense of the cross. Its a tragedy when one seeks to walk hand in hand if it is to put Christ off the side yet to close the door by being unloving also does no good so we speak the truth in love.
2006-10-23 17:26:24 · answer #5 · answered by beek 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Finding commonalities instead of differences produces more harmonious relations between the faith.
As for 'leading others to Christ', maybe this would be a good place for the "do unto others..." rule. How would you react to someone intent on converting you to their faith? We've grown past the point of converting at the point of a sword, and that, eventually, what converting the 'heathen' boils down to.
Live and let live. Let the 'non-believers' come to Christ on their own.
2006-10-23 17:15:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
As Paul did with the Athenians, look for the common ground, then promote Jesus Christ.
Acts 17: 3 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
2006-10-23 17:15:05 · answer #7 · answered by Bob L 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Too many Christians seek to "serve God and mammon". We often feel the need to be less ridgid and politically correct. We forget the Almighty God is our judge and not "society". Jesus said, No one comes to the Father except by Me. This is what we must really believe and practice.
2006-10-23 17:15:56 · answer #8 · answered by martha d 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally? I don't.
Christ was very specific.
I AM the Way the TRUTH and the LIFE. NO one comes to the Father but through Me.
John 14:6
2006-10-23 17:14:11 · answer #9 · answered by pops 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if you are judging other for there beleifs and not working on the great huge log in your own eye then you are in direct violation of the direct word of God in your bible. If you want to spread what you have try doing what JESUS TOLD YOU TO DO. Work on yourself and then people will want what you have. Until then you are the one who is in hell. You are in constant conlfict with everyone who does not agree with you. You can talk about Jesus all you want but until you stop casting stones then your sinning againt the HOLY SPIRIT read what it says about that in your one and only bible.
2006-10-23 17:21:16 · answer #10 · answered by Rich 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋