What is the difference between an offer and a gift?
Is christian salvation a gift or an offer?
What obligations are associated with christian salvation? Do I need to do anything in order to receive this "gift"? If I need to do at least one thing, isn't it really an offer, and not a gift?
Is trying to portray christian salvation as a free gift really false advertising?
2007-02-03 17:00:48 · 10 answers · asked by CC 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's an offer, people will tell you that all that is required is to have "faith in jesus", but this is false, they will also tell you that true faith involves works, ex. you have to tithe, you have to go to church, you have to read the bible, you have to pray, you have to spread the gospel etc... there are certain obligations invloved, it's not a "free" gift.
2007-02-03 17:13:23 · answer #1 · answered by Nick F 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, it is not false advertising to portray Christian salvation as a gift because it is a gift. It is a gift because it is free. All you have to do to receive it is to ask for it. This does not make it an offer, it is definitely a gift.
2007-02-03 17:06:31 · answer #2 · answered by Ms. H 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The Catholic Church has always taught that all who are saved are saved by following a sincere, honest and INFORMED conscience regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof. But she also teaches that the best way to have such a conscience is to be an actual member since the Catholic Church alone is in full possession of the truth. This means that since there is only one truth, no one can be saved outside the Catholic Church, but all who are saved are saved through this one Truth by a very special spiritual union with the Church by way of, at least, an implicit intent. Whoever has the intent of doing the right thing if known is worthy of God's mercy. Salvation cannot be any other way since Jesus alone is the way, the truth and the life. But only God can be the judge.
2016-05-24 01:44:52 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you love someone? What do you do for that person just because you love them, without them asking you? Do they have to ask you for everything or as you get to know them better do you just do special things for them because you love them.
That is what it means to be a Christian. Salvation is a free gift with no strings attached. Because we LOVE, we worship and give our lives back to the One who made it possible for us to love Him in return. We serve because we choose to show Him our love because He first loved us. It's not a requirement but we live the life He wants us to because we know it pleases Him, and we get the most out of life, doing things His way we have peace that passes all worldly understanding and joy beyond anything we can hope for.
A gift is free but you still have to take it or it sits there unopened and unused and is basically worthless.
2007-02-04 08:19:56 · answer #4 · answered by Jan P 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The intent of the "gift" of salvation and the "gift" of the Holy Spirit, is contengent on abandoning intentional and willful sin, Believing in one God and his Son Jesus AND obedience. There is NO MONETARY COST to this salvation.
Salvation is not given because you earned it or paid for it. So this is really ticking you off that much? No worries! If you can live with the consequences of refusing a free gift (eternal life) then so be it. No one is going to stick a gun to your head or a blade to your neck. Thats the Muslim methodology, not ours.
2007-02-03 17:23:46 · answer #5 · answered by Victor ious 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes you have to accept it. A gift can be refused, can't it. But you also must realize, when it comes to salvation, that you are a sinner in need of a savior. If you do not know that, then you cannot recognize the need for salvation.
2007-02-03 17:08:01 · answer #6 · answered by Esther 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If an OFFER is given to you at NO COST and there is no way you can possibly EARN this offer then this offer is in fact a GIFT.
If I OFFER you a million dollars to walk into my house. When you walk into my house you will recieve my GIFT of a million dollars. In no way did you EARN this million dollars this million dollars was a free offer or gift.
An OFFER results in a GIFT. The OFFER is CHRIST the gift is SALVATION (or grace).
Just because something is an OFFER does not mean it is not a gift.
2007-02-03 17:05:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
My pastor (and many others) have compared it to a pardon. He cites the story in which George Wilson declined a presidential pardon by Andrew Jackson, and was sentenced to death. You can accept God's pardon by following His purpose for your life which is to love God with all your heart, soul and mind...and love your neighbor as yourself. That's all.
2007-02-06 08:16:43 · answer #8 · answered by loves2sing 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As with any gift, you need to accept it.
2007-02-03 17:08:56 · answer #9 · answered by angrygramma 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it is. It's not free. The cost is 10%, cash, check, or credit card accepted.
2007-02-03 17:06:53 · answer #10 · answered by vladimir l 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋