Let me do some research (look up Bible verses to back up my belief) and get back to you. But just off the top of my head, when Jesus and the thieves were on the cross, He said to the one that “this day you shall be with me...”. Jesus was addressing an individual, not a group. Also, the woman taken adultery, the blind man who had to wash his eyes, Peter, the Samaritan woman (at the well), all were addressed individually.
It is my understanding that we must individually accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord. It is a free gift and available to all, both those raised in a Christian tradition and those with out (and that does include moslems, hindus and yes, even Baptists! Just kidding about Baptists; I know they’re almost as godly as we Presbyterians!) Hehehe.
Often, the message of grace is presented in a group setting but it has to be individually received.
Thanks Jem, you so eloguently stated my belief too. At the very least, my humble interpretation of the teachings presentd to me.
You know, it is so nice to have you around FR, you give me strength. Toby