Posted on 03/27/2008 4:40:22 PM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama suggested Wednesday that Jesus Christ is not the only way to heaven during a campaign event in North Carolina.
While answering a question about his Christian faith, Obama said he believes that Jesus Christ died for his sins and through Gods grace and mercy he could have everlasting life, according to the Los Angeles Times.
But he also believes Jews and Muslims and non-believers who live moral lives are as much children of God as he is, according to The Associated Press.
As an example, he spoke about his late mother who was not a believer.
"[S]he was the kindest, most decent, generous person that I have ever known," Obama said, according to the Times. "I'm sure she is in heaven, even though she may not have subscribed to everything that I subscribe to."
Obamas response amid the recent controversy surrounding his former Chicago pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who made inflammatory remarks about race and America in sermons he delivered many years ago.
The Illinois senator, who has made religion a cornerstone of his campaign, has denounced the comments which included God damn America for its racism but refuses to distance himself from the pastor, whom he compares to an uncle.
During his response on Wednesday, Obama praised his church, Trinity United Church of Christ, especially its choir, and said it was very warm and welcoming and is like any other church in America in that it exists to praise God.
(Excerpt) Read more at christianpost.com ...
True enough. But on what account should God forgive sins? If I stood before a federal judge convicted of murder in the first, and asked forgiveness, would it be "fair" to be forgiven for no other reason than my repentance?
Christianity teaches that forgiveness is not free, for blood must be shed. Thus, Jesus died in my place, that I may be forgiven. However, if we refuse to acknowledge that the forgiveness offered by God through Jesus blood is not necessary, but rather just the asking of forgiveness, do I not trample the Son of God undefoot.
All of this boils down to the validity of the New Testament. We each must decide, based on evidence (not blind faith, or opinion, or what I want to be true) whether the NT is a reliable record of Jesus' life and teachings. If it is not, then I am a fool. If it is true, however, you must answer the question "Did Jesus rise from the Dead?" If he did, who is he, and why did he die? Ultimately, we are forced to ask, "If there are multiple ways to God, then why did Jesus die?"
So I ask you now, have you read the Gospel of John? Do you truly know that which you dismiss so easily?
Medved, though, has simply rejected Christ. That is unacceptable. Unless he changes his views, he's a goner.
Which pales in comparison to non-literal spiritualization.
Natural consequences. Free Will is out of God’s control, or it wouldn’t be *free* will, would it? God is not a Puppet Master, like Satan is!
And of course He knows/knew the billions who would reject Him, just like you are doing here. :*( That’s why He chose to *die* for them, to keep all those with Him that chose to live rather than die eternally. Salvation in the body of Jesus Christ is God’s greatest FREE gift that Mankind could ever recieve, but God doesn’t force it on anyone...not even you, Ken. :*)
Before experiencing what could commonly be called a “born-again” experience I may have thought the same thing. There remains ONE way to get to heaven (as far as any human could know FOR SURE) — through accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior! Not through deeds alone!
Whether God, in His infinite wisdom will allow others to enter in - that’s up to Him obviously. But, according to the Bible, the way, the truth, and LIFE are through Jesus alone...
Acts 4:8-12 "8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11He is
" 'the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the capstone.' 12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Christianity has always been based on the exclusivity of Christ. This makes it a stumbling block, foolishness, an offense. It is "foolishness to those who are perishing".
Then he is not a Christian at all. Belief that He is the only path is one of two things required for salvation. The other is acceptance. Skip either and you're not a Christian.
How can you call it a mistake? It flat out contradicts the central theme of Christian mythology. Why would it not be a deliberate lie?
Medved, though, has simply rejected Christ. That is unacceptable. Unless he changes his views, he's a goner.
I'm not familiar with his religious views. What are you basing that statement on?
I think Medved is a jew.
Not sure if this was a direct quote or something, but IIRC, Ubama was asked if he could meet anyone, who would it be? He answered Jesus, because he wanted to ask Him if he was going to heaven.
I knew right then that Ubama truly did not understand the true meaning of salvation through Jesus Christ. (Well, and that Wright is okey dokey except for a few eccentricities business pretty much nailed the coffin on that one too!)
if they trusted the promises of God, they are saved by Christs atoning sacrifice, same as we who believe are today.
I've heard Michael Medved say that he does not accept Jesus Christ as his Savior. If he doesn't change his views, he'll burn in Hell. Thinking of him burning in Hell with Hitler and Stalin (assuming they shared his views about Jesus) may seem unfair to you, but that's just the way things are. He does have a choice so it's not really unfair.
Yeah, we know that. In reality, how is that implemented?
I'd say, 'read the tagline below', but I'm not sure I understand your question...
Okay, step back everyone. Don’t fall into the ever-deepening hole Obama is digging for himself.
It is not surprising he believes incorrect doctrine about his faith, given his pastor.
If and when you believe in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, you become a child of God (adopted into the family of God solely because of the merits of Christ).
All people are creations of God. We are all ‘persons’ made in the image of God. Those that receive Christ as Lord and Savior become children of God. It has nothing to do with non-believers living by some personal moral code or not.
Amen to that.
None other Name...
Well quoted, well stated.
No they’re not, they will get the choice to accept Him or reject Him at the second resurrection.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.