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 ...
No one predates Christ. At a minimum everyone has certain revelation of Christ written on their heart. If this is the limit of their exposure this is the standard they are held to. The Bible makes clear one is accountable to the extent of God's revelation to them, however, the greater revelation the greater responsibility. All the elect are provided a path to Jesus.
Absolutely. This Obamalamadingdong dub is just trying to pander to as many dupes as possible.
According to Christians. Pathetic concept if you ask me.
No one predates Christ? What? A certain revelation written on their heart. Excuse me?
I take the C.S. Lewis approach to this subject. Just as no one can do evil in the name of Christ, no one can do good in the name of a false prophet (pick your poison). A person who lives a good life as defined by the Bible can get into Heaven — note I’m not saying will. This doesn’t mean that someone who knowingly rejects Christ but still meets the ten commandments will get into Heaven — that’s a horse of a different color.
Too tired to go into the theology I’m trying to expound — go read The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis.
maine-iac7
Let me try to answer that.
In the Old Testament you had the Ark of the Covenant (God’s presence inside) that couldn’t be touched and was carried by poles. The Ark was inside the Temple & Holy of Holies which was entered only by the High Priest on an infrequent basis. The Old Testament describes in detail all of the festivals and occasions in which the people of Israel gathered together and fasted, prayed, had feasts (first fruits being one of them) and had sacrificed lambs, birds, etc. for the attonement of sin. Very bloody. Jesus Christ was the High Priest who sacrificed himself for us for our sins. The Temple curtain was torn at his death (remember?) opening up the Holy of Holies and signifying that no more “God in a box” - we have direct access to Him and He wants in our hearts. I hope this answers some of your question. I’m not a theologian but I have been saved by grace which is free even though the price paid was beyond human comprehension.
Who let you out of your cage,?,,reckon your a muslim.
What's your problem. Read Chapter one of John - Jesus created the entire world. Jesus said "Before Moses was I AM." Do you understand what he meant by this? Are you familiar with the Biblical doctrine of the great "I AM"? Have you read Exodus? Further, have you read the first 5 chapters of Romans regarding the revelation written on one's heart and the extent of one's moral accountablility based on the revelation they have received whether that be natural or special revealtion? You need to read the book.
“..if you have seen the Father you have seen me..”
I highly suspect Obama’s theology, and do not believe he is a “Christian” in the traditional sense!
No, we are already condemned because we have broken His law. Try this on for size. The Bible says that we are born in iniquity, and are sinful from conception. According to Romans 5:12, we die because of Adam's sin, and we are also condemned because of it (5:18). Thus, Adam condemned us, and we will all likewise perish, for all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, and the wages of that sin is death. However, God, in his mercy and love towards us, provided a way out, the death of his Son, Jesus. Thus, Romans 8:1 says that is we are in Christ, there is no condemnation.
That said, I want to convince you, but I won't try. You musts make up your own mind as to the veracity of the New Testament. Is it true of false?
Your argument is like refusing to believe the polio vaccination will keep the disease from debilitating a person. How is that fair? What about all of those who had polio before the vaccination was invented? What about those who don't have access to it now? I refuse to take it myself, then, based on the unfairness of the inventions timing, and the inability to distribute it universaly! Hah!
There’s one atonement provided by God—the death on the cross of the messiah.
That atonement is sufficient for everybody. Just how far God will apply it is up to Him, not us.
(Jews who died in the Holocaust died because of their being picked by God as the Chosen People; and, like it or not, were therefore killed because of their association with God’s plan. How is God going to look at that? I don’t know; ask God. But their entrance into heaven isn’t granted because of their good works—a lot of sinful Jews also died in the Holocaust; but
because an atonement was made for them, just as at Passover—it wasn’t the good or the bad who made it, but those who had the mark of the blood of the lamb on their door.)
The atonement has been made, and it (not our own works) is what restores us to God.
What a surprise.
/sarcasm
Excellent post.
You nailed it.
Good!
Also Acts 4:9-12:
9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The Lords church is spread over the whole globe, and therefore is universal. All are in it who live a good life according to their own religious belief. - HH 328 E Swedenborg.
I really feel sorry for the so called 'Christians' on this thread who actually post such shameful nonsense. Jesus Christ is God. Some may realize this later rather than sooner.
Jesus was a Jew, so were the apostles, and so was Paul. However, the accepted him as the Messiah. Those who don't accept him a savior will not go to the Father. That what Jesus said. If Christ is the only way, then those Jews who refuse to believe in him are damned.
That is Christianty. Jesus is the only way.
A remarkable number of people who claim to be Christian dont seem to be able to comprehend this simple fact.
Key word, "claim".
If God does condemn then to hell, does that negate Christ's sacrifice for your sins and mine or your personal need to respond to Him? In other words, why is your question relevant regarding whether Christ is the only way? Does God have to meet your standard in order for you to believe in him?
If so, which people and by what standard does God have to accept people into HIS home in order for God to be good enough for you?
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