To: Gamecock
"Indeed, Grace is inside a leaky container. It is constantly leaking out and needs to be replenished by fulfilling rituals and penance. Sound familiar? I am not talking about Catholics, but rather many Evangelicals. What are the rituals and penance? Repeated altar calls with prayers ending with the caveat "If you really meant it in your heart..." Evangelicals are left wondering did I really mean it."
I'm surprised to see this comment, and I'd be very interested in hearing more of your take on this. It seems that this would be a logical outcome of an approach to Christianity that interprets strong belief at the time of conversion as a guarantee of salvation. Given that people can and will sin after conversion, this seems to be a set up for someone wondering if they have really converted to Christ. Is this different from Reformed theology?
32 posted on
09/01/2005 4:06:01 PM PDT by
InterestedQuestioner
("Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.")
To: InterestedQuestioner
***It seems that this would be a logical outcome of an approach to Christianity that interprets strong belief at the time of conversion as a guarantee of salvation.***
The modern American religion stresses personal experience and emotion over truth. We make more out of the actual conversion that than the actual life and death of Christ. Couple that with a lack of solid exegesis and you have people who are latching onto the latest spiritual trend. Whether it's the Prayer of Jabez, or the Purpose Driven Life, Christ is not preached. That causes a lot of weak kneed Christians.
35 posted on
09/01/2005 4:36:39 PM PDT by
Gamecock
("For an omniscient and omnipotent God, there are no Plan B's" - Frumanchu as quoted by ksen)
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