[MarkBsnr]

It appeals mostly to new and immature believers who need someone to tell them what to think and to those who have an interest in occupying that position and 'Lording it over' them, IMO.

I would go even beyond that and simply attribute it to the emotional need for surety. If you walk up to somebody and say: believe in me and you will go to Heaven, and walk up to somebody else and say: believe in me and imitate me and when you go to Heaven, you will be Judged upon that imitation and your eternal Judgement will be based upon that imitation, who might you be convincing more easily?

[GourmetDan]

"I would go even beyond that and simply attribute it to the emotional need for surety. If you walk up to somebody and say: believe in me and you will go to Heaven, and walk up to somebody else and say: believe in me and imitate me and when you go to Heaven, you will be Judged upon that imitation and your eternal Judgement will be based upon that imitation, who might you be convincing more easily?"

That's why those who believe these doctrines are typically new or immature, do not know or understand the Scriptures and need someone to tell them what to believe. How else can they ignore, Philippians 2:12 - "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Makes the responsibility pretty personal,doesn't it? Corporate salvation is typically a symptom of legalistic-thinking.

In discussing topics with pastors at two different churches I attended over the years, they admitted that they agreed with certain arguments but responded that they had "signed the paper" and had therefore bound themselves to teach that which the denomination requires (different denominations, btw). Imagine men who felt called of God and then let other men tell them what to teach.

Sad, but true.

[Iscool]

I would go even beyond that and simply attribute it to the emotional need for surety. If you walk up to somebody and say: believe in me and you will go to Heaven, and walk up to somebody else and say: believe in me and imitate me and when you go to Heaven, you will be Judged upon that imitation and your eternal Judgement will be based upon that imitation, who might you be convincing more easily?

Problem is, your version is unbiblical for Christians...Mat. 7:21 and following...