Posted on 02/28/2002 12:37:48 PM PST by f.Christian
When one looks at lands that were once such ripe fields of such ministers and congregations as existed at one time as those in the Netherlands, England, the Palatine regions and to see what bastions of paganism they are today, there is no clearer picture possible of how necessary the Holy Spirit's influence is to bring about such awakening, reviving and keeping.
Indeed. Yet, I'm amazed by the number of Christians who don't know the scripture well enough that they fall into doubt. And must be taught the basics, fed milk instead of meat.
And when they are filled with doubt, they are indeed miserable. They know on the one hand that Jesus died for them, but there is still something about human nature that causes them to think that they could and must somehow "earn" that mercy. That if they fall back into sin and temptation that they are "unworthy" of such a salvation and in danger of losing it.
The truth is we were all unworthy of such a salvation when it came to us and we remain unworthy. There is no way to lose it.
Jesus died once for all sins for all times. If this were not true, the slightest sin following salvation would condemn a Christian to Hell for there would not be any further sacrifice available to redeem him.
I don't think I have ever asked a Catholic the question: "If you died today and you arrived at the pearly gates and God asked you 'Why should I let you into my heaven?', and the Catholic did not respond, "I hope I'm good enough.".
The only correct answer to that question is something to the effect of "because your son Jesus died on the cross for me".
They understand conceptually that Jesus died for them. They believe in the same God and same Jesus. But somehow they do not understand the full ramficiation and full liberty of that act. Their faith sits on the fence, in Jesus but also in their own works. And I often wonder if such faith is faith at all. Yet I think that there are few Christians that do not at some point doubt their salvation and ask the question, "How can God continue to love me." and need to be reassured from scripture.
We should all be able to say as Paul said, "Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Or again "2Ti 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him, against that day."
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.