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To: mkjessup
What is most reassuring (from my perspective) is that the Kingdom of God is not divided up into little heavenly housing developments like 'Catholic Castles', 'Baptist Bungalows', 'Episcopalian Executive Suites', 'Mormon Mansions', Presbyterian Prairies', etc., (sorry if I left anybody out) there are NO demoninatations in Heaven, the only category of resident is "Washed in the Blood of the Lamb", and that's exactly the way it ought to be.

Yes and no. There's no strict denominational correlation earth to heaven. You'll find. Presbyterians. You'll find ex-Presbyterians. You'll find ex-Mormons. Etc.

But the Bible talks about many dividing lines in different word pictures applied to different groups of people. We know, for example, that Matthew 25 says the "goats" won't get in. Now just because "goats" isn't a current "denomination" doesn't mean we don't have goat-like sects.

What we DO see from Scripture is that God judges peoples BOTH individually -- and corporately. Jesus judged entire towns when visibly present on earth. He also judged entire geographical churches in Rev 2 & 3.

A key dividing line Jesus makes, referencing twice, is Did He Know us? Was He in a communicative, vibrant, living forgiveness-based relationship with us? Were there too many false intermediaries & 'prophets' between us -- blocking Him out?

A second key dividing line Jesus makes is in John 17:3: "And this is eternal life, that you know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent."

That relationship then has to be two-way -- Do we KNOW THE ONLY true God -- or is it a deeply false characterization of Him? [Quick quiz: Do you think other real gods exist? If so, you don't know "THE ONLY true God" per John 17:3]

For example, you could think you know someone very well in an online relationship -- but it can turn out you didn't know that person at all. You had illusions. You had false impressions. You had misguided understandings based upon what your friends & family members told you about this person.

If we think God is only or primarily a strong stern lawgiver, precept-keeper, ordinance regulator, commandment-keeper, temple recommend checklist keeper and know little of His grace, mercy, and compassion, we will respond to Him much differently than if we had a more balanced perspective. And that can have eternal consequences.

77 posted on 09/15/2009 1:51:03 PM PDT by Colofornian
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To: Colofornian; All
I'll cut to the chase FRiend, and get down to the least common denominator:

"For whosoever shall calleth upon the Name of the Lord SHALL BE SAVED."
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Romans 10:13

The Sinner's Prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and unless You save me I am lost forever. I thank You for dying for me on the Cross and paying for my sins. I come to You now, Lord, just as You said in Your Word, the best way I know how, and ask You to save me. I now receive You as my Savior. In Jesus Christ Name, Amen."

If any unsaved soul prays that prayer, then according to the Word of God — THEY ARE SAVED! AMEN!

God's Word says if you receive and trust in Jesus Christ you are saved. It does NOT say you "might" or "could" be saved — but "shall be saved". YOU ARE SAVED! Once again:

"For whosoever shall calleth upon the Name of the Lord SHALL BE SAVED."
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Romans 10:13

Simple and straightforward, and no complicated doctrines, rituals, dogmas, catmas, or any other kind o' 'mas' ;)
92 posted on 09/15/2009 2:14:24 PM PDT by mkjessup ("It's the Jesus Christ Express Card - Don't Leave Earth Without Him" :-))
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