The LCMS is a strong biblically based church. But just because a church is or is not in full communion with another does not mean we think their members are not saved. We expect to see each other in Heaven. We just have doctrinal differences such that we do not share pulpits and communion rails with each other. I have doctrinal differences with most of the Protestants on this board. HOWEVER we all agree that salvation is only by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ not by works. We all agree that Scripture alone is the final authority on all matters pertaining to faith. We all share the assurance of salvation and are happy to call each other brother and sister in Christ. What we have in common is more important than what we do not.
Thanks, that's the point I was making in response to someone's claim that Protestant churches are in communion with each other even though there are doctrinal differences.
Amen Mom. We may have some different YOPIOS ideas on some issues, that are not germane to salvation. On the plan of salvation, however, we march, absolutely, totally and completely in LOCK STEP with each other. There is not even the tiniest bit of wiggle room whatsoever, when it comes to misinterpreting the doctrine of Heaven and Hell. After all, nothing else really matters. I think the soul winner’s motive, should be to keep people out of Hell, where their pain goes to infinity.
I hope that scares a few people out of Hell. Unfortunately, I think many false religionists, blindly accept what others tell them, and continue to misinterpret, and downright misrepresent what the scriptures actually say. 👎