Quote:
Originally Posted by bearbear
If you view this as works why don't you assign "belief" in terms of mere credence as works? They all fall into the realm of
|
My point is salvation from perdition is based on faith. Reward may be based on works springing from faith. But faith isn't the maximum, it's the minimum, but it's enough. Faith is enough to spend eternity with God. I believe the example of the thief on the cross tells us this. Of course, if you nitpick the story to pieces you can come up with all kinds of options. But I don't think the Lord expects us to nitpick. I think he expects us to come to the conclusion reasonable people would.
I don't think God wants us to go around wondering if we will end up going to hell after we've professed faith. I don't think that mindset is one of faith, I think it is one of fear, uncertainty and doubt. It's the FUD Christian gospel.
I don't think God is trying to trip me up. I think he plans to never let me go. You can believe in a God who is looking for reasons to flick you off like a booger if you want to. I don't believe in that kind of God. I used to, and let me tell you doing so didn't make me much of a testimony of anything other that being a head case.