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Originally Posted by Unregistered
Hi, I am an occasional follower of this site and if it's ok, I would like the grace to ask some questions. I haven't watched the video yet, so also, forgive me if what I am about to ask is addressed clearly in the video. And please don't read too deeply into my questions, as I have been doing a lot of prayer and soul-searching concerning the Ravi situation and this is just one part of the process of me going before the Lord in this matter.
While I think what Ravi did was disgusting and horrendous, can you guys tell me exactly what you're ultimately saying concerning his salvation (i.e. wolf versus sheep)? I'm reading comments such as the one in reference to Judas Iscariot, and the comments from "Trapped", and the reference to 1 John 3:8-10, etc...and am wondering if you all are saying that Ravi was never truly a regenerated believer.
If this is indeed what you're saying, what exactly would be the reasons? Is it the essence of what 1 John 3:8-10 says in terms of habitual sin?
I just find myself having a hard time with the overall theme of this thread. Again, I am not trying to downplay or excuse Ravi's grievous acts, just trying to understand if you're all suggesting Ravi was one big imposter who is not in the Lord's presence ("heaven") right now.
Thank you.
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Here is my .02 worth.
First off. I never followed Ravi’s ministry. But I knew of him. I believe if we are truly saved, we are truly saved. To be saved means to believe in Jesus as our personal Savior. We must have a truly repentant heart and we must trust His cleansing Blood washed away all our sins. We are a new born again person in Him.
We start out as babes in Christ then grow and mature. With each growth spurt comes tests. As we pass the tests, we mature a bit more.
I think the biggest test is living a humbled life when we have attained maturity.
Christian TV, the pro$perity gospel and mega churches have turned many a once humble anointed teacher/preacher of the Word into a very rich proud religious celebrity. Pride was Lucifer’s downfall.
That said, if Ravi Zacharias was truly saved, he is with the Lord. However, the scriptures speak of rewards.
Jeremiah 17:10 says
I the Lord search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards according to what their actions deserve.
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 says
12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward.
But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
Paul also wrote in vs 10:
10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it.
But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
I don’t know if Ravi was truly saved. If he was, it is very probable he suffered great loss of rewards due to his actions. He may have escaped eternal damnation. But pretty sure God will have words with him at the Judgement seat of Christ.
If he was pretending to be a true believer, taking advantage of eloquent sermons, deceiving people he was a true man of God, then he will pay the price for his evil doings.
However. God’s Word does not return void. If many people became believers and followers of Jesus, sanctified by the Blood of the Lamb, their faith in Christ will not waiver. They may be disappointed in having trusted this man of faith.
They are no different from us who followed Witness Lee’s teachings. I got truly saved in the LC. My journey in how to read and study the scriptures began there.
I learned and grew strong in the Lord in the LC because I trusted Jesus. I trusted in His Precious Blood. I sought the LORD in the scriptures. The Holy Spirit enlightened me. I loved the church life and the fellowship when it was centered around Jesus and not “Brother Lee”.
Jesus saved me, not Lee and his teachings. Those who trusted Lee more than Jesus are the ones who are missing out.
Ravi Zacharias was protected by his henchmen just as Lee was protected by his henchmen. I have read they knew for years that Ravi had sex with lots of women throughout the world but he must have paid them and the women very well and thus they kept quiet.
Again. If Ravi was truly saved his spirit and soul are with the Lord and he is probably shedding tears of regret for his actions. If he was a fake, We know what the scriptures say about that.
Either way, GOD will deal with his soul.
And that is my .02 worth as I read and seek the Holy Spirit to enlighten the scriptures to me.
May we all come to trust in God’s Mercy which endures forever.