Christianity is and isn't

[Stan]

Christianity isn't "how much can I get away with and still slip into heaven' am seeing that more and more..

[Gail]

Christianity isn't "how much can I get away with and still slip into heaven' am seeing that more and more..

There is something bigger and better in store for us when we plunge in and say, Thy will, not mine, be done, Lord.

That's a risk and a promise!

[Gail]

As a matter of fact, I would be willing to say that the risk is WAY worth it! The abundant life that Jesus promises is beyond anything the world can offer!

[Gibs]

Stan I find you are so right. When if we do love Him with all the heart and soul we gladly lay all on the altar and surrender all, nothing withheld.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[joeb]

Christianity isn't "how much can I get away with and still slip into heaven' am seeing that more and more..

There is no "how much can I get away with and still slip into heaven" in Christianity. If that is a person's attitude toward sin it is evidence that they have not experienced Christ or been forgiven, for he that is forgiven loves much, and would never even think of having such an attitude toward that which cost Jesus a life of suffering and a horrible death.

No conversion == No heaven.

[Ted Oplinger]

Originally Posted By: Stan

Christianity isn't "how much can I get away with and still slip into heaven' am seeing that more and more..

There is no "how much can I get away with and still slip into heaven" in Christianity. If that is a person's attitude toward sin it is evidence that they have not experienced Christ or been forgiven, for he that is forgiven loves much, and would never even think of having such an attitude toward that which cost Jesus a life of suffering and a horrible death.

No conversion == No heaven.

I agree. No conversion means that person does not identify being crucified with Christ, and their profession is meaningless.

Blessings,

[ClubV12]

Along these line a recent study of mine, which is still shaping up, suggests that "many" will need to be rebaptized. Not because they have lived some open sin, bad news Christian life. I believe Sister White is talking about "good" Christian folks, leading an exemplary good Christian life. No apparent faults. Laymen or Minister alike, she is speaking to all.

WHY rebaptism? Because at some point in your Christian life you begin to realize you were never really converted. One of Ellen Whites sons was 40 or 50 years old before he was converted. When conversion happens you really do start to see things in a different light. Your eyes are opened in a way as never before. At that point, "many" might want to consider rebaptism.

There is a place for the communion service, but it's function is different than what I am talking about here. I would say more but have not yet gone far enough in my study to speak with authority on the subject as yet.

[Kevin H]

Christianity isn't "how much can I get away with and still slip into heaven' am seeing that more and more..

Of course. Hell is one of two responses when we see Jesus in person. When we see him we will either realize our relationship with him, and as C. S. Lewis said, realize that we never lived anyplace else but heaven. Or else Jesus will be a consuming fire as we become prisoners of our mind, wanting to come to Jesus, but seeing the horribleness of what we "got away with" in contrast to his beauty. Afraid to come to the light for fear of their deeds being exposed. Being unforgiving people cannot comprehend God's forgiveness and thus lives in fear that God is going to get us for what we tired to "get away with." Finally realizing that they have formed a character of wanting to get away with things. (I would not be surprised if at the end of the thousand years that Satan says "I wish I could have another chance" the lost rise and he is given another chance, and instead of apologizing and encouraging them to repent, he returns to lies and deception.) They become horrified of what they have become and no longer want to live.

However Jesus is still their deepest desire and they so long to come to him and repent, however they destroyed their capacity to choose. They are in the horrible situation of wanting to come but won't.

[debbym]

Quote:

Christianity isn't "how much can I get away with and still slip into heaven' am seeing that more and more..

i get a glimpse now and then of a cosmic scenario.

Jesus as both God and man represents God to us, but also stands as the head of the human race.

He is also able to be completely personal in his relationship with every person. and is deeply involved in every person's life, knowing just where they are in their relation to their maker.

He wants us to partner with him as a cooperative co-worker taking our directions from him. He appreciates anything and everything we might do to further his relationship of life giver to those whom he wants to give eternal life to also.

Imagine if you worked for the cia as an operative, being trained by the top and on a mission that few understand.... and the pay is off the scale. And your loyalty is valued, and your perseverance, and diligence in the mission all highly valued. And the director knows your every move and coaches you through every top secret operation. It is even better then this.

and everyone you influence to become prepared for service will be an incredible source of joy forever.

When you lose your life you find it. If you give up family, job or whatever you sacrifice you receive 100 fold back in this lifetime, and then eternity.

Taking direction for your life from the top, One who has all possibilities in hand by the power of creator and recreator, is an intensely amazing life.

To surrender all is something we cannot achieve on our own. God carefully asks more and more of us, as we grow in love and faith and trust. The more we give up, the more God has to give us.

The more he gives us, the more he asks of us.