hi mark,
If you don't mind me jumping in. You said:
<<It doesnt matter(in terms of your salvation) what kind of deeds you do,
what kind of good works you perform, or what type of intentions you possess. All
that matters is that you profess loyalty to and belief in, Jesus Christ. It has to be
Jesus, it cant be God, by any other name.
I truly mean no disrespect, but that doesnt seem right, just, or fair. I truly would rather
keep the company of good people, who do good works, with the highest of intention.
People who value that kind of love and compassion over all else.>>
As christians we are "forgiven" which really means we are taken out from under the judgement that is on the whole world. We didn't do anything to deserve it. We were called by God to it and responded with a "yes" instead of a "no". It's grace by which we are "saved" and not by works, lest any man should boast. We are saved from the sentence that is on the whole world since Adam. Now when we say "yes" we begin a journey with Jesus. And we don't get away with anything. If we sin we are convicted by the Holy Spirit of that sin. If we confess it we are forgiven it. If we do not we are disciplined for disobedience by the Lord as an unruly child. That is absolute and does not change. The christian walk is not easy. The unsaved are really hung up on the idea that christians are getting away with something. It's not true at all. I can say without any reservation that I cannot get away with anything. I never have with the Lord. I have learned the hard way as most do that when I step out into sin I pay for it every time. Now I wouldn't dare because I know. It's not a free ride mark, believe me.
If a christian abides in the Holy Spirit he will want to do good things and follow that leading. But if he follows the desires of his flesh instead then there is a price to pay, a real price in this life. It's every christians choice. Lord have Mercy on us all.
Bob |
