Thanks for your reply. I'll respond to parts of your post if that's OK.
"... everything I believe must be verified against the scriptures. "
I don't want to be too argumentive, but it seems to me the difference between a letter from Paul to some Romans and a letter I write to a friend is ... that Paul's letter has been widely accepted by a lot of people as authoritative and has become part of a religious tradition and heritage and has been ratified by some self-appointed authorities i.e. church leaders. Having faith in "scripture" inevitably means having faith in Paul or some other writer and his opinions and also in the judgment of the people who decided to accept it and proclaim it as "scripture". Just something to consider.
"It has given me a inner peace that I never had before at anytime in my
life."
Wonderful.
"I have the assurance of eternal life, where before my religion
taught me to do my best, and if I measured up to some standard, one in
which they could not clearly define, I might make it to heaven. But I
would not know until I met with God. And that surely was not fair. "
Sounds like you were afraid of going to hell. I had the same fear as a child. I deeply feared and hated God ... loved Jesus though ... and this from a very early age, long before I had anything to be guilty about. Of course, this fear and deep insecurity was taught by my church and my parents. First they teach fear, then they sell the way out of the fear. Clever (but despicable) marketing strategy. God has damned you already and there is no hope except by buying the right doctrine. Pity those poor saps who buy the wrong doctrine. Of course, as I grew up I realized that the God I'd been presented was a monster. Eventually I came to realize one must simply have faith and trust in the ultimate goodness and wisdom of God. If God is not good and is as monstrous as many believers imply and is willing to play some nonsensical games with his creatures, none of said creatures truly have any hope. Live as morally as you can and have faith in the wisdom and righteousness of God.
"It has made me somewhat selfless, where before I was totally selfish. I
care about others, sometimes more than for myself. not only care about
others salvation, but their day to day problems, their griefs and
sorrows. I try to help others when sometimes it might do harm to myself.
I just care a whole lot more for others than I ever did before.
(skip)
Some of the new features I possess, after faith in Christ are patience,
kindness, love for others, and a burden for others. "
I'm very happy to hear this. This is your best testimony IMO.
Bruce |
