Hi Lon,
Please don't take notice of ok doser's claims about what I wrote, think or believe.
It's got to be a 'real quotes only' tenet with that character.
Lon I forgot to ask....
Do you belong to a particular Church or Creed?
... Christ did not die retroactively for those already past who did not believe ...
Corrections and further input are always helpful, thanks.
I've tended to be on page with Westminster but I get to 'limited' (for instance) a different way than most Calvinists. I'd probably have said prior that I was Amyraldian but not Catholic with a bit of Lutheran mixed in. Today, I'd be Calvinist-lite because I have reservations in discussion. Because Christ did not die retroactively for those already past who did not believe, I'd say that alone is 'limited' but Calvinists mean something different and so limited Atonement has long been the hold-out. Other Calvinist-lites accept me as a Calvinist. Those who are very much on page with all of Calvin teachings say I'm not (also a few on TOL, who are not Calvinists say I'm not). At the very least, it is useful for explaining where I come from, for the most part - Amyraldian leaning toward 5 points and believing God is in control of His universe. -Lon
Corrections and further input are always helpful, thanks.
I've tended to be on page with Westminster but I get to 'limited' (for instance) a different way than most Calvinists. I'd probably have said prior that I was Amyraldian but not Catholic with a bit of Lutheran mixed in. Today, I'd be Calvinist-lite because I have reservations in discussion. Because Christ did not die retroactively for those already past who did not believe, I'd say that alone is 'limited' but Calvinists mean something different and so limited Atonement has long been the hold-out. Other Calvinist-lites accept me as a Calvinist. Those who are very much on page with all of Calvin teachings say I'm not (also a few on TOL, who are not Calvinists say I'm not). At the very least, it is useful for explaining where I come from, for the most part - Amyraldian leaning toward 5 points and believing God is in control of His universe. -Lon
When He died, he went to the 'bosom of Abraham (Paradise)' where He 'preached to all the saints.':think:
Did He die retroactively for those who did believe?
We aren't given that information directly.I guess we need to clarify what you mean by "believe". Cain certainly "believed" in God, he knew Him, he spoke with Him, but I'd take a lot of persuading to be convinced that Cain was saved.
We don't know, directly. While Moses and Elijah were with Jesus Matthew 17:3, Adam was not there.Were Adam and Eve saved?
He was exercising faith in sacrifice which was acceptable, so it'd seem he was.Was Abel, whose sacrifice was respected and who, apparently, died in a sinless state?
Paradise vs. Hades (place of fire) discussed above should help, I'd think. Those who had faith, went to Paradise and awaited redemption. Luke 16:19-31 In Him -LonI'm uncomfortable with the idea that nobody was saved who died before the Cross
Matthew 19:4 then Matthew 18:3 finally Romans 10:13Question:- Can that simple person get to go to Heaven ....... Yes or No?
Answering questions like this for others, grasping my own walk with God more completely. The advantage is that Christ meets us at 'our' place of need. As you've seen in this thread, Doser doesn't do a lot of theology. James 3:1 warns that most should not be teachers. I pray often about answers I give, not so much that I'm worried about the more severe scrutiny, but that I'm concerned that I best honor Him and that other's have a meaningful answer.Question:- If that person can go to Heaven, what was/is the value of all the complexity and theological degree that you attained?
I'm not certain. There are scriptures that talk about such things, but for me, it isn't 'reward' that motivates, but as my moniker says, I want to be known for loving people, and God. Jesus said all the O.T. is summed up in these two.Question: If you both did get to Heaven, would your standing be any higher or better than his/hers?
Thanks. Appreciate the time taken...I pray the answers guide you further to Him. -LonThat is what has been generated by researching your basic Christian journey..... those questions.
Thanks for your answers Lon.Matthew 19:4 then Matthew 18:3 finally Romans 10:13
James {3:1} My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.Answering questions like this for others, grasping my own walk with God more completely. The advantage is that Christ meets us at 'our' place of need. As you've seen in this thread, Doser doesn't do a lot of theology. James 3:1 warns that most should not be teachers. I pray often about answers I give, not so much that I'm worried about the more severe scrutiny, but that I'm concerned that I best honor Him and that other's have a meaningful answer.
Surely that is crucial? The poor of intellect, the poor of mind, the poor of strength, the poor of ability, the poor of wealth..... surely they should all have a chance of Christian Heaven? If not......... then it doesn't look like the heaven that Jesus talked about. It's not about what I believe, but what is reported about Jesus.I'm not certain. There are scriptures that talk about such things, but for me, it isn't 'reward' that motivates, but as my moniker says, I want to be known for loving people, and God. Jesus said all the O.T. is summed up in these two.
And thank you...... I don't discuss religion on TOL much.Thanks. Appreciate the time taken...I pray the answers guide you further to Him. -Lon
As much as scripture study allows and reveals. I pray this conversation is fruitful to that end.Thanks for your answers Lon.
I was surprised by your choice of Jesus's words (I didn't read Paul's).
Take just Matthew 19:4 :-And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female
...... so I asked another Christian the same question and he gave me straight from 'the shoulder':-
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
........ which cover both those with 'lack of reason' and those with 'lack of education'
James {3:1} My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
OK...... I tend to focus upon what Jesus said.
Forgive me for saying it, but I'm still not sure whether James had been the disciple, or Jesus brother or yet another.
You see, I have not studied the history of the Actions of the Apostles.
Those who can teach, should teach. As I understand, every Christian is an evangelist and so a teacher..... but what does a deist know?
I was answering rather from the 'educated' side of your question. As I said, I think real crowns (treasures) are people. The Apostle Paul wished he could be condemned for his lost brothers. Heaven is for all who, by faith, trust in the saving Gift of Christ. Those who don't need it, will either not try, or do so without Him. Me? It only makes sense to rely, in faith, upon One who wants me (you, all of us) to make it. My uncle was very disturbed (schizophrenia). During moments of cogent thought, he'd simply say 'pray for me.' Such seems, to me, to be 'child-like' faith. God's desire is to save. 2 Peter 3:9b "He is unwilling that any perish."Surely that is crucial? The poor of intellect, the poor of mind, the poor of strength, the poor of ability, the poor of wealth..... surely they should all have a chance of Christian Heaven? If not......... then it doesn't look like the heaven that Jesus talked about. It's not about what I believe, but what is reported about Jesus.
And thank you...... I don't discuss religion on TOL much.
I know this was the wrong place......... but it just happened like it did.
Historical Jesus is my very first past-time.
I don't believe anybody is happier for the side discussion than Doser. While he is interested in politics, I know he is ever happy anybody hears about the Lord Jesus Christ and His salvation. -Lon