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Post by ssmynkint on May 27, 2012 8:57:31 GMT -5
By YOUR definition, LR. Frankly, any "god" who would condemn or not "save" a person merely because s/he doesn't address the "god" by a particular name or in a particular fashion is not a "god" worth believing in. It's just another variation on the theme of a jealous, narcissistic entity more interested in it's own aggrandizement then in the actual growth and well-being of humankind. One of the great tragedies to befall Christianity was the movement away from grace-becoming closer to/of one with God-thru action and (largely) replacing it with the notion of grace thru belief alone. This was another result of the codification of "acceptable" belief at Nicaea where the notion of Jesus' divinity was promulgated by "church" elders under the direction of Constantine, to the exclusion of other existing and practiced beliefs. Thereafter, reinterpreting Revelation as justification, the "church" prosecuted dissenters as heretics.
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Post by Justin Thyme on May 27, 2012 11:15:33 GMT -5
God's grace is there regardless of belief or action. It's acceptance of that Grace that results in salvation. It is through that acceptance that we become changed into a person that will feed the hungry, comfort the sick and clothe the naked with the only motivation being that the need is there. When one accepts God's grace one is compelled to share it. One can believe in God's grace and not share it, one can share God's grace and not believe in it. One can not accept God's grace and not share it. Acceptance of God's grace can come regardless of one's religion. Maybe it is better stated that acceptance of God's grace can come in spite of one's religion. I am a Christian because I believe the teachings of the New Testament of the Holy Bible best express the relationship I have with God. I can recite the Apostle's Creed with conviction. The absolute meaning of each line may differ in my belief than some others but I do believe every line of it. I don't believe my salvation comes being a Christian but from God's grace and I do believe that grace is available to everyone regardless of what label they pin on themselves or others pin on them.
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