Winston wrote: ↑January 19th, 2018, 2:57 pmBecause I felt like if I could be loving and holy and pure like Christ, then they would convert. So I wasn't living up to my full potential. It's not just about telling people about Jesus. You have to live like Christ and set an example. It was too high a standard to fulfill. So I felt inadequate and responsible for people going to hell. Especially my family.Adama wrote: ↑January 18th, 2018, 4:06 pmWinston wrote: ↑December 14th, 2017, 7:15 pmI posted this to him in the comments section:
"Steven, very touching testimony. I'll share it with my forum. But how do you explain the testimonies of the reverse - where people convert from Christianity to New Age or other religions? They are also honest people in search of truth too. I have written such a testimony as well, which even Christians say is very touching. I invite you to read it and let me know what you think. Here's the link: http://www.debunkingskeptics.com/Christian_Story.htm "
I just read the first few huge paragraphs of your story again.
Why would you think it was your fault if someone refuses Christ? I think you took too much upon yourself. It isn't you doing the saving. It is God, but also, if they don't want it, it wouldn't be your fault. It is their fault for refusing the truth.
why would you blame yourself?
I also think you may not have been teaching the true gospel, which can't get anyone saved anyhow. Why do I think that? Because of a fundamental lack of understanding which I see.
Also, what does missing out on a cute girl at age 15 have to do with anything?
So these two events shaped your life? Along with friends departing?
I think you set your heart in the wrong place. It seems to me as if you set your heart on having an abundance of friends. Nothing wrong with having friends, but what do people have to do with your happiness? People are going to disappoint you. Read Jeremiah 9. TRUST YE NOT IN ANY BROTHER: FOR EVERY BROTHER WILL UTTERLY SUPPLANT, AND EVERY NEIGHBOR WILL WALK WITH SLANDERS.
This whole earth is full with bad people. That's their choice, not God's.
And also, it seems like nothing truly bad happened to you up to that point.
Why would I lack understanding of the Christian gospel or be teaching the wrong one by Christian standards? Christianity is not rocket science. It's dumbed down for the average layman. You know the drill: "You are a sinner. You need a savior for your sins. Believe in Jesus and you will be saved." Etc. It's very simple and elementary. We've all heard it. What are you getting at? What's more complicated than that? The gospel is very simple and not complex at all. It's not a theological seminary.
Not quite, Winston. I have seen you on this forum post that salvation comes by "loving your brother as yourself", and that salvation is not by faith or belief, but through acts of love. And now you say that it is only by belief? Something is going on here, Winston.
I've also seen you dispute the faith alone / belief alone doctrine, stating that only the Book of John says it clearly, and that others of the four gospels do not emphasize belief.
But now you tell me you understand that all a man needs to do to be saved is believe? And now you say you were preaching that salvation is by faith alone? When you were contending against the faith alone doctrine on this very forum for years that I have read?
And yes, the salvation doctrine is simple and easy, because God wants everyone to have eternal life. It is not "dumbed down", which may be blasphemy in itself.