Posted by Rob on March 24, 2003 at 21:53:58:
In Reply to: Jesus posted by Pastor Steve on March 24, 2003 at 15:12:44:
Pastor Steven,
I was not offended, I'm just trying to learn all I can.
I do not know if I should continue this here or not but since I do not know what protocol for communication is, I will for now.
Is it okay if I put this at the top?
Jesus did say He is the way to the Father, my mis-typed mistake. But, I hope you know that's what I meant, if not I'm saying it here (because that IS what I meant).
In all this, I have to say, I have some (notice the indications that I do not claim to know anything, but have attempted to study the things of Christ) study background and know Jesus as a child would know his own Father (in a sense where he cannot understand everything but knows He loves His child and doesn't want to hurt him). I know Jesus gave his life so that the world would not perish, but I do not know where acceptance of all faiths that appear to live according to Jesus teaching stops and absolute truth begin, if that makes any sense to anyone else outside my head.
Now for my relevant reply (if you want you can discard the top stuff, or all of this if it isn't okay):
I am confused by your reply a little because Jesus said many things to his disciples that would imply believing in his personhood, in his incarnation as God in the flesh, and not just his teaching or his ways, in order to be saved. The other religions we mentioned do not acknowledge Jesus as the Christ (and thus the only way to the Father), even though they may adhere to some of His principals. Adhering to His principals is not the requirement for salvation, is it?
Again, please know that I am not trying to provoke anyone. I am aching to discuss and know Truth and the realities of the Christian faith and you guys seem to take pleasure in discussing the things of Christ and religion.
May I give a couple scriptures as examples for what I am saying?
////////////Begin Examples/////////////////////////
[Mathew 10:32] Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
[Mathew 10:33] But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
[Mark 8:34] And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
[John 3:16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life
//////////////End Examples///////////////////////////
These are just a few of the over 120 references I have found that refer to believing, confessing, or otherwise recognising Jesus as savior as a requirement for salvation that I found while studying after I read your post. I am just trying to learn, please understand that. I am not asking or whatever for any other reason.
I hope I have not upset anyone.