Howdy fellow believer's

[lazarus0673]

I was born into catholicism on April 9th, 1951. That's right, I'm an old guy. Moving along, in my youth I went to a catholic school but I can honestly say that catholicism never really appealled to me. The catholic hierarchy always seemed more interested in self-promotion than in the promotion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, a view which I more strongly hold now than then. In my teens, 20's, 30's, and into my 40's I still believed in Jesus Christ but could easily have been mistaken for an agnostic. For the longest time I felt that one had to be connected with a religion in order to be saved. Probably a throwback to my catholic upbringing. Then one day while channel surfing I happened onto the Jack Van Impe show and found myself intrigued. My secular mindset at the time was pondering just how was the human race going to survive with so many things seeming to be rapidly approaching their tipping points: wars and rumors of wars, climate problems, population problems, political unrest, food and water shortages, etc. These are things that Jack talks about all the time so when I found out that the Bible had already addressed my concerns that was a bit of an epifany for me so I started reading the bible and researching christianity and religions in general. In my research I came across another very impressive teacher by the name of Dr. Ed Hindson. He has a lot of vids on YouTube. Anyway, the more I read and researched I came to the conclusion that christianity and religion are not necessarily synonomous. Then into my life came a great clarity when I read the book by Frank Viola, Pagan Christianity. Everything in that book was almost exactly how I felt. It was then that I realized that I believing in Jesus Christ as my savior by faith alone and not through the prescribed works of a particular religion is the way it's supposed to be. It was with that realization I became reborn. It was with that realization that I truly became a Christian. Well, I hope that was enough information about me for a suitable introduction. I certainly have many more questions about my faith. For example, is baptism required once you feel that you've been born again? Some say yes, some say no. To me baptism seems to be a "work" and not necessarily required. What say you? If you answer please reference the NT verse(s). I'm also rather curious about what happens to the souls of people who dogmatically follow religions that demand salvation through works or that preach false doctrine. Websites? Thank you for your time. Think about this: Jesus Christ.

 

[Davies]

Then into my life came a great clarity when I read the book by Frank Viola, Pagan Christianity. Everything in that book was almost exactly how I felt. It was then that I realized that I believing in Jesus Christ as my savior by faith alone and not through the prescribed works of a particular religion is the way it's supposed to be. It was with that realization I became reborn. It was with that realization that I truly became a Christian.

Hi lazarus0673,

I'm very glad that your heart has been softened in you older age to the things of God. I tend to think that it's more difficult for older people because there ways are established, and most people won't let them go.

I don't know anything about Frank Viola and Pagan Christianity, so, I may not be the best suited to understand where you're coming from. When you said that believing in Jesus through faith alone and not by works of a particular religion, you became born again. Perhaps there is so much packed into your sentence that it was inadequate to communicate your experience, but if I had to boil sown saving faith in the Savior into one sentence, I would say a person is born again through repentance and trust in Jesus Christ. The repentance itself doesn't earn your salvation, but it is required. Trusting in the finished work, atonement, and resurrection of Jesus justifies a man before God. Salvation is such a important doctrine, we can't get it wrong. Many people struggle with this for years, so it will pay to read, and reread your Bible with prayer to work out your salvation as the Bible puts it.

For example, is baptism required once you feel that you've been born again? Some say yes, some say no. To me baptism seems to be a "work" and not necessarily required. What say you?

If you take credit for anything you do in order to earn your salvation, then you would be robbing God of His glory minimizing the work He did on the cross to purchase your redemption. Baptism is just an outward symbol of what has taken place on the inside. You identify with the death of Jesus by being emerged in the water, and then identify with Jesus' resurrection by coming out of the water. Plus, it a public proclamation of your faith. It should be a life changing event. It's a form of obedience, but not to earn your salvation.

Ephesians 2:8
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Also, consider the thief on the cross. He wasn't able to be baptized, yet because of his faith, Jesus said he would be in paradise with Him.

I'm also rather curious about what happens to the souls of people who dogmatically follow religions that demand salvation through works or that preach false doctrine. Websites? Thank you for your time. Think about this: Jesus Christ.

If a person hasn't repented and put their faith in Jesus, the Son of God (God Himself), does not believe in the Trinity, believes he can earn his way to heaven by being a good person, then, this person remains in the condemned status they are already in. Upon death in this condition of not being forgiven, that person pays for his sins, and God places him in the lake of fire that burns forever. I know that's heavy, but coming to grips with God's holiness is very important which will help you to put what I've said into perspective.

John 3:17-18
New King James Version (NKJV)
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

For resources, I like to listen to sermons by Chuck Smith from Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. There are many other resources, but his website has sermons that cover the entire Bible which I think would be helpful to you. Also, being involved in a church is important, because it provides accountability and encouragement.

http://thewordfortoday.org/

I hope what I've shared with you is helpful.

- Davies

 

[lazarus0673]

Dear Davies,

That was some very excellent feedback in my view and I will followup on the website you recommened. Thank you and God's blessings to you.