Hi everyone,
With all due respect, I think that being honest about this matter before Quath, and others, is vitally important. It's relevant to the cross. There will be no excuse for unbelief in that day, and that is the simple Truth of the Word. I think we should tell them (not just Quath) so they know. There is nothing offensive about the Truth, unless you do not hold to it.
Quath has said that he doesn't believe, and I accept that, but I do not expect that he would say we should censure ourselves about what we believe. I do not desire to manipulate him, or shy from God's Truth, to somehow make it more attractive. God uses His pure Word to save, not just the parts I think should be shared. Quath knows some of the Word, I would think that at the very least he would desire honest communication with us. He could see right through us otherwise. In this instance, I think we desperately need to be honest. Certainly if he saw me about to walk off a cliff, he would yell for me to stop in my tracks, and let me know that I am on a pathway to death....possibly even do something physically to stop me. I hope he would. If I truly believe what I live, should I not afford him the same attempt to save his life? Shouldn't I be bold enough to at least say it?
I do not want to defend myself here, or anyone else specifically, but I feel as if I need to state these things. I do want to say that love is honest if nothing else. Can we "condemn" Quath and others? No. I am not able to cast the first stone at them...in fact, many of them may be in a better position than I am in that matter. I myself have trampled Christ in my life, and am more guilty of the sin I have committed because it has not all been done in a state of unknowing. I don't even want to condemn others...the whole point is to save them from such a state. If putting up a thread personally for every unbeliever on this board would give them an opportunity to hear God's Word...then maybe we should all do it. I was condemned...we all were, by our own sin, and Quath is because he does not believe in God, in Christ. I am thankful that someone told me. If we love him, shouldn't we tell him...shouldn't we tell all who do not believe the personal witness of how God has pardoned us? I once was lost, but now I'm found. I was once in prison, but now I'm free. I was once dead, but now I am alive.
He is a man sentenced to death, and could have a pardon if he would accept it...shouldn't I enlighten him to his circumstances if I truly believe that they are real...even if he doesn't? I think it would be more offensive of me to not mention it considering I'm the one who actually believes it.
I think that this is so relevant to the Gospel...to the cross...how can we not say it? Why has the church decided that the Gospel is better if we leave out the part about man being sinful, and condemned? How can we not try to stop all who come in here in unbelief from walking out their days in a condemned state? I do not condemn Quath, he is already condemned...he is where we all could be, and have been. Scripture teaches that he will be without excuse. There is nothing offensive, or condemning, about the Word of God. It really is just the Truth of man's state prior to belief...and Quath has told us with his own words that's where he stands...in unbelief. I think he should know what he is facing, and where he stands according to God's Word. I don't believe God would have mentioned it in the Word if He felt it was better left unsaid.
Quath, and others, I publicly apologize for even the slightest offense of a thread that is personally directed at you...if there is one, but I must say that in order to not be ashamed of my Lord, and to be honestly loving with you, that I am obligated to tell you the Truth in plain form. You are condemned. I was once condemned myself, and because of your sin and separation, you are in need of a Saviour. You are a sinner, like me, and you could have grace, like me, if you will only believe. This is not about annihilation, or eternal hell...I'd say that believer's in both camps agree that a lost man is condemned...that is an internal debate for the most part, imo...this is about a Creator who wants to redeem you, and give you life eternal, and have a relationship with you. He wants to bridge the gap of sin and separation with the cross of Calvary.
I do not wish to upset this board, but It is my desire to represent Christ with my life, my words, in an uncompromising way. I do not desire to be contentious about something that is so serious to God's family, but while I have the liberty to speak the Truth fully, and share the Gospel at every opportunity, I will. And again, with all do respect to those who disagree with me about this matter, even my brothers and sisters in Christ will not silence me from speaking the Gospel fully and honestly to the lost....even if this means that I am banned from here. I believe that telling them of their condition is vital. I love you all, even in our disagreement, but I felt the need to state my belief about this matter. I pray that the Lord bless all of you.
