Are you a born again Christian?
By Trinka26
@Trinka26 (171)
United States
February 25, 2007 6:47pm CST
My pastor spoke on this topic today, and I decided to post a discussion about it because so many people seem to believe that you can believe just about anything, and still go to Heaven. The passage that was used was John 3:1-10. Jesus is explaining to Nicodemus what one must do to enter the kingdom of Heaven. He states, "Unless one be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
He states later in verses 17, 18 that He (Jesus) is the only way that one can be saved. However, many very liberal people, even those in many churches, deny that this is true. If Jesus' death and resurrection were NOT needed in order for people to be saved, why would he have come to earth and sacrificed Himself for mankind?
4 people like this
3 responses
@kitchenwitchoftupper (2290)
• United States
2 Apr 07
A positive rating for your brave question Trinka and I am so happy to see that you have given a best response to villageanne. I have met many Christians but only a handful that really and truly walk the walk - she is most certainly the real deal; and I have the most respect and admiration for her.
As for your question, I could be wrong and if I am I must suffer the consequences, but I most honestly and with all my heart believe that we all worship the same Universal Law/Life Force/Being/Deity/God/Goddess and just say our prayers in different ways.
It seems (to me) that it would be so cruel for an all powerful and mighty God to say that there was only one way and then give that one way to only certain nations. I understand that is the reason that churches send missionaries to other world countries. But, I also understand that it seems to be an impossibility, if not yet another cruelty, to try to take away someone's belief system and replace it with another.
I hope this is not an offensive post in any way to you as that is not the way it is intended. I so respect your faith and I honor the path you walk. To me, anyone that has a faith and upholds it and stands by it in the face of critics is to be admired; and for that dear friend, I admire you. ~Donna
1 person likes this
@Trinka26 (171)
• United States
2 Apr 07
Thank you, Donna for your kind response. No, I do not find what you have to say offensive at all. None of us have ALL the answers, and many of us are seeking to know what's right and best each day.
One thing that I do feel certain of, God knows our hearts and our intents, and I believe that He understands when what we are honestly seeking, is Him.
I know that you believe in a Goddess, and at one point I tried to incorporate that into my beliefs, but the thing is, God has to have a feminine side, as the quote, "let us make mankind in our image" implies. If there was only the masculine, we women wouldn't be here! LOL
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
2 Mar 07
I am a member of The Church Of JESUS CHRIST Of Latter Day Saints. I believe that how we live our life on a regular basis and the choices that we make will determine where we are when we leave this earth. I dont thing that we can be saved one day and go out and sin every day after that with out repenting and go to the Celestial kingdom.
@saralee1 (1983)
• United States
3 Mar 07
How very funny! because I am an EX MORMON of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints by choice, and I have a lot to say about that one!Basically, Mormons believe that non Mormons will be beneath them, in lower kingdoms. Mormons do not believe in a devil, and Mormons believe that one day they shall become a GOD, and their wives will bear babies for their worlds as an incubator.
note; a pagan is one who believes in more than one GOD.
further note; pagans do not practice Christianity.
therefore, a Mormon cannot be a Christian.
(but don't tell them that!)
further note, if you are talking about the christian salvation, where you profess with your mouth salvation to the lord, it is not the same salvation the Mormon church teaches, but they do not understand this.(Mormons are obviously not aware of this salvation)
the only thing I can really say about religion that would make any sense to anyone, is follow the true nature of your heart. the truth will set you free!
1 person likes this
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
7 Mar 07
This is why I usually stay away from these kinds of discussions. People are rude and they dont tell the truth. I am sorry that you had to witness this kind of behavior while you are still new to mylot. Most people are really nice though
@Trinka26 (171)
• United States
8 Mar 07
Don't worry about it. There are people like that everywhere. I feel sorry for them, because in the end when their ignorance is made plain, it will be too late. I agree with you totally that one cannot say I am a Christian, attend church, and then go out and sin the rest of the time! We may make mistakes, but that is different, and we have God to forgive us and get us going in the right direction again. Thank you for commenting!
@AmbiePam (85254)
• United States
29 Mar 07
Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven and I believe that with my whole heart. I don't understand why people believe any way is an OK way. You're right, if any way was OK, why would God send his only Son to die for us?
