I've considered myself a lifelong Christian, I've also posed another question on here about "hope" more then "certainty"...has anyone else ever questioned whether it is as black and white to get into paradise as we hear? I mean we as Christians debate tooth and nail as to what it takes...baptism, no baptism , pre destination, free will...etc
Interestingly enough Ive had my own questions as someone very introspective, very analytical etc....however it is a bit challenging. As I said earlier , I have considered myself a Christian since I can remember. During the summer of 95 I had what I thought was a "being saved" moment...someone prayed for me, and I did think I "felt" something and I certainly felt a change...only for years later to hear "feelings don't matter!" from many circles of Christianity. So I have to ask was all that just emotions and not true? Kind of goes along with a time I was going through some pretty severe anxiety, I clinged to the Bible and kept nothing but Christian tv on, only to find out they are all terrible and false teachers!(Sarcasm) , and here I think I am at the best I have ever been in following Christ. I know we must most certainly use our God given discernment, but still i get tired of hearing the everyone is a false teacher argument. So with that said, especially with my mindset it is very difficult, kind of like throwing my hands in the air and saying how do we know? I hope you can see where I am coming from.
It just makes me wonder if getting into paradise is as black and white as we are taught, especially when some Christian views on entering are so severely different (specifically thinking of the baptism vs no baptism being necessary). Listening to other views is it possible that our views whichever side we are on aren't 100 percent accurate?
It is indeed, quite black and white. However, perhaps not as you (and many) would think.
First, many explanation of the black and white nature of salvation, are only a form of law based on a particular understanding of the scriptures that may or not be accurate. There is more conjecture than truth going around: "
For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her who is married,” says the Lord" (Isaiah 54:1).
What is indeed black and white about salvation, is it is a dividing of the light from the darkness in the hearts of all who are born. God decides, and that is His black and white dividing line. As for one way of salvation as opposed to another--again, God decides: It is written of us all, that "
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps (Proverbs 16:9). God decides.
There are however, also steps established for us to follow when in doubt. In fact, there is but on continual thread of God's interaction with mankind, revealing the steps. And yes, it should be considered a shortcut to see those steps--those on that one single thread--and to follow. That was literally Jesus' common invitation, often saying, "
Follow Me."
But make no mistake--that one single thread does not exclude, anyone who gazes into the heavens, or the face of a child--and knows, and believes there is a God, and seeks Him. There is a simplicity in that, and yet it is as weak as it is strong. Better, hear and know the truth, and to follow that one thread, taking care not to follow those who themselves veer of the path. Test every spirit.
