Hi to my Forum Friends,
In the discussion begun by our atheist Friend, Jennifer, titled "20 Reasons To Abandon Christianity" -- our resident "atheist in perpetuity" Deep, declares, "Your book (the Bible) says that blind obedience is required for salvation?"
And, my Christian sister, O No, challenges that, "DeepFat, there is no place in the Bible that says blind obedience is required for salvation. Not one, because it isn't true and you KNOW that. So stop exaggerating if you want to be taken seriously."
Deeps response, "O No, what, precisely, IS required for 'salvation'? Is it nothing more or less than accepting Jesus as who he said he was? Doing what he said you have to do? Doing so is a matter of blind faith and obedience. Wake up."
Salvation? Salvation is by the grace of God, through FAITH in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Is FAITH blind? No way. FAITH is based upon me personally seeing God work in my life -- daily.
But, what is FAITH in Jesus Christ? Glad you asked.
Well, that is FAITH in knowing that He came to earth as the Incarnate God; that He was born of the virgin Mary; that He went to the cross, taking my sins and my sentence of death with him, and died for me -- that I might live; that He rose from the grave in three days, and for forty days was seen by and talked with over 500 believers, even eating breakfast with some.
FAITH is knowing that He, on the 40th day, ascended into heaven where He is seated at the right hand of God, continually interceding as the one and only mediator between man and God, for all Christian believers.
FAITH is knowing that He WILL come again in the clouds to Rapture His church, His body of believers worldwide into heaven to be with Him during the seven year Tribulation; that He WILL return to earth after the seven year Tribulation to establish His Millennial Kingdom on earth, from the throne of David in Jerusalem where He will rule the earth for 1000 years in peace; and, then, that He WILL take all believers into eternity to be with Him forever.
That, my Friend, is FAITH -- and there is nothing blind about it.
And, finally, my Friend -- FAITH is knowing that, no matter how much YOU denigrate His name, no matter how much YOU deny Him, no matter how much YOU spit in His face -- He will forgive YOU and accept YOU into the family of God.
But, there is just one catch. YOU have to open the door of your heart (Revelation 3:20) and invite Him to come in -- while you are still breathing in this mortal body. For once you breathe your last breath in this body -- your next breath WILL be in eternity. That eternity can be either heaven or hell -- your choice. But, you MUST make that choice while still breathing in this life.
So, until you make that wise move and invite Him to be your personal Lord and Savior -- I advise you to walk and drive very carefully -- and, watch your blood pressure. For you do not want to suddenly be killed or drop dead BEFORE you make that eternal decision.
And, that, Deep, my Friend -- IS FAITH! ETERNAL FAITH! Don't leave home without it!
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill