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by elkahna from Hillsborough Co, FL

Last Post 41 days, 5 hours Ago


Of Deeds or Grace?
May 14, 2008 | 7:55 AM
Category: Faith
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A few days ago I made a post titled, "Lord of ALL or Not at ALL" and it generated several great opinions and comments but also raised an issue from a blogging aquaintance concerning judgement of deeds or grace. I tried to answer the question in an additional comment to the original post but there was no way to know if it would ever be read so another scribbling from this space came forth.

I would like to take the opportunity to address an issue that was brought up in a response about the reader feeling that we will be judged by deeds (works) and "organized religion"developing "recruiting" tools of "join or go to hell" . The reader said he hoped that the response was wrong in that he believed that there are many "good" people who are not Christians that do many wonderful things to enhance man's passage and a loving God would not cast away those whose works were good while rewarding those who are "born again" with heaven.

To address the issue of being judged by works I would ask you to take your Bible and read Ephesians Chap. 2 in in full. Pay special attention to verses 3 thru 10 with special attention to verse 8 & 9. This should help with showing why we absolutely are not judged and rewarded by "deeds" or works and why.

As far as organized religions recruiting tool of "join or go to hell" The organizations didn't come up with that. The issue of hell came about in the original fall of man from his original relationship with God. (See Genesis) Read 1 Corinthians Chap. 1 in full but pay special attention to verses 18 thru 31. 

I didn't write in the verses on purpose as I hope you will take the time to read what the word of God actually says on these subjects that were raised. What we "feel" about good works will have no bearing on eternal destiny. Only our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and the washing in His precious blood will matter. Jesus said in John Chap. 14 verse 6, "I AM the way, the truth and the life, no man comes unto the Father, but by me."

Thanks again for your read and comments and I hope this info will help us along in a walk with the Savior!!

elkahna

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Vittorio read my blog view my photos
May 14, 2008 | 8:11 AM

As I possess several Bibles, I'll read what you suggested and get back to you. I'd like to remind you that in the "old days" common folk were taught by parables, plays, and metaphore. It was the best way to spread the word. While I DO consider the Bible as well as the Koran to be excellent guides for living a good life, I think we sophisticated, modern, educated folk read too much into it. Corruption of the basic word has led to the crusades, jihad, etc. Understanding, respect and tolerance are the way to go.

More to come....
elkahna read my blog
May 14, 2008 | 1:40 PM

Hi Vittorio

I am pleased that you plan to read the references. I really enjoy your commentaries and as my profile indicates, fervent about God. In the "old days" much teaching had to be done by word of mouth as there was not much written word in those times. Jesus himself taught in that fashion as the New Testament as we know it had not even beem written yet. Even though I do verbally or in this case write about the Word I still try to provoke thought and contact with the Word by steering to it. If you become a student of the Bible, I simply like the KJV but there are others that convey the same message but in terms easier to read and understand, IE the Amplified Bible. But that aside, The God of the Bible is the Living God and He loves us. Understanding and respect of others is absolutely necessary. In this country we must also be tolerant of the way anyone wants to worship. Its not so in other areas of the world. That said The God of the Bible will not tolerate other gods. He has said that we will have no other gods before Him. and as my last reference in the above posting, Jesus and His completed work on the cross IS the only way to the Father. There is no middle ground. You either believe it or you don't. (see Lord of All or Not at All) The Lord will not force Himself on anyone. He does say that He stands at the door and knocks and if anyone will open the door He will come in. Thats a grand thing to me. That in spite of ourselves, He still loves us and has made a way for us.

I look forward to your "more to come"

elkahna
Vittorio read my blog view my photos
May 16, 2008 | 7:40 AM

I read the passages while in church last evening. The guest pastor spoke about a passage in the old testament that I take exception to. Likewise your suggested reading. He spoke of the escape from Egypt and the promised land. What he forgot to mention is the bloodbath that ensued. He also spoke of Jericho and the miracle of the falling walls. He failed to mention the following slaughter.

I'm sorry, but I cannot think of our creator as choosing a favorite and allowing one cultural group to destroy another with violence. That's a Human action and giving God Human values is, well, arrogant and insulting. All people are God's chosen people, not just the Jews. They used God as an excuse for conquest, kinda like the Christians in the 16th through 19 centuries.

Now for Paul. What was Paul doing while he spoke to folks in Ephesus and Corinth? He spread the word looking to increase the flock. Christians have been using fear as impetus to conversion since the beginning; yet we have a free will. Doesn't make sense, does it? I believe about half of what I read and that includes the Bible. People embellish, and the Bible is oral in nature. The literal word of God? I think not, but a great history and guide for good living.
elkahna read my blog
May 16, 2008 | 2:46 PM

Hey Vitorrio

I appreciate you reading the references and listening to good preaching. I love differing opinions and give a lot of thought to what I write on these here blogs. I like sometimes just to take a slanted stance to see what will shake out but on the subject we are talking about here I am ALWAYS serious.

I am about to give you some really straight information. It is not meant to offend as that is the fartherest thing from my mind so here we go!

Your guest pastor probably didn't just "leave out" the after effects of the walls falling down at Jericho it probably wasn't part of his message. I'm just giving him the benefit of the doubt as I wasn't there. BUT, the ensuing slaughter was what God told the children of Israel to do. There are other instances in the Old Testament where God instructed the Isrealis to kill evey man, woman, child and animal that was in a segment of the land that was given them as the Promised Land. Without going in to a very long explanation if the Israelis had listened to God in ALL his instructions the conflicts that rage in and around them would not be taking place today. (I can explain the statement in scripture but it will take a bit so for the moment humor me :-)

As for Paul, he started out as Saul and was intent on exterminating the early church and all christians until his encounter on the Damascus Road with the Risen Christ Himself. Then he became Paul and was the most zealous of all the disciples and apostles.

Free will is an absolute must with God. He wants fellowship with us because He loves us. He will never force

elkahna read my blog
May 16, 2008 | 2:49 PM

Vittorio

only about half my blog entry posted I dont know where the other half went! I have to run for now but I may try again later

elkahna
elkahna read my blog
May 16, 2008 | 3:58 PM

Hi Vittorio

I couldnt get the entire writing to post here so there is a new post titled "No Middle Ground" and it posted everything. I hope to hear from you again soon and I know I will. :-)

Be Blessed you and all

elkahna
Vittorio read my blog view my photos
May 16, 2008 | 5:28 PM

" God instructed the Isrealis to kill evey man, woman, child and animal that was in a segment of the land that was given them as the Promised Land."

NO NO NO NO! Not my God, Goddess or any one elses!!!!!!!! This is where trouble starts and it's just plain wrong. You may or may not have figured out that I'm not a Christian. I have too many problems with their rules. I'm no Jew; there's no promised land and God would never want the children, animals or anyone else slaughtered. Never. I'm no Muslim as they have way too many rules and no sense of fashion.

Believe me when I say that I'm very happy that you find comfort in your religion. I find comfort in mine too. It's the oldest religion on this planet and we have but one rule or commandment. As long as it harms none, do what you will. Sure we're pacifists but have historically been the fiercest fighters ever when out backs are against the wall and still are. We are now a nationally recognized religion. We are a true religion of peace. We are Pagan and proud.

Gimmee that old time religion; it's the only one for me. Simple is usually better, right?
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elkahna

Long time area resident. Passionate about God, country, justice & motorcycles. Love spirited CLEAN debate and varying opinion.

Member Since: 5/1/2008


 

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