Team Hammer's Musings: A Post for Mark

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

A Post for Mark

There is always a discussion somewhere encapsuling the concepts of salvation chosen vs. salavation proscribed, often intertwined with the connected ideas of salvation eternal vs. salvation 'maintainable' and subsequently, rejectable once attained. Robert at Libertopia has asked me to post on the first question.

This is not it.

Instead, here is a post over at the Physicist's Perspective. It's actually by Mrs. Physicist.

Here's an excerpt:

Have you come to the blood of Jesus? If you have come to that blood once, you will come to it constantly.

7 Comments:

That makes more sense than most of the other responses I've had, though it does lead one to consider what 'now' means. What if you stray from God's path for just a few moments as piano drops on your head? And from God's perspective, what is 'a few moments'? Seconds? Minutes? Days? Years?

I've gotten to the point that if Rapture was today I'd choose not to go. That interpretation of God, if correct, does not deserve anyone's worship.

By Xactiphyn, at 4/27/2005 04:51:00 PM
Nothing to do with this post.

Duh. Just wanted to say you made me laugh when I needed to--nothing to do with blogging, politics or anything important, or even in my real life.
Shakespeare said it best--but I don't believe I'm allowed to even quote it now

By Anonymous, at 4/27/2005 05:36:00 PM
Mark,
That consideration of "now" will be the subject of an upcoming post - I promise.

I worry about your Rapture statement, for this reason: Eschatology is best not considered in the decision making process. Why? The views are too divergent and varied. There's a reason that the only end-times stuf you'll see me say here is to the effect of "Jesus is coming back, and when he does, he'll be the boss. You should be ready."

Thus, when you say, "the Rapture", I honestly don't know what series of events you mean. It could be a number of things.

Thirdly, if there is an omnipotent, all-powerful, perfectly righteous God, he is deserving of worship merely because of who he is, not because we agree with his methods. That he allows us to both disagree and not worship testify to his goodness.

By Hammertime, at 4/28/2005 12:19:00 AM
I think it’s best to start with first principles, as in, the nature of regeneration. So I’ll offer the following: Matthew 16:15-17…flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father in Heaven…

This is an essential question because “faith as assent” is subject to fluctuation because of intrinsic sin, but “faith as imputed spiritual enlightenment” is given and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit.

I’ll reserve further comment until you post at greater length on the subject.

By Robert, at 4/28/2005 01:46:00 AM
I chose the word "rapture" because it represents a very specific event pushed by the end-of-times crowd. I have a cousin who is constantly sending me email about this. She's convinced she'll be taken away any day now. My point was this particular view of God, the one where he is going to save all the ones that worship him and punish all that don't -- I don't like that guy very much.

I love the God of my childhood, though. That's the God who's still in my heart even if my mind doesn't believe anymore. But I no longer consider that the Christian God. The Christian God is a Jealous God, says so right in the good book.

By Xactiphyn, at 4/28/2005 12:04:00 PM
Robert-
I have posted my position. While it does not approach the level of intellectual engagement I have been watching you do on the subject, it is entirely my honest conviction.

Mark,
I'll have one up for you soon. You have a point or two that need to be addressed. I pray I give the right answers, not just my answers.

By Hammertime, at 5/02/2005 11:52:00 PM
No David, I'm just a step away from the religious left.

By Xactiphyn, at 5/03/2005 03:58:00 PM