"Righttruth, post: 69737498, member: 373052"]That includes me because we are far off from the preaching of Jesus, yet many claim assured salvation for the rest of their lives. Jesus said that only those who endure till the end will be saved. That is what I believe. I don't want to take the position of God, and self-proclaim that I have been saved for good.
----What end? When we die? When we see Him coming in the clouds? You keep claiming churches don't preach Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, yet you never give even your own instances of encountering this. Those are pretty broad brush strokes, don't you think? Just a tad bit too overbroad, if you ask me, to accept as true artwork.
If you don't wish to "take the position of God, and self-proclaim that you have been saved for good", that is your right. But please don't assume, because you believe this, you suddenly have been given special dispensation to determine that everyone should view the Word of God as "you" do. Does the Lord advise in His Word, "let everyone work out their own salvation"? It doesn't say, "let you work out everyone else's salvation for them". Put down the paintbrush.
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is working in you, both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Phil 2:12, 13)
Striving for perfection is not a one time job. It is not my determination, but it is the directive and will of Jesus. You know, people have formed their own tight compartments, like, castes in Hinduism deceiving themselves that they have the absolute truth with a closed mind.
----"Striving" (as you dub it) for holiness is a minute by minute act of love for Jesus Christ done in faith. I agree. So if God is not finished with the perfecting of us or our brothers and sisters in the Lord (as informed in the above verse) should we be criticizing ourselves or them for not being who WE expect them to be at any given point? Isn't that a form of self-pride, comparing ourselves among ourselves? Should we be constructively encouraging and admonishing each other to understand we are New Creations, and what that means in the power of the Lord (not in our own power)? Of course. We should not, however, be demeaning or diminishing each other while subtlety promoting ourselves as somehow "better". Should we. Doesn't do anyone any spiritual good to do so.
We are not Hindus, nor do churches promote a caste system of absolute truth. I really haven't encountered anything like this so far, so have no reference for it. I have heard of astonishingly bitter fights among church organizations, but have also heard how these fights eventually brought about closer unity between them. Do you see Catholics and Protestants murdering each other today, for a well-known instance? God is still working on us. Allow Him His own timing, will you? We humans are not exactly those who utilize our listening skills as quickly as His other creations, do we? I can't think of any denomination which believes they have "all" of God's truth. It's outside-the-fringe churches which insist such a thing is possible, of themselves alone. If you could give an instance of this mindset being in Christian churches, it would help. If you can. I don't think so, but feel free to have a go!
What better advice one would get other than from the words of Jesus? They only want hear alternative choices. I consider Sigmund Freud is a fraud.
----No, they don't want alternative choices, which is why they are seeking God. Because they know alternatives have miserably failed them (as we all have). They are seeking God. Perhaps the reason you cannot see that is because they are not seeking God as "you" would have them to? IDK, but think it over. You are not in their situations. They are not you, and you are not their God. You dismiss everyone's pain and floundering in the waves in one breezy sentence, when you could have been constructively praying for any one them in love? Have you? We all have just so much time to spend in this forum. We cannot answer everyone, to constructively admonish, encourage, strengthen, offer the hope in the Lord to. But we can answer some, read some and pray for them--all. Consider that when you have a few extra moments. It is in God's Will, after all. No need to worry about "love one another" being correct or not.
Is he is qualified for advice when he himself overburdened with his family encumbrances and other interests?
----Are you qualified to pass judgment on your pastor? On anyone? Are you God? Wow. Just.... wow.
Perfection and holiness are not a piece of cake. They are not just beliefs; they need to be practiced. There is no end to it.
----Being perfected is a light yoke according to Jesus Christ. His yoke is easy, His burden is light. I believe Him, finding He wasn't lying! The single thing you did get right is, it is eternal. That it is. So, in your best interests, please, please put that too broad paintbrush down you have so tightly gripped in your hand. It doesn't seem to be doing you any genuine spiritual good. In fact, it sounds like its bitterness is atrophying your heart. You are missing out on so much spiritual joy! Open trusting hands are what truly praise God. Not hands clenched around silly paint brushes dipped in useless mournful indignation.
For judgment is without mercy toward him who has not shown mercy. But mercy exalts itself above judgment. (Jas 2:13)
