New Heart

[Dominus Fidelis]

Dont people from all denominations actually agree on the core of Christianity? The things that really matter?

Wouldn't Catholics, Lutherans, Calvinists, Liberals, etc all agree that without a "new heart" there is no salvation?

We get all muddled in the details of faith versus works and cooperation with getting that new heart and such, but it is the new heart that matters. The thief on the cross got a new heart but never really had a chance to do any works. But then again, the Bible is clear that just plain belief is worthless for salvation. It is belief that means something in your life that matters. Belief that changes people and things. Its belief that comes from a new heart.

I'm purposefully not getting into keeping the heart healthy, but dont we all agree on having the heart is what determines salvation, no matter how we get it exactly?

 

[bigsierra]

You would think. I guess a Lutheran would have to answer whether they believe that or not. Didn't Luther say we are like a dung heap cover with snow? I don't know how the heart figures into that.

 

[Benedicta00]

From far away we look as if it all boils down to the same but when you examine it at a close look, there are major differences. There are some thing that protestants do agree with us on but there is no development of doctrine in any other sect of Christianity which means they just can't define some teachings because they lack the tradition of the Church and/or the authority do define a teaching that the bible does not clearly teach.

 

[plmarquette]

Calvin was into what he considered a form of " fate " which he called " election " , from verses like Ephesians 1. 5,11 predestinated ... as all parents hope that the destiny of the child is in line with God's word and will , yet many children stray , for they , like us have a free will ...

Eze 36:26A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Eze 36:27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them].

what Jesus spoke of to the pharasees and saducees ... deaf and blind
what John spok of in Revelation ( Apocalypse ) chapters 2 & 3 listen to what the spirit is saying to the church

 

[Maximus]

Dont people from all denominations actually agree on the core of Christianity? The things that really matter?

As much as I would like to agree, I don't think I can.

There are many things that "really matter" about which we cannot agree with the ever-growing multitude of sectarians.

On the other hand, however, Christians of all stripes certainly have more in common with each other than we do with non-Christians.

 

[fryc86]

Dont people from all denominations actually agree on the core of Christianity? The things that really matter?

To this I ask, what is it that really matters? Can we even agree on what doctrine is important?

 

[Epiphanygirl]

As much as I would like to agree, I don't think I can.

There are many things that "really matter" about which we cannot agree with the ever-growing multitude of sectarians.

On the other hand, however, Christians of all stripes certainly have more in common with each other than we do with non-Christians.