Scripture shows conclusively that BELIEF is REQUIRED for salvation.
Regardless of the semantics or logical acrobatics attempted here those who do NOT believe, regardless of the 'origins' of belief, are already condemned as per CHRISTS own words.
Frankly, what is being presented is starting to sound more like a Calvinist than a universalist.
Call this an
ad hominem argument, I really don't care; someone needs to address your methods. As Descartes said, "when the foundation is undermined, the superstructure will collapse of itself"...
Scripture also "shows conclusively" that the communion bread is Christ's flesh, that we ought to hate our parents, that we must pick up our cross, that we must be born again, that we must give all we have to the poor and follow Christ, etc, etc, etc.
The truth of the matter is that, beyond a general faith in Christ,
experience and
reason should interpret the scriptures and not vice versa. That is, we cannot simply say "this is the literal interpretation of the scripture, and what it says is precisely the truth regardless of what experience or reason might tell us"--if we did that, we'd be saying that when Christ comes back we'll all suddenly turn into sheep and goats, which seems to be rather silly.
The way you interpret the scriptures appears to be extremely audacious and judgmental, even cocky and unforgiving at times. That may not be your heart, but that is how it
appears. Nothing you're arguing seems to result from actual experience or even critical thinking--you're merely quoting scriptures, using your own personal interpretation as absolute fact, without giving any credentials for that interpretation or even acknowledging it as such.
Do you take the whole Bible to mean, literally, precisely what it says? If not, you are in fact promoting your own
personal interpretation. It would therefore be reasonable and mature of you to state your ideas not as fact but as opinion. Do you understand this?
In light of this, I'd personally like to know: What is the actual basis of your interpretations?
Please, if you would, either justify your self-confidence or at least begin treating us as beloved brothers and sisters--both would be even nicer. I'm sure we can agree that Christ wants to do as much as the latter, no?
) stranded on an island in the middle of the ocean. the parents die leaving the children there alone. they grow up on this island and live happily until they die of old age. they never hear about Jesus and his sacrifice and therefore can never accept Christ. is it their fault? would they go to heaven or hell?
