Philothei
Love never fails
I would not be worried about infant baptisms The first Christians batized infants. Paul baptized "households" then it included infants and children Do we need to be "capable" intellectually to accept Christ? What about the infants that Christ said do not hinder them and let them come for they inherit the kingdom of God... *not meaning to starrt a debate here just some though*Oz,
I don't have enough posts yet to message you. But I'm close and when I get it I'll message you.
I'm very aware of the Nazarene's. The only big issue I have is they believe in infant baptism. I have to choose my battles I guess.
I do look at myself as a Wesleyan Arminian.
P/s I did get your message. As soon as I get to 15 I'll message you back
Baptism has to do with spiritual transformation not intellectual... so the reason why we reject infant baptism carries little weight IMHO.The Nazarenes in my part of Australia baptise believers by immersion and they dedicate babies (not baptise them). However, my checking online indicates that there are some Nazarenes who baptise infants and others who baptise believers.
I also support believer's baptism (as in Matt. 28:19-20, etc.).
In Christ, Oz
I agree that we have to "run the race" as St. Paul puts it. We do have to fight the good fight is another way. So a Christian is never "sitting on his laurel" saying what a good Christian I am but constantly realizing that if we want to be close to God we will have to keep that communication open and nice illustration about your marriage. Lots of times we foget that the path to salvation is indeed a narrow path (per the Bible) It is a long journey... The more we hold on to our Savior hand the more we are closer to Him the minute we let human cares and sinning overtaking us the less we are willing to follow along.funny thing how you said that some Nazarene's teach about losing salvation by regular sinning. While I do believe one can forfeit their salvation, I don't think it's as easy as some may think. Here is my reasoning...
Notice how Jesus likens our relationship as a marriage covenant? He is the Bridesgroom and we are the bride. Well as far as my earthly marriage covenant, I love my wife. While there are things that I can do to break the covenant, I love her so I can't imagine doing those things. I don't keep myself up at night worried every detail on how I could mess up and she would stop loving me.
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