This statement, posted by Man of Faith was found in another thread. First, I'd like to know just what he means by that statement, because I see it as a fairly good example of an exclusive stance. Second, what are the implications of an exclusive Christianity? Is that what Jesus advocated? Third, if it's determined that Xy is wholly inclusive, what does that mean for the authority structure as it stands today, and what would a wholly inclusive Xy look like?
[edit] the second and third questions are open to all Christians.
sojourner,
Probably he was talking about the difference religion is in today's world.
In the Jewish system, all Jews were under the Mosaic Law Covenant. They were born a Jew so they were under the Law Code. They did not have to do anything to prove what they were, they were required, as a Jew to obey THE LAW. If they did not obey, or tried to talk anyone into following a different way, they were required to be put to death.
Now, today it is much different, no one is really born a Christian. It is true that a child, until it reaches the age of being able to make his own discisions, will receive whatever his parents receive, in the way of reward or retribution.
All a person has to do today is to say they are a Christian and they are Christian. This is what is called a nominal Christian, name only, and is not a true Christian.
Just like joining any club, or in this case, a Brotherhood, a person must live up to certain qualifications to be acceptable to God. A person must make a personal discision, must pledge himself to God and become a baptized member of the Christian Brotherhood, 1Pet 2:17, 5:9,10. Then a Christian is required to endure, living up to the Christian requirements until the end, to be saved, Matt 24:13, 10:22.
At 2Tim 3:12, it is stated that all those who live a godly life in Christ WILL be persecuted. If you consider the 13th chapter of Matt especially verses 18-29, you will see prophesies about why some do not endure until the end.
It is not easy to continue as a true Christian, because you must do positive things to help people, not just refrain from hurting others,as in the Mosaic Law, Matt 7:12, Gal 6:2, John 13:34,35, Rom 13:8-10. The Bible says that we must work out our own salvation, Phil 2:12. The Bible tells us that faith without works is DEAD in itrself, that works, as well as faith is required, because with works, you faith is perfected, James 2:14-18, 22, 24, 26.
Just like growing old is not for sissies, neither is being a Christian, 2Tim 1:7, Heb 10:36-39.
