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While we are still in this life

Discussion in 'Other Christian Denominations' started by billwald, Jun 10, 2012.

  1. billwald

    billwald New Member

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    can we tell who is saved and who is not saved and why does it matter? Is it any of our business?
     
  2. Scarlett O.

    Scarlett O. Moderator
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    Here's how my father taught me to think of it many years ago. He said, "I can't say with 100% accuracy who is and isn't a true Christian, but I can say with 100% confidence that I see evidence of it in many of those who claim it to be so."

    Is it any of our business if people are genuinely saved? Yes. Not for the sake of being a spiritual busy-body nor for the sake of being the "salvation police". But it is our business because we are to love our neighbors as ourselves and are charged with taking the message of Christ to the world.
     
  3. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Does it matter to you?
     
  4. DiamondLady

    DiamondLady New Member

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    Jesus said in Matthew 7:20 "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." A Christian's life is going to show it. Can we be 100% certain that someone is a Christian? No. Some people have gotten great at putting on that church mask.

    I believe it is our business, but we must be careful how we approach the topic. Calling out someone here on the BB because we don't agree on a particular issue isn't the way to do it, i.e., "You don't believe in XYS? Then you're not a Christian!"
     
  5. The Biblicist

    The Biblicist Well-Known Member
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    1 Thes. 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance;

    Depends if you want "assurance" of salvation or not. Depends on whether you want to know your election of God or not?


    1 Jn. 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

    Apparently John believed it was important for children of God to "know" they are saved and have eternal life.

    Hence, you can know whether you are saved or not. In regard to others? Only God can see their internal state. We can "know" false prophets by their fruits (Mt. 7:13-20). False professors like "Judas" may be more difficult to recognize as none but Christ realized he was a false professor (Jn. 6:64, 70). We can infer false professors if they profess and teach a false gospel (Gal. 1:8-9; Mt. 7:21-22) and thus claim a false "foundation" to build their religious piety upon.
     
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