Is Christ's Work Not Good Enough for Some

I love reading discussions about translations and textual criticism. In addition to the content that's on the BaptistBoard, I wanted to explore that same content on other forums as well. I read a good bit of material - on the same topic - on the PuritanBoard site, and thought I'd join. I knew it was a reformed site, but I had no idea they were so stringent regarding being accepted to their forum. I had to submit the usual - user name password, real name... However, DOB, church where you are a member, city and state, and which reformed confessional you adhere to are all requirements. Also, it's required that you explain in detail your confessional beliefs, including any you don't adhere to. For the confessional, "other" is one of the choices. I hold to Arminian theology, and I listed "other." In the field where you explain things, I explained that I hold to the Apostle's Creed, that I was an Arminian, that I was only interested in their forum because of the translation/textual criticism section, and that I wouldn't say anything about my theological stance, unless specifically asked, and even then, I would not argue the point. After submitting the former, I was rejected within an hour with a very short note saying accepting me, based on my beliefs, is against their policy. "Sorry."

I honestly felt dejected for a short time. Even though I had a different theology than they did, I'm feeling that being purchased by the blood of Christ and growing in Him through the process of sanctification is not good enough to get into their "Christian" club. Even though they are my brothers and sisters in Christ and we'll eventually spend eternity together, I feel that I don't measure up in their eyes, to spend any time with on this side of Heaven. This is momentary, and I'm not dwelling on it. It happened today, and I know myself. I'll forget about it by tomorrow. However, I wondered if I'm justified in feeling this way. I know they formed their "club" and can let in whoever they wish and keep out whoever they wish. If it wasn't a Christian forum, I wouldn't give it a second thought. Feedback please. And please - no focused discussion of Calvinism, Arminianism, reformed theology, etc.

 

Thank you Brother Glen. I can't help but feel like this forum is like Christ with His arms extended in welcome, while the other is the opposite. Thank you again.

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