Hi to all my Forum Friends,
In the discussion titled "A Forum Friend Accuses Pastor Chuck Smith Of Heresy!" which I began, my Friend, Buffalo, has asked a very pertinent and very important question.
Buffalo asks me, "Bro. Bill. Simple question. Do you believe everyone attached to theses other denominations; adhering to that belief -- will be lost in hell unless they convert to your Church of the middle. No Googling."
Thank you for raising this question. It has long be my experience that if one person asks a question -- many more most likely have the same question, but do not ask. So, I am happy that you have.
To answer your question: ABSOLUTELY NOT! No one is saved by the church they attend or the teachings of that church.
Well, let me clarify that. If a person is attending a church which does not teach the Essential Christian Beliefs -- that person, and all attending that church, could be in real trouble. What are those Essential Christian Beliefs?
1. The Deity of Jesus Christ --- God incarnate -- fully a man; yet, fully God.
2. The Trinity --- God eternally existing; manifested in three persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
3. The Bible -- Is the inspired Written Word of God
4. Salvation by Grace --- By grace you are saved, through faith in Jesus Christ.
5. The Resurrection of Christ --- He rose from the dead, that we may also be resurrected.
6. The Gospel --- The birth, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ according to Scripture.
7. Heaven and Hell -- Both are real places and are the only two eternal destinations available to all mankind.
A Christian church will teach these beliefs. To the degree that a church's teachings wander from these beliefs -- to that degree, that church is wandering away from the Christian faith. And, people attending such a church are looking for spiritual trouble.
A Christian church is a Christian church -- as long as it teaches the Essential Christian Beliefs. Different churches may have different methods of worship. Some may rely on rituals and prewrtten programs of worship; others may have free style worship based around fellowship, music, and a sermon. Some may not have music; others may sing hymns and praise songs; while others are more lively with singing and dancing. All are great; it all depends upon a person's individual preferences of worship service style. The main point is that all worship services should Jesus Christ centered. If a service is focused on Jesus Christ, the rest is irrelevant.
The danger in some Christian teachings is that a person who is saved may not be at peace with God. The Calvinist teach that, before the Creation, God chose who will be saved (the Elect) and who will be condemned to eternal hell (the Reprobate) -- and nothing we can do, can or will, change that.
So, the obvious question, which I have yet to find a Calvinist who will answer, is: "If God chose only certain people before the Creation to be saved -- how do you know YOU are saved?" and "How do YOU know that you are among the chosen Elect?"
According to them, God made this decision before He created the world or us -- so, how does anyone know that he/she is saved? Those few who will attempt to answer the question will mumble something like -- well, it is because I feel God in my heart, it is because I just know it. No, none of those answers are valid -- for the person is saying that "he knows" or "he did" -- and the Calvinist teaching is that NOTHING he/she can do or feel will earn salvation.
Basically, they cannot answer that question -- for any answer they give will be based around "them" -- and that is against the Calvinist teaching. It is a "No Win" situation. And, as I said, most Calvinist will not even try to answer the question. I have put this question to a number of pastors and to lay people -- dead silence. So, how can ANY Calvinist have "peace with God" (Romans 5:1) if he/she has no assurance that he/she is saved?
And, the Arminianists are in the same boat -- no "peace with God" -- for they believe that they have to be perfect, sinless, to keep their salvation. Arminianists believe they can lose their salvation -- so, they always have to be looking over their shoulder to see if the "salvation thief" is coming behind them. No "peace with God."
I am reminded of that bumper sticker: NO JESUS - NO PEACE! -- KNOW JESUS - KNOW PEACE!
So, Buffalo, although our Christian brothers and sisters in these other churches are saved -- they do not know it, or they are afraid they can lose it. That is no way to live our Christian spiritual life.
And, our Roman Catholic Friends are in the same boat -- for, they believe they have to "work" their way into heaven. Then, the obvious question becomes: "How much work do you have to do to be sure you are going to heaven?" They do not know. Or, if you ask, "When will you know that you have worked enough to earn heaven?" -- again, they will tell you that they do not know.
A few years ago, the Cardinal of New York, in a public address said that even the Pope does not know if he is saved or not. How can a man be the leader of the largest church in the world -- and not even be sure of his own salvation?
Do you see the dilemma? It is not a question of their being saved, having salvation -- it is that they do not believe Jesus Christ when He tells us, "He who believes HAS eternal life" (John 6:47).
One of my favorite Southern Gospel song is:
It's Not What's Over The Door
Some people think today, If heaven you would see,
You must belong to their church, Or be lost eternally.
But according to God's word, What He's still looking for,
Is what He finds within your heart, And not what's over the door.
It's not what's over the door Of the church that you attend,
That makes you a child of god, And a heavenly citizen.
As the eyes of the Lord look this world o'er,
There's just one thing He's lookin' for
Can't you see that's what's in your heart
And not what's over the door.
So, Buffalo, to conclude, you ask, "Do you believe everyone attached to theses other denominations; adhering to that belief -- will be lost in hell unless they convert to your Church of the middle."
No, regardless of the church one attends -- if a person has Jesus Christ in his/her heart; if that person has, by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ -- believed, invited Him to come in and be Lord and Savior, and received His "free gift" of salvation -- that person has been indwelled and sealed by the Holy Spirit, until and for the day of redemption. That person is saved and WILL spend eternity in the presence of God.
But, wouldn't it really be nice if that person had the "eternal security" of believing, accepting, and knowing -- that he/she truly does have this eternal life in Him -- and cannot lose it?
Buffalo, that is my purpose in life: To tell the unbelievers that they can have salvation -- and to assure the believers that they have His promise of eternal life. Once again, thank you for asking this question. I pray that at least one person who was unsure has read our dialogue today and now truly has "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
Attachments
Original Post