Good comment and thanks.*
I don't think we are ever going to have unity with all believers on all doctrinal issues. I can be a believer, thinking my salvation hinged on my acceptance of Christ as Savior. I can also be a believer thinking I was totally incapable on my own of making a righteous decision. I lean toward the lattet, but do not understand all that is involved in the process of how, and why someone as undeserving as me was chosen.*
I think it's good, and even important to have these discussions / debates. But, it bothers me when there is hostility towards others who claim Christ as Savior. God's Word tells us to have an answer ready for those who question our hope...but to answer with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3: 15,16. If we are to answer unbelievers in that manner, I think its even more important we aren't hostile to fellow believers...even if we are unsure of their salvation.*
John 13:35
Thank you 6days.
Your kindness means a lot.
I am glad that you say now that it is right to contend for the faith.
I hope you see that my telling someone to stop making accusation is different than what they are doing.
We are to debate, even in public debate. We are to argue, vigorously refute, sharply dispute, persuade, oppose, defend, confirm, command, preach, teach, instruct, rebuke, encourage, and contend.
Acts 9:29 He talked and
debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.
Acts 15:1 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." This brought Paul and Barnabas into
sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.
Acts 18:28
For
he vigorously refuted the Jews
in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Acts 19:8-9 Paul entered the synagogue and
spoke boldly there for three months,
arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate: they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them.
2 Corinthians 3:11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope that it is plain to your conscience.
Don't forget that some need to be sharply rebuked.
Titus 1:13 This saying is true. Therefore
rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith
