Posted by Dena on December 20, 2003, at 11:37:52
In reply to Re: While You are blocked... » Dena, posted by Dinah on December 20, 2003, at 10:19:45
Dear Dinah -
You wrote: "Unsaved" always is a term I reserve for God alone to use, since it implies judgement and verdict.
I agree with you; judgement is in the hands of God alone - only He can truly see the hearts of humans - the rest of us are judging on the basis of incomplete information - judging the surface only, which makes us self-righteous. I recall Jesus speaking quite negatively of the "self-righteous" of His day!
I used the term "unsaved", because it would be understood by Dog, as that's the vernacular of the Protestant Church. I used to believe that you could declare a person "saved" or "unsaved" based upon their own testimony,or by their actions. I no longer ascribe to that belief. I now firmly believe (& believe that the Bible confirms) that salvation is a process - determined by God alone. I believe I "was saved" when I chose to believe in Jesus as the Messiah; that I "am being saved" as I live my life in obedience to Him, out of love for Him; that I "will be saved" when I pass from this life into the next. I believe that only God determines who is saved, & who is not. For the rest of us, it's none of our business. There's far too much for me to focus on in my own life, far too much for me to examine in my own soul, to be looking at others, trying to determine whether or not they're "saved". If someone else tells me that they have a relationship with God, then I take it at face value. Who am I to question it? God can take care of that other person.
I continue to pray for my own salvation, for the salvation of my loved ones, for my friends, & for those who cross my path. I believe we all need prayer to help us on the path, the journey "home" to Him.
Shalom, Dena
poster:Dena
thread:291080
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20030908/msgs/291888.html