This post is more of a queston than anything else.

The question is…what are the minimum requirements of salvation? The question is not meant in a manner of “what is the least amount I must do to be saved”. On the contrary, the question is meant to address traditions that may not be scriptural.

For example, some may say you must be baptized…some may say you must believe certain things, etc etc…

I am interested in hearing what other people may think.

I will post one statement along these lines. Do you have to believe in the Bible in order to be saved?

Now, I am one that believes the Bible is the only authoritive Word of God that we have to reference (I believe it is the inspired Word of God). However, when I ask myself the above question, I have to say “no”. The Bible is not what gets us into heaven (nor is the belief in it).

The mere thought of the above may seem like a sacrilege to some. However, if you study the scripture I think you find that it is true.

In fact, I put forth there is only one single (absolute) thing that you must believe in order to be saved…

You must believe in Christ (and that He is your only salvation). By His blood we are saved and our total dependence upon Him for salvation (and everything) should be the cornerstone of our belief structure.

AMDG

It has been a while since I have posted. Actually, it has been a while since I have had a chance to catch up on some blog reading.

Jumping right into it I came across something I really had to comment on.

…and that is…

…the arrogance that some Christians seem to have on their positions. It is the “I am right (or we are right) and everyone else is wrong” position. Now, I will say that this is more typically exhibited in younger Christians, however, I find it amazing how arrogant someone can be about their position on a particular subject that isn’t clear cut in the Scripture. This position may be clear in their small mind, but it is far from “clear”. They are arrogant enough to throw out 100’s of years of Christian writing, thought, and debate on the subject matter. Just so I don’t lose you… you can take a look at some of the comments on this post. I will quote an example comment below. I should clarify that I think the Scripture is the only authoritive source when it comes to these matters.

And yes, if one will take scripture as final authority, Calvinism cannot be refuted.

That statement speaks for itself.

I believe there are some things in the Scripture that are clear, however, much of God’s Word is not totally clear (and rightfully so). That is the very reason there is such a diverse landscape in Christendom. It is our job to constantly immerse ourselves in God’s Word and in prayer so that we may discern the truth in all things. We must be willing to accept the fact that we may be wrong in some of our positions and if Scripture dictates it we must be willing to change our position.

I have said it before and I will say it again. We should not come to the Word of God looking to prove our position. We should humbly come to the Word of God looking to let the Word of God create/mold/shape our position.

AMDG

Ok, I thought I would mention an untold (or unspoken) evil that takes place during halloween.

I already posted some thoughts on why I don’t think Christians should celebrate halloween.

However, I wanted to post a reason that people all across the world should not celebrate halloween.

And that is…

…the massive amounts of REFINED SUGAR that will be consumed because of the holiday.

Halloween promotes the consumption of the evil element called sugar (refined). Not only will sugar rot your teeth, it damages your body in too many ways to be listed. In addition, it will make you fat! So I ask you, as a Christian, can you in good conscience support the detriment of children’s health just to celebrate an occult holiday?

AMDG

Interesting teaching (to say the least) contrary to what some would have you believe about “the law”.

Ephesians 2:15 The Scriptures ‘98 (15) having abolished in His flesh the enmity – the Torah of the commands in dogma – so as to create in Himself one renewed man from the two, thus making peace,

Ephesians 2:15 NET. when he nullified in his flesh the law of commandments in decrees. He did this to create in himself one new man out of two, thus making peace,

Ephesians 2:15 ESV by abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,

Christ fulfilled the “law” completely and the meaning of that is much more in depth than it appears on the surface.

AMDG

I just had to comment on this because sometimes I find it hard to believe the lengths Christians will go into mediocrity.

My comment is prompted by a post at challies.com as well as many other blogs that have decided to post on the issue (it is a good time to post on it).

Just ask yourself a few questions and try to answer them honestly and scripturally. Can you see Jesus celebrating a holiday based in the occult? Can you picture the apostles giving in and partially celebrating an occult holiday just because everyone else is doing it?

I mean come on people (directed towards people making excuses to celebrate halloween), do you really believe the nonsense you are trying to feed yourselves?

I especially like comments like this one (sarcasm):

“I have seen too many Christian kids who were so sheltered from the world, that when they were inevitably thrust out into it, had a bad time.”

I can tell you my kids don’t miss halloween at all and they have never celebrated it. They aren’t going to have a “bad time” because they didn’t celebrate a pagan holiday (all hallow’s eve) either. I don’t think teaching your kids about Jesus and why not to celebrate such holidays is sheltering them at all, quite the opposite.

As far as the negative comments about Christians who turn out the light and don’t participate…I have to say I don’t really agree with those comments. The question is…does your “half” participation in the event further the Gospel and is it a witness for Christ? Putting a sign on your door with scripture (and not handing out candy or greeting people) may serve the same purpose…perhaps even to a greater extent since it shows that you are taking a stand on not celebrating the event.

In addition, I wanted to comment on one remark that Tim made.

“Perhaps the greatest fallacy Christians believe about Halloween is that by refusing to participate in the day we are somehow taking a stand against Satan.”

I honestly don’t think that this is a primary reason for not participating in halloween. I think it is more of a stand on Biblical principle and an attempt to be Christ-like, serving Him, in all that we do.

I will close with the question I already asked…would Christ and/or the apostles participate happily in an occult holiday?

P.S.
I suppose if you are going to stand at your door and preach the Gospel all night you would be doing pretty good. However, I somehow doubt that is what Christians who participate in this occult holiday are going to be doing.

AMDG