If you're reading this blog and you have a question concerning the Bible or Christianity (or a criticism!) please leave it in the comments section.
Truth can withstand scrutiny, so all comments are welcome.
Happy 4th, Karas!
12 years ago
8 comments:
Is it right for one Christian to judge the salvation of another Christian. My husband professes to be a Christian but wants nothing to do with church, the Bible, or talking about God.
Rebecca,
That's a very good and difficult question. I have a house guest at the present time, so I can't offer more than a brief response at the moment.
After our company has left, I will do my best to provide the best response I can to your very important question.
Take care.
Rebecca,
Thanks for your question. I will do my best to answer in the most biblical way I can.
First, I think it's important to note that as Christians we should never judge another persons heart or motivations. This is something that only God can do. Also, I do not think that it is our place to make judgments concerning the final destination of anyone of whose salvation we are unsure. It is possible to be sure that a believer is with Jesus after death, but we can never know what happens in a persons mind or heart in the moments just prior to death. It is possible that even the most stubborn and hardhearted individual may repent and trust Jesus at the last possible moment (although we shouldn't hold out for this possibility).
That being said, it seems your question is of a different type. We are clearly told that we should question our own salvation to see if we are in the faith (see 2 Corinthians 13:5). When it comes to questioning the salvation of others, I am uncertain that there is a clear command either way.
However, it does seem that the huge emphasis on evangelism and proclaiming the truth to those who do not know Jesus as their personal Savior would apply very easily to those who think or say they are in the faith, but who have no fruit to verify this claim. The first evangelistic efforts were all aimed at Jews (who all already thought they were "insiders") and many of Paul's letters written to churches of believers still contain a clear gospel message (perhaps he wasn't sure of the salvation of all who gathered together?).
Jesus said: Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit [Matthew 12:33]. The real Christian is one who has become born again ... a new creation in Christ (see John 3:1-15, 2 Corinthians 5:17). God essentially changes us from a "bad tree" (i.e. a sinner) into a "good tree" (i.e. a sinner saved by grace).
The new creation should have fruit that accompanies the transformation. There are myriad different ways that this fruit can manifest itself, but desire for fellowship with other believers (this need not be in a local church, but there should be a strong desire for some type of specifically Christian fellowship), a hunger to read the Word of God, and a desire to proclaim the goodness of God are to be expected. If these fruits are absent, I do not think it is unwarranted to wonder just what type of tree it is that you are looking at. Jesus' illustration is telling ... what conclusion would you draw from a tree that is producing lemons from its branches and had a sign on it that reads: Apple Tree. Would you think it's a lemon tree or would you believe the sign?
Of course, I do not know you or your husband, so for me to draw any specific conclusion is unwarranted and irrelevant. However, if you are truly a born again believer of Messiah, and God has placed on your heart a concern for someone you care deeply for to question their salvation, it sounds like the reasons you have listed are good evidence that your judgment may be valid. Consider this: If your concern is misplaced, then your husband is bound for glory in the next life and is simply missing out on some of the great joys this life has to offer (namely, fellowship, God's Word, and praising the name of the One worthy to be praised). However, if your concern is correct, you still have time to try and open his eyes that he may truly come to know God while there is still time.
I hope this helps. Let me know if I failed to answer your question and please know that I will pray for you and your husband that this may be resolved for you. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to have questions regarding a spouse's eternal destination.
Take care.
JRK83,
I just want to say that, from what I've read so far, you really do reflect Christ, and that is a rare thing. I wish there were more of you.
I do have questions, they're just not at the top of my head right now. I look forward to posing them to you when they come up.
Thanks for your kind words!
Is it "godly" to torture children for not loving you back?
How did god, a supposed "perfect" being, make creatures that are imperfect i.e., not as he would have them?
How is it "good" for this god you believe in to create beings that he knows will end up being tortured foever? Does he not know the future? Does he not care? If he does care why does he make some people that he knows he will send to hell?
"Love me or I'll hurt you" is the biblegods message.
Stronger now,
Thanks for your questions. If you've read some of my most recent posts you'll know that I'm very busy at the moment ... I will do my best to answer your questions to the best of my ability in the next few days.
I didn't want to leave you hanging until I responded, but your questions deserve more time than I have at this exact moment. Hopefully I'll have the time your questions deserve tomorrow.
Take care.
stronger now,
I enjoyed interacting with your questions. I found some time this evening and you can view my response in my latest post.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
JRK
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