straight talk

Questions, Answers, More Questions and Who Is Right?



Posted: Sunday, May 18, 2008

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Now while I am a believer and profess Jesus Christ I write this for many who may have now or ever similar questions come to mind. Understand that I have written to this before in a different way yet it is ever on my mind in trying to understand just what it is God seeks of man? My opinion that is simple. I think I understand it as simply Love, Honor and Obey. In reality the Catholic Catechism, which has always taught this concept. However, from that point on we go in any direction man wants to take it. Yes and when we do it seems the person's going in that direction is always right and othersmisguided. Yes even over the same concept presented varied interpretations. So even Paul had to fight his battle and certainly even conflicted with Peter.

So we can easily go on and on about Christian denominations. In fact every religion has their offshoots of varied religious beliefs. Yes even within one religion we can have many interpretations within the same faith. So I do believe if there is one thing all men can agree on is that all men disagree. Yet Paul also says, to paraphrase him, many worship in different ways and basically, does it really matter?

Now getting to the root of it all for Christians is the fundamental belief that Jesus died on the Cross for the sins of all. So accepting that one statement we now have a question. Why is there a Hell? If Christ paid the price for all, then all men, including the most horrible who accept him, are saved. Now there are two key words here, accept and saved. So how does one lose salvation. One word comes to mind, rejection.

However, if we read the Word we will find, of course depending once again on who's version you are quoting from and according to them is the correct version, that God predestined those who believe. Predestined means he chose and he did so before the foundations of the world were ever laid. That says it was a gift to believers before he created you. Some believe, some don't.

So where does Hell and punishment come in? Once again we have varied versions of this. Catholics say you must confess all your sins. Miss one mortal sin and you go to Hell. You better have a good record book or at least intend to confess it. Yes and don't leave anything out on purpose. No offence intended just the way I understand it. In fact the confessing to another is a very humbling act before God if taken in the right perspective. However, Protestants say you are saved by no act of your own. Now even among them they differ on just what happens after you die. Hey is that strange, we really just do not know as fact, we rely on our beliefs. Some say believers, that is those who Love, Honor and Obey Gods teachings, which is fulfilled in Love and Honor, go to Heaven. Then what about the rest?

Well these are the ones who sin by not loving, honoring or obeying God and most certainly recognizing Him. In other words rejecting Him. Where their heart is, so is their God. Now can they go to church every week, sure. Can they give to charity and donate time, talent or treasure, sure. No, what I am talking about is sin that places God second, idolatry, money, material things, power,position, wealth, ego, pride, etc. Do you give mercy, love, compassion, etc or do you take, connive, steal, etc.? We all know the truth in our hearts.

Now hold on here didn't you say God died for all our sins and by Grace from God we are saved, right? He didn't say we wouldn't continue sinning that is why He had to die on the cross, right? We don't have to earn it, or do anything, it is a gift, right? That Christ died for every single sin says no matter how terrible those sins were or are, he died for them. So just how do we not get saved or receive his grace?

Well the Word also says some were made for the wrath. Ok that statement says some were made to actually and to paraphrase, bring believers closer to the truth. So we know some will undergo the wrath, die and go to Hell. So that means when they say none or not one shall be lost, etc, we are evidently specifically talking about those predestined. Anyone have anything to add on that?

Now we also know since God is a just God. If we sin we must pay for our sins. How do we do this? Yes our offerings are but rags. Oh, ok, I hear you, Christ PAID the price so therefore we do not have to do anything except recognize that sacrifice, love, honor and obey him. Wow, now I am really opening the Pandora's's box for many.

Now here is the really most profound thing one has to do, accept that in faith. No proof necessary, just believe. Just like we believe in Him we believe we are saved. So all the knowledge about God is good but not evidently required unless you start with the premise you do not believe and need that knowledge to grow into belief. Once you accept that and Him, hey it doesn't matter how much you know. You have to walk in that belief and trust in Him. Now this is something you need to really think about. No works, no deeds no proof just have faith, believe and you expect mankind to do this? There in my opinion is the choice. Accept or reject. We are back to an act, a choice and works.

So,as I understand, the only way we can lose that grace is twofold. One, we were not part of those predestined and secondly, we reject him, choice. Now since I do not care to force my beliefs on anyone, I throw it open to the court of man. I suspect if you love, honor and obey God you do good for Love of neighbor, as he commanded and you obey His commandments a no brainer you got a good shot. No you do not alter His Word for your benefits, or use His word differently then intended, you obey. You after all become "Born Again" not by just a profession but by deeds, works, what you do or fail to do. Yes they are a sign of a true believer and they shall know you by your works. WORKS, not required for salvation but because you believe. For as James stated faith without works is truly dead.

So here is the challenge to any of you who wish to embellish, write to or edify this. If you say you believe how do you justify not changing? If you exploit, how do you justify it? If you break the law of society and God how are you a believer? If you support that which directly or indirectly hurts another by nature of position, knowledge, or deed, how do you call yourself a believer?

The fact is if you are who you profess to be you try, each and every day, to do who you say you are, within the law of man and God and for Love of man and that God you profess. Not the exploitation of anyone in any way for any purpose or reason. If you exploit, take advantage of, use, connive for personal, political or any other gain you are in my opinion either one chosen and subject to the wrath, or have made a choice to serve another. As for all other professed believers you will recognize your bad deeds and repent. No, not by your doing, but by your love, honor and obeying in Him who you profess to love. In my opinion, that my friends is the separator that God will judge by. "Whatever you have done for the least", etc.

Hey too deep? I suspect not. It really is facing up to it. Any thoughts?

Robert T. Melaccio Sr. 2008 Copyright 2008 Robert Melaccio



Robert Melaccio Sr. has worked in the computer industry for 40 plus years in a diversified business and managerial environments. He enjoys freelance writing, giving seminars for young adults and teen groups as well as being an accomplished award winning poet of published poetry. He has worked teaching and as a youth minister. He is married and has three children and three grandchildren.

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