Without it, we have assumptions.
Perhaps the most unsettling thing I’ve encountered in my Christian walk has been thinking that I had something figured out – only to discover there was ‘more to the story’.
As a young Baptist girl, I was taught the belief of “once saved, always saved.” That blanket statement stayed with me for years – even though that wasn’t even logical. I believed it and that was it. I trusted everything they told me in church. After all, they said it was “God’s Word.”
Fast forward many years…
I’m standing on the platform with the praise team. Singing is a joy to me, and unlike my cartooning talent, my musical talent is passable, but not nearly as gifted or refined.
As the pastor’s wife, I felt incredibly honored and blessed to be working with one of the most gifted musicians and musical mentors I’ve ever met. Our worship leader was one of those rare individuals who listen deeply – not just at the notes you are singing, but at who you are as an individual. He was a teacher of music in the school system too, which completely makes sense, because he had an uncanny ability to bring out the best in everyone and create harmony not only in music but with the individuals themselves.
Raised in the Conservative Baptist Church, I was taught that once we are saved we are always saved. One Sunday, at about the age of seven, the Sunday School teacher was explaining that to us in class.
It didn’t seem possible, so I asked her, “If this is true, then what happens if I get saved, and then decide I don’t want to have anything to do with Jesus. I murder, steal and hate people until the day I die. Will I still go to heaven??
There are two very powerful concepts that are being addressed in the question asked above. The first is regarding SUBMISSION and the next is whether or not someone is WRONG.
To understand the intent of something, we have to understand the position of the statement. When we look at something from a perspective of “law” we see rules and regulations which demand strict obedience.
When we look at something from the perspective of LOVE, we gain a very different view of law. Jesus said in Matther 5:17 that He came to fulfill the law. Then in 1 John 4:8 we are told that GOD IS LOVE.
