Amidst the debate over Barack Obama's controversial comments about salvation, I asked why progressive Christians don't believe that John 3:16 means one can only be saved. Community member "Robert" responded:
Even Billy Graham has said that he has come to believe that, while all who are saved are saved through Christ, not all of the saved know that Christ saves them. Crunchy might agree with this, but perhaps he would rather not say so.Why should the language of John 3:16 be interpreted exclusively. If anyone who believes in Jesus (who was the Word back in chapter 1) is saved, does that verse tell us anyone who doesn't believe in Jesus isn't saved? Or if Jesus is the only way to salvation, does that mean everyone must be aware of this fact to enjoy the benefit of it? It seems to me if Christians really believe in the saving power of Jesus, they should pay more attention to Jesus and less attention to who says what about Jesus.
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And that same gospel of John states that "in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God, and the Word was with God," that is, the Word of God to the world was Jesus, not words on paper we call a Bible.
The God incarnated in Jesus demonstrates unconditional love and forgiveness.
God gave us his Son and whosoever believeth in Him (unconditional love and forgiveness) will have life everlasting.
Distressingly simple.
Especially interesting in the whole "Obama isn't a Christian" thing ... can you believe in Jesus and still not be a Christian if you also believe Jesus might save someone who doesn't know who he is? Sounds silly to me.
The question is irrelevant.
Barak Obama shows all the properties of a psychopath:
1) No conscience;
2) No empathy;
3) Plays games.
Besides this is his charisma and glibness. He knows how to impress boomers.
Watch for the games.
This is not the sign of a Christian. It is someone solidly in "the other" camp.
By their fruit you shall know them.
Time will tell.
Unfortunately, by the time he is revealed for what he is, it will be far too late for the rest of us.
But that doesn't matter, does it?
God the Father has solutions, not men.
The first commands of the gospel are: Repent and believe. God initiates our call, but we must respond. You cannot do this and be saved without knowing it.
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