I’m posting this question in hopes to gain a different perspective and/or new understanding.
I was taught growing up that grace covers all of your sins. Now that doesn’t mean that I’ve got a blank check to do what I want all the time with no consequences. But humans aren’t perfect so try your best.
I believed that no amount of good deeds or rejection of temptation would push me one inch closer to salvation. The issue of salvation had already been payed for and handled.
So no amount of work or lack there of was required on my part.
Now, this is not a faith vs works post. I fully understand that you can’t call yourself a Christian and then break all of the rules.
Here’s my question.
The Bible warns us of practicing sin, sining continually, a pattern of sin, or letting sin dominate your life. These are not specific guidelines, they are concepts.
Example: my kids plays basketball. He has practice one a week. He sometimes practices at home during the week but that’s hit and miss. So in this example, once a week is practice and a pattern.
My point is that these concepts can not be specifically defined.
The only concrete concept benchmarks are that no human is perfect. And we still have to try. Do you realize how much grey area is in between those two marks?
I’ve spoke with countless pastors and Christians and not one of them can shed any light on this.
For me I’m stuck right here.
If any amount of works, be it good or bad, can influence your salvation in the slightest. Then logic dictates that each Christian is responsible for maintaining his own salvation. I will not argue this point. Choices do not make themselves. Temptation do not usually resist themselves. I understand God gives strength but the decision is always up to you. Why I am a drawing this line? Because it’s fundamentally important. When Jesus died on the cross he paid the price for sin. This is something we could not have done and can’t ever repay.
But if it’s up to you to maintain your salvation by a certain amount of good deeds, spiritual fruit, and rejection of sin. That is something you can do. Why does it matter? Because like I said before, the standards are not clear. So, logically, how could you ever know for certain your salvation is secured? How could you be positive that you tried hard enough. I mean do any of us truly try with everything we have?
I see Christians all over the map. I’m not judging, simply observing.
I see very strong Christians with deep convictions on how to live there lives. I see not so strong Christians with some convictions. Theres lines they absolutely will not cross, and others they will.
I see weak Christians, they never read there Bible, they don’t pray that much. They follow the major dos and donts. They do believe in God. But there’s not much there.
This is salvation we are talking about here, heaven or hell for eternity. It would be a shame to miss the mark by a little bit. So where is the mark?
And for those who will comment and say things like, your just trying to figure out what you can get away with, or you should just do as much as you can. Don’t bother. Those are not answers. They are redirections because you can not define where the line of salvation is drawn.
Side question. Does the standards of salvations change per person? After all, we are not all the same. We deal with different temptations at different severities.
Despite my sharp tone I swear I mean only respect to you all. I wish to understand. I’m not saying I’m right. Honestly I assume I’m wrong in my thinking. But I am stuck.
Any insight would be helpful.
I was taught growing up that grace covers all of your sins. Now that doesn’t mean that I’ve got a blank check to do what I want all the time with no consequences. But humans aren’t perfect so try your best.
I believed that no amount of good deeds or rejection of temptation would push me one inch closer to salvation. The issue of salvation had already been payed for and handled.
So no amount of work or lack there of was required on my part.
Now, this is not a faith vs works post. I fully understand that you can’t call yourself a Christian and then break all of the rules.
Here’s my question.
The Bible warns us of practicing sin, sining continually, a pattern of sin, or letting sin dominate your life. These are not specific guidelines, they are concepts.
Example: my kids plays basketball. He has practice one a week. He sometimes practices at home during the week but that’s hit and miss. So in this example, once a week is practice and a pattern.
My point is that these concepts can not be specifically defined.
The only concrete concept benchmarks are that no human is perfect. And we still have to try. Do you realize how much grey area is in between those two marks?
I’ve spoke with countless pastors and Christians and not one of them can shed any light on this.
For me I’m stuck right here.
If any amount of works, be it good or bad, can influence your salvation in the slightest. Then logic dictates that each Christian is responsible for maintaining his own salvation. I will not argue this point. Choices do not make themselves. Temptation do not usually resist themselves. I understand God gives strength but the decision is always up to you. Why I am a drawing this line? Because it’s fundamentally important. When Jesus died on the cross he paid the price for sin. This is something we could not have done and can’t ever repay.
But if it’s up to you to maintain your salvation by a certain amount of good deeds, spiritual fruit, and rejection of sin. That is something you can do. Why does it matter? Because like I said before, the standards are not clear. So, logically, how could you ever know for certain your salvation is secured? How could you be positive that you tried hard enough. I mean do any of us truly try with everything we have?
I see Christians all over the map. I’m not judging, simply observing.
I see very strong Christians with deep convictions on how to live there lives. I see not so strong Christians with some convictions. Theres lines they absolutely will not cross, and others they will.
I see weak Christians, they never read there Bible, they don’t pray that much. They follow the major dos and donts. They do believe in God. But there’s not much there.
This is salvation we are talking about here, heaven or hell for eternity. It would be a shame to miss the mark by a little bit. So where is the mark?
And for those who will comment and say things like, your just trying to figure out what you can get away with, or you should just do as much as you can. Don’t bother. Those are not answers. They are redirections because you can not define where the line of salvation is drawn.
Side question. Does the standards of salvations change per person? After all, we are not all the same. We deal with different temptations at different severities.
Despite my sharp tone I swear I mean only respect to you all. I wish to understand. I’m not saying I’m right. Honestly I assume I’m wrong in my thinking. But I am stuck.
Any insight would be helpful.
