We had spoken with the preacher after church on Sunday and he told us some of what they believe in. I'm just not feeling it. They believe that if someone is saved and then purposely rejects God and changes their mind, that's it. Too bad, so sad. There's no realizing the err of their ways, or having a change of heart later. They have written themselves a one way ticket to hell for all time. I just don't think it's like that.
It says in the Bible that God Himself repented of things he'd planned to do, changed His own mind. I can't believe that a God who wants nothing more than for everyone to be saved would turn His back on someone who was again, calling on Him.
Maybe I'm wrong, but that's how I see it. When we're young we do stupid things; later on we get stuff figured out and realize what a screw up we've done. Why can't it be like that in this case? What if an atheist who was saved as a child comes to God later in life? Is it too late for them? God turning His back would only make their case.
If the only unforgiveable sin is blasphemy against God, then why is rejection in the same category if it turns out to be temporary? Doesn't God wait around for us all the time to seek Him out? It's often said that we are the ones who leave God, not God leaving us; that He's always waiting for us to "see the light" and come back to him. Why isn't it the same as when we say ask forgiveness for a sin, say we'll do good, and and then do the sin again? If we ask for forgiveness again, does it mean He won't accept us ever again?
Who determines that line of doing little sins is still ok, but total rejection is not? Isn't that just another sin, howbeit, on a different level than say getting drunk or cursing? Isn't sin sin, and not a grade of sin?
Anyway, if that's the way they feel at that church, then I can't in good conscious, keep going. The bummer is that I really liked it there, the people, and smallness, the quaintness. Dan did too. We will miss being part of that, but I cannot go with that belief. I think God is available throughout a person's life.
No one on earth knows His mind. No one on earth can set a limit for Him. No one on earth should give up on being saved if they realize they need and want God in their lives.
I think I'm just going to sit in the woods on Sunday mornings and worship under God's big blue cathedral ceiling. If I'm wrong than please pray for me.
