O.K. Let's see if we can do this. I want to pose a question and get your answers without you guys trying to convince each other your right or wrong. Just kinda a long drawn out poll.
Do you think that a person's denomination plays a part in his/her being saved? I've thought about this for years. I'm not asking anyone to state what they are, but I will (and I have many times). I'm Catholic. Now, many of our beliefs and practices are not appreciated by other Christian denominations, and likewise. I personally don't think that I've got a better or worse chance of being saved than anyone else. But traditions are so different that many claim that theirs is the right one and so one. Just wondering what you guys think. Let's try to make this a "bash free" thread!
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While you rest, someone, somewhere, is training. When you meet, you will lose.
I for one feel that Denomination is not a factor in ones salvation, their acceptance of Christ as their Saviour and the way they lead thier lifes is what will determine thier salvation. God is not going to look into the Book of Life and seperate folks out by Baptist, Methodist, CoC, etc, etc., he is going to judge by individuals and not denominations.
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The Tazman aka Martin Price
Proud father of a Devil Dog
If a denomination exists for the purpose of dividing itself from others because it maintains non-biblical views and practices, then they have a problem. If a denomination exists simply because in it's history, it adopted a name, andpossibly differed from other groups on earthly issues, but not biblical issues,but it is still united in Christ with others, then I don't see division, I see difference -- not a salvation issue.
Of course I'm not the final athority on this. God will judge us all.
Do you think that a person's denomination plays a part in his/her being saved?
Yes. And yet I agree with Taz, that it is an individual matter.
The reason I say yes, is because denominations were man's idea, not God's. There is No authority for denominational division in the Holy Scriptures. In fact there is a warning and a command NOT to form denominations. (1 Cor. 1:10) Jesus even prayed against them! (Jn. 17:17)
I believe that God never wanteddenominations to exist, but men decided they could not agree and so they "divided" the body and in doing so, left the authority of God and started tofollow their own authorityby writingcreeds, oaths, confessions, etc.
My question is this:Is being a member of a denomination a sin? And what scripture would you site to back up your answer?
I have heard people say things that suggest maybe those involved in a certain denomination are placing their eternal souls in peril. Not often, and not recently. My personal feeling is that there a few (very simple, plain)central issues that are absolutely essential to salvation. Everything else is somewhat open to our human interpretation (through a glass darkly). For instance, Is it ok to pray to Mary, Mother of God? I would guess you won't be destined to hell for it, but prayer to the big dead fat guy from the East might cause you some eternal regret. JMHO
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Archery hoghuntin' by moonlight, now there's some good, clean fun.
For instance, Is it ok to pray to Mary, Mother of God?
Just MHO, praying to anyone other than God is one of those central issues to which you refer. But I'm not sending anyone to hell -- not my call, not my job.
Thanks for the welcome. I have no idea how God views praying to Mary, or how Catholics view it. I believe she is seen as some sory of intermediary. Anyway, not my call here, as you said. I HAVE to go with my interpretation of God's word, as long as I am convinced I am not trying to read my own will into it.
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Archery hoghuntin' by moonlight, now there's some good, clean fun.
THe central issue is not the denomination one belongs to, but where do you place your faith. If a Catholic places his trust in Christ, he is saved according to the Scripture--no matter how many other things he gets wrong( now that was a joke)If a Baptist places his trust in his works, he has no hope of salvation. The only influence one would have from a denominational background, one way or the otherwould be what they teach concerning Christ. Many socalled mainline denominations have individual churches that teach error, while their denominational stance is orthodox.And you can find some individual churches within a denomination known for error that is very sound.I don't have a problem fellowshipping with any denomination or any one from any denomination--I look at the individual church and person.
Denominational issues
