I respect your opinion completely, but the reasons why I do not seek a serious relationship with a non Christian has absolutely nothing to do with racism. A person has no choice on what race they are born into, but everyone has a choice on what they believe. I know that someone who shares my beliefs will also uphold and share the same values and morals as I do. I also believe that a relationship isn't just for physical and social reasons; I believe a relationship is a spiritual bond in which you can grow and learn with someone who you have deep friendship with and affection for. How can I spiritually bond with someone who doesn't even believe in God? I don't let someone's religion dictate whether or not I am their friend, but I find that a relationship is a gift I want to share with someone who values relationships as I do, wishes to grow with me under God's guidance and will be accountable to God for their actions.
Second Corinthians - Chapter 6:14-16 Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can goodness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the Devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people."
So if a child is born in some third-world country, and is raised in their beliefs, and is never introduced to any other religion and way of thought, how does that child have a choice in what to believe? In the same way, if someone is raised elsewhere, even though they may be introduced to other religions, it can be very hard to go against what you are taught. That is something I have never understood.. Even though someone may live their life in complete.. shall I say goodness? Even though they may live a completely pure life, according to your quote there, they are still considered wicked, even if it is through no fault of their own. If you could explain this to me, I would greatly appreciate it.
Re: Is that so?jaydee_ladyJuly 9 2004, 13:08:49 UTC
Okay, so first off, I'm very familiar with this question, but I'd like to point out that I most likely wont be dating any 3rd world country people who have never been exposed to any other culture/religion/free thought, so I don't see the relation, but I will certainly address the question.
The bible teaches that as long as you accept Christ as saviour and acknowledge your sins you are saved. Not "if you're a good little boy or girl and go to sunday school".. 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." We are all sinful. Not for a minute would I put Christians up on a pedestal and say "Look, we are the GOOD people! We aren't living in sin!" because we are ALL sinful people. There isn't any truly "good" or "wicked" people - we all fall short of the glory of God some way or another, Christian or not. (most) Christians try to live up to His standards, but we all fail constantly and are aware of our need for forgiveness.
Now that we have that clear, what about those who haven't been exposed at all to the forgiveness of Christ?
Firstly, it is supposed to be the Church's responsibility to proclaim the message to the lost- but we fail. There are, of course, pockets of humanity that have never heard of God. But isn't it strange, that no matter where you go, there are still basic ideas of right and wrong? That is because man was given a conscience- and everyone is going to have to answer for their sins one day.
God is a just ruler. I don't believe he is going to sentence some poor heathen, who had no idea what the heck is goi
Re: Is that so?jaydee_ladyJuly 9 2004, 13:10:44 UTC
(continued) going to sentence some poor heathen, who had no idea what the heck is going on, to Hell. I believe that God will take care of this, but there are plenty of different theories on how. I just know He will give those who have never heard of the gospel the choice to accept it or reject it just like the rest of us- perhaps in the afterlife, or perhaps even in another sort of reincarnation... I personally just trust that God has handled this. He has handled everything else, including my life, and all He has done is good.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight
I hope that helped you understand a bit. Feel free to ask if you have more questions!
Re: Is that so?jaydee_ladyJuly 9 2004, 13:44:08 UTC
Ha ha, alright, so acknowledging the fact that you probably won't be dating any third-world country children, what does Anthony, in his sinful ways, believe in?
Re: Is that so?jaydee_ladyJuly 9 2004, 17:22:31 UTC
I really don't know- that's the problem! I don't KNOW the real him. As a matter of fact, he used to be a jerk to me up until the beginning of May- we were friends, but he could be really rude and obnoxious. Then he started falling all over himself trying to be nice to me and kind of caught me by surprise... but yeah. I don't know much about him. He doesn't seem real to me. Maybe that's why I feel more comfortable dating Curtis.
Second Corinthians - Chapter 6:14-16
Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can goodness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the Devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people."
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~Alric
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The bible teaches that as long as you accept Christ as saviour and acknowledge your sins you are saved. Not "if you're a good little boy or girl and go to sunday school".. 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." We are all sinful. Not for a minute would I put Christians up on a pedestal and say "Look, we are the GOOD people! We aren't living in sin!" because we are ALL sinful people. There isn't any truly "good" or "wicked" people - we all fall short of the glory of God some way or another, Christian or not. (most) Christians try to live up to His standards, but we all fail constantly and are aware of our need for forgiveness.
Now that we have that clear, what about those who haven't been exposed at all to the forgiveness of Christ?
Firstly, it is supposed to be the Church's responsibility to proclaim the message to the lost- but we fail. There are, of course, pockets of humanity that have never heard of God. But isn't it strange, that no matter where you go, there are still basic ideas of right and wrong? That is because man was given a conscience- and everyone is going to have to answer for their sins one day.
God is a just ruler. I don't believe he is going to sentence some poor heathen, who had no idea what the heck is goi
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Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight
I hope that helped you understand a bit. Feel free to ask if you have more questions!
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