saint jammin wrote:
> Thus I was wondering what people thought about the importance of
> doctrine.  What knowledge is required for salvation?

Simply put, when Christ declared, "I am the Truth, the Life, and the
Way," He became exceedingly exclusive.  There is only one Truth.
Christ, as The Prophet of God, is the only Mediator between God and
man.  He is the only expression of God.  I would suggest that we will
never "see" either the Father or the Spirit except via symbols.  Christ
is the expression of God.  To follow any other is to follow a
non-reality.

So that is where we 1st have to start.  If you place your faith in
Buddha or Mohammed, etc. you will be one of those who will contest,
"But Lord, Lord."

Though some may not like to hear it, we must have an absolutely correct
(though certainly  not exhaustive) view of who Christ is.  For
instance, the Jehovah (false) Witnesses believe in Christ as do the
Muslems.  But we must accept the biblical record that unless you
believe Him as He has revealed Himself, you will have placed your faith
in a non-reality and be in the very same boat as those who worship
money, monkey's and the stars (human or cosmological).  To have a
rudementary incorrect view of who Christ is and just what it is His
death offers and why, how can there be compliance with "The Truth?"
Basically, to have an incorrect view of God is idolatry of the mind.
Those who do not believe in Him as their person LORD and Savior, will
die in their sins and thus be judged and sentences to eternal
damnation.  That is the Biblical record.  Either accept it or reject
it.  That will not change its reality one iota.

I would suggest you read a recent book by Os Guinness, "Time for
Truth."  Antethetical thinking is not a hallmark of the last century in
the West.  In the Far East, I think it never has been.  Guinness does a
good job of presenting the dilemma of a society which takes on the
modern/post modern view of pluralism.  The book is a small one so you
can read it in one sitting.  However, what he states is very profound
and you will find yourself automatically sitting back and contemplating
his presentation as you go.  Guinness does not write like he use to.
He writes now more for general consumption yet he still discusses
issues that involve some cud chewing.  If you want to take on some of
his earlier works, I would strongly suggest "Dust of Death," an
analysis of the basic philosophical solutions to the How & Why of the
universe.  He also has an excellent book titled, "Of Two Minds" which
explores the issue of doubt.  I've often commented that what this book
teaches should be expounded at least once a year in every church of the
world.

((( s.r.c.b-s is a moderated group.  All posts are approved by a moderator. )))
(((   Read http://srcbs.org for details about this group BEFORE you post.   )))
---
þ RIMEGate(tm)/RGXPost V1.14 at BBSWORLD * Info{at}bbsworld.com

---
 * RIMEGate(tm)V10.2áÿ* RelayNet(tm) NNTP Gateway * MoonDog BBS
 * RgateImp.MoonDog.BBS at 12/10/04 12:00:05 PM