>You don't understand that we are ALL as guilty as people who kill, steal, etc. Without Christ's subtitutionary death, we'd all have no choice by to spend eternity in Hell. Thanks be to God for His indescribbable gift!!!
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>You're right...I DON'T understand. I've never killed, I've never stolen (as an adult)...if you're telling me that the model of Christianity says I'm as guilty as a killer, then the model has an inverted set of principles.
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Have you ever been angry at someone? Ever wished someone were dead? Ever lied? Ever thought about an extra-marital relationship? Ever lusted after a woman who was not your wife? Ever been impatient? Ever complained? You've got to see that you have sinned at some time or another. I'm not saying that lying is equated to murder - but - and don't miss this - if you are guilty of violating one part of the law you are guilty and that sin must be punished. As a Christian, I believe that Christ's death on the cross was sufficient to pay for my sins and trust in that to save me.

>This is precisely what I meant when I said that it's a good thing Americans don't take religion seriously, because it would make political freedom almost impossible. Can you imagine rules of justice based on such a system??? I can...take one look at the fanaticism in certain areas of the Middle East. This is why the separation of church and state are so important.
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> The Gospel is intended to cause division. It is there to seperate the Christians from the world. Christ even says he did not come to bring peace but a sword. People need to be aware that this is no game! If they want to believe the foolish wisdom of men, so be it. God's way is trust in His saving grace for their salvation ANY OTHER WAY leads to destruction. I don't mean to cause any emotional damage - but - if God can use that to open someone's eyes to the truth, then in the end it would be worth it.
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>As I said, my wife was criticized and persecuted as a child. She rarely spoke about being Jewish, but when it became known, she was frequently called a "Christ-killer", that she'd burn in hell, etc. This was both from other kids, parents, and A TEACHER! The only truth it "opened up" in her eyes was the venom that certain people are carrying around. Her experiences have led her to believe that a "good Christian" is an oxymoron. Even though I'm not a Christian either, I've tried to get her to realize that many Christians are far less radical and far more tolerant - but your posts have me wondering.
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Some Christians are not kind in their speech and - yes - they can unnecessarily offend others. That is wrong. If someone is offended by the Gospel message, I cannot apologize for that. I would hope that I could still be friendly towards someone who does not believe as I do - but - I cannot allow their teaching or beliefs to interfere with God's.

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>This "stuff" matters far more than anything else. God's grace does not extend forever. The sooner you begin to take this seriously, the better off you'll be.
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>This grace is based on one thing: fear.
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Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...