It's pretty easy to understand when people who do not claim to be followers of Jesus Christ act like they're not followers of Jesus Christ. That should come as no shock to anyone even though it is heartbreaking. However, when a church decides "We're going to do what we want regardless of what the Bible teaches", that's when you have a problem. You can read the whole story here. I can't say it any better than the apostle Paul did thousands of years ago:
Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first,
2 Thess 2:1-3 (NASB)
4 comments:
You realize, I hope, that apostasy is falling away from faith. Which means that faith once existed and exists no more. Which means that for apostasy to really occur, "Once saved, always saved," or the Calvinist understanding of "Perseverance of the Saints," is incorrect.
Chris
Thanks for the comment.
Chris, applying your definition of apostasy to the situation with the ELCA fits it perfectly. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America was once a body where faith existed. Now it doesn't. I don't see how that makes "Perseverance of the Saints" incorrect. Those in the ELCA who were true believers have either died, left the denomination, or are about to. Nothing in the verse Joe quoted or in what happened with the ELCA proves anyone lost their salvation.
Lee
The best way to deal with Chris is just to say "That's nice", pat him on the head, give him a glass of warm milk and send him on to bed. It's just easier that way. :-)
Thanks for the comment and for having my back there, bud.
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