My Saturday evening has been spent studying and discussing with friends. It has been interesting and tough. Things discussed include: the correct sabbath day, hell, predestination, who has the right religion/belief. Some of these things will never be agreed upon between us; I think we may just have to agree to disagree on the specifics. We each feel very strongly about what we believe; we believe that we are right and the others are wrong and vise versa.
I believe that we do not have to observe Saturday as the Sabbath. I was just reading over at Blue Letter Bible about why Christians moved to Sunday versus continuing with Saturday. They have some good points. Those who observe the Lord’s Day on Saturday have valid points as well. Can we both be right? Or is one wrong? Does it really matter? Is it a salvation issue? The point our friend brought up tonight is that this is one of the 10 Commandments. God obviously thinks it is important, but what is important about it – the specific day or that we actually take the time one day in a week to honor him and to rest? Or what about this – we like to rest on Saturday and meet for worship on Sunday? Some would consider us lazy then. We just can’t win; you can’t please everyone.
I believe there is a hell. Some questions that came up: are there different levels of hell? Will our bodies burn forever? Or is hell for our souls and our bodies will just burn up and be consumed by the fire, but our souls burn forever? Does it really matter? Or does it simply matter that we do believe that God will punish those who do not follow him?
We didn’t discuss it a lot but part of the conversation did turn toward predestination and free will. Do we really have a free will? Or is God directing a lot more than we give Him credit for? Or does he give and take our free will at his discretion? So if God is deciding that some are predestined for heaven and some are not then that means God wants people to go to hell? How does that fit in with our lovey dovey view of God? But if there is free will, how do we really know that we have the right way? The free will adds an element of doubt.
Do Christians really have the right path? Or is it some other group / cult / religion? Where or how do you balance questioning / doubt / learning / education / debate? Where do you draw the line?
I think I’ll take a break. My head hurts. I am open and willing to learn and read and try to understand. I don’t really want to be mediocre; I want to be more like Christ. However, there is that aspect of having the faith of a little child. I might just go back to that and not think so hard and so long about these HUGE issues. I feel more confused than when we started.
I am saved from my sins; Jesus is my Savior. I am going to heaven; there is a hell. Free will or not, I’m with HIM. Until God shows me otherwise, my conscience is clear resting on Saturday and meeting for worship on Sunday. And I pray for lively, friendly, educating discussions that create peace in our hearts and our homes; that God teaches each one where s/he is at that moment and brings each one closer to Himself.
The striving is evident tonight!
Striving to learn and live God’s purposes,
I dont' rest on Saturday. We do so much that day. On the topic of free will. My religion used to call it free agency. Now it is referred to as agency because it comes with consequences. Good consequence or bad depends on the choices made. I am grateful for the sacrafice Christ made for us when he died on the cross. It is a good idea to see what others believe. I think that respect for others believes is a Christlike attribute that we should strive for. We don't have to agree but we shouldn't shun anyone for what they believe. I hope this comes across the way I mean it. Love your blog LaDonna