Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!samsung!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!dimacs.rutgers.edu!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: stevep@cadence.com (Steve Peterson) Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Re: The Uneducated Need Not Apply Message-ID: Date: 13 Nov 90 09:17:46 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Lines: 48 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu [This continues the discussion started by Darren Provine on the question of whether people who are ignorant or simply mistaken are thereby incapable to being saved. Claims that salvation requires a certain belief seems to imply this. So he wants to know whether people really believe that the ability to recognize certain doctrines as true or false can really be required for salvation. --clh] I think that this is a great question that you have asked. A few thoughts: On Salvation: ------------- Those who are saved, redeemed, going to heaven, receiving everlasting life, etc., are chosen by God, not by any of us who enjoy discussing Bible topics from differing points of view. On the role of accurate knowledge: ---------------------------------- The Bible gives several examples that show the importance of having accurate knowledge, and encourages us to examine the Scriptures carefully. 1Tim 2:4 God's will is for us to gain accurate knowledge Acts 17:11 Berean's good example Acts 17:2,3 Paul's example of reasoning from the Scriptures Rom 10:2 The Jews had zeal for God but not according to accurate knowledge. John 17:3 This means life: Their knowing [taking in knowledge] of God. On intellectual capability as a requirement for salvation --------------------------------------------------------- Math 11:25 Jesus praises his Father on his ability to reveal truths such that intellectual capability isn't a prerequisite. And so, I have concluded that accurate knowledge is important to God. It is better to have a correct understanding of a Bible doctrine than to not. It is His will that we come to an accurate knowledge of the truth. Having done so, we are in a better position to act on what we have learned. But fortunately, who is or isn't saved will be determine by God and not any of us. Best Regards...... Steve Peterson ---- stevep@cadence.com or ...!uunet!cadence!stevep