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Forward: Separating Salvation From People

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Separating Salvation From People

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I have been asked this question before by members who have seen many brethren and even ministers fail. Having spent much of my life at the heart of the work, some have asked me, “Why are you still here?”

I think it comes down to something my dad said when I graduated college and was asked to work on the Church’s Gulf stream jet: “Be sure and separate salvation from people.” What he knew was that I would witness some things that would build my faith; but I would also see and hear things that could discourage and tear down my faith.

Indeed no Christian’s life is without its pitfalls, but we expect them to be attacks from the outside. While ready to face the world, often we are not prepared for problems from the inside. People who meet with us each Sabbath at church—brothers and sisters whom we trust and love—sometimes might not show godly character in word or deed. And we can tend to expect more Christlike behavior the higher the position a person is in.

But when an offense happens involving someone in a visible position, what do we do? Many take sides, deny the action happened or make excuses, blaming others as the cause. They might reason that someone in that position certainly couldn’t have done whatever the offense was.

Emotional reactions like these may leave one at peace with themselves, but if they find out later that a knowingly wrongful act was committed or they were lied to, it’s very easy to become disillusioned. They might leave the faith or go searching for a more perfect church—usually to find that the next one is no better than the last.

Every good biblical character sinned, except Jesus Christ. He never sinned and kept all the commandments. But even He was accused for drinking wine, talking to sinners and disregarding men’s rules of Sabbath observance; and some people became offended by these accusations. To let someone else’s perceived mistake—or actual mistake—put us in a wrong attitude is to let someone else “take our crown” (Revelation 3:11).

We must work to control our own thoughts and actions. Seek truth and prove all things before reacting emotionally. “Work out our own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Our salvation rests on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ alone. If we pray for wisdom and react spiritually, we will make progress toward separating our salvation from other people’s mistakes. And in the process, put Christ—our hope of glory—in us (Colossians 1:27). 

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Comments

  • Y'shua

    Sadly we are in an age were God is often sidelined in our Society in favour of cunsumerism, better a new 50inch plasma TV then an act of Charitable giving.
    Let's face it, have we not all done this?
    The Church, whether is is Roman Catholic, Protestant , Mormon or other Christian Church, has lost it's way amongst the modern world.
    WHY?
    The message of Y'shua is still as valid today as it has always been, but modern people do not accept a lot of the mumbo-jumbo and mysticism that the old Church used to gain their allegiance, it was much easier to terrify simple minded peasants with tales of the Devil and the "Wrath of God" than it is with an educated populace. They simply do not believe this stuff.
    Neither do I!
    Yet my Faith in God and Y'shua is stronger for it, because I realised that I did not need all this manmade bunkum but only the Truth of God as given in the Sermon on the Mount.
    In this Y'shua gave us ALL that a true believer needs, the rest is peripheral wisdom.
    If the Church went back to this Foundation then people would return to God's Houses.

  • JPatton

    Hi Aaron,

    I really appreciate your perspective on this subject. Indeed all too often the brethren become discouraged because of the actions of other brothers and sisters and even that of leaders. Without that constant focus and retuning oneself to the scriptures it is easy to become lost and go astray.

    We must guard ourselves from Satan and his devices. Even if some of the most destructive devices come from within the church. There are people out there who at first and I mean for years seem genuine but are in fact wolves and tares spreading false doctrines and discouraging the 'little children' and those who are more easily swayed in every wind of doctrine.

    It is up to each of us to first guard our own crowns, as it is written, "for our God is a consuming fire" and, "many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace".

    Therefore let us not be shaken by those who are immature and by those who work against the word, but let us boldly teach and build up those who are weak in faith. After all we have the promise that "those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever." - Daniel 12:3

    Thank you for the reminder to be vigilant and may you be inscribed in the book of Life on this solem Day of Atonement

  • KARS

    Thank you for the good advice Mr. Dean. Have a good Sabbath and Holy Day season.

  • Fliss

    We should not judge others, but keep the faith and leave it in Gods hands. We all make mistakes, give a helping hand, don't point the finger. Remember a quiet genuine answer can and does encourage. Show God in every action and answer only to him.

    Fliss

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