Saturday, April 30, 2005
Deep Questions
SmartChristian is, on behalf of his congregation, asking some really hard questions. Just for fun, I'm going to take a shot at a few, but check Andy's site for the whole list and answer your favorites.
What happened to Jesus during the three days after His crucifixion?
The Apostle's Creed gives the short answer, as has one of Andy's commenters already -- "He descended into hell." Tempted as I am to explain in detail what that means, I would just be regurgitating Calvin; instead just click the word "Calvin" in the line in the Creed as just linked and you will get a great, and thorough answer.
How do I know I am really saved?
There's a REAL question. As a calvinist I have to answer -- You Can't! -- but it's best to assume you are, because otherwise you for sure won't be.
Is suicide the unpardonable sin?
Are you Roman Catholic? If so, then yep, but if not a definite maybe. The unpardonable sin is taking the Lord's name in vain. Now the question becomes, "Is suicide somehow taking the Lord's name in vain?" If you are a Christian I have to wonder -- if you take the name of Christ, but have not enough faith to rely upon Him, do you not harm His name? I think yes. But if you are not a Christian...
The question that got the most comment at Andy's place was:
Do you have to be baptized in water in order to be saved?
Nope, but if you are saved, you will be baptized in water out of sheer obedience. Think about it...
What happened to Jesus during the three days after His crucifixion?
The Apostle's Creed gives the short answer, as has one of Andy's commenters already -- "He descended into hell." Tempted as I am to explain in detail what that means, I would just be regurgitating Calvin; instead just click the word "Calvin" in the line in the Creed as just linked and you will get a great, and thorough answer.
How do I know I am really saved?
There's a REAL question. As a calvinist I have to answer -- You Can't! -- but it's best to assume you are, because otherwise you for sure won't be.
Is suicide the unpardonable sin?
Are you Roman Catholic? If so, then yep, but if not a definite maybe. The unpardonable sin is taking the Lord's name in vain. Now the question becomes, "Is suicide somehow taking the Lord's name in vain?" If you are a Christian I have to wonder -- if you take the name of Christ, but have not enough faith to rely upon Him, do you not harm His name? I think yes. But if you are not a Christian...
The question that got the most comment at Andy's place was:
Do you have to be baptized in water in order to be saved?
Nope, but if you are saved, you will be baptized in water out of sheer obedience. Think about it...
