something I just have to get off my chest. ^_^;;

[Debitt]

I have a number of acquaintances from my elementary and middle school (I went to a non-denominational Christian school, if you're wondering) most of whom were Christians. It was a small school, so we were a pretty tight knit group. We all knew each other and we all worshipped together, and most of us seemed fairly strong in our faith, both inside and outside school. But since most of us up and left for high school I know many of my old friends have changed. Some have begun dating people of the same gender. Some have become atheists or agnostics, or dabble in things like Wicca. Some have taken up drugs and drinking and pre-marital sex. I would love a second chance to talk to all my childhood friends and possibly help them get back on the straight and narrow, but the same truth is I can't get in contact with many of them.

So...heh, sort of a sill question to answer, but even if they have become homosexuals or atheists, they believed with all their hearts in Christ when they were children. Do they still have place in Heaven built for them?

[panegryst]

sure, if they still believe in Christ. given that, they will enter heaven no matter how their moral reasoning has been twisted.


but dabbling in Wicca, homosexuality, etc. is, unfortuneatly, a rather obvious sign of a falling away from faith...

[Raiden no Kishi]

>_< ::massive headache::

I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO YOU!!!

I personally (PERSONALLY mind you) don't think so. Habitual sin such as homosexuality is a sign that there is not a real heart change. I cannot see their hearts, perhaps they are just uninformed, but that is what I believe.

We haven't begun to cement who we really are when we are children. It is hard to say who someone is now from who they were in childhood. Case in point: Sweet, glompable Rai. I was a COMPLETELY different person when I was a child. And I'm glad I changed.

Don't take my word for it, though. I'm just 16.

Rai

[water-bearer]

Different denominations have different views on something called eternal security, but to go into them would almost definitely become theological debate/discussion. So I guess we just need to be careful how this thread turns out so that we can avoid losing it, and always remember that pm's are a good discussion source.

[Yojimbo]

I do not believe that we are guranteed a place in heaven only by being baptized. If that was the case well then I don't have to fear damnation and could go about my merry way doing whatever I please without consequence. Some of you will argue differently but lets face it you're not a Christian if you don't strive to exemplify Christ.

[Debitt]

So...putting what people have said into few words, their beliefs as an adult have more weight than their belief in Christ as a child? They're damned because they accepted as a child and took a wrong turn later in life?

[panegryst]

yes. rejecting Christ is rejecting salvation.

and I don't know of ANY denomination that teaches that baptism saves those who have conciously rejected Christ.

[Yojimbo]

While they haven't outright denied Christ with their words. Their actions speak for themselves and are obviously the complete opposite of what Christ teaches. Therefore I believe at their current state they have no guranteed place in heaven. Now I don't know God's plan for them is so I won't judge them. If they repent before God before their sins catch up to them then they are fully cleansed of them in God's eyes.

[water-bearer]

I'm kinda confused.. o.o Where did baptism come in at? I don't see it mentioned at all, and then it just kinda dropped in. Can someone help?

[Debitt]

Well...I never mentioned baptism. I firmly believe that just because you were baptised doesn't mean you get into heaven. But what about the people who sincerely accepted Christ as a child and took up something like premarital sex or homosexuality, or the people who accept and later decide they're athetists or agnostics? If you believe in Christ's death and resurrection but, for example, think you should be able to "be" with anyone, regardless of gender, would you still go to hell?

[Yojimbo]

Well you're "made" a Christian when you are baptized no? And this thread is about how they were good Christians when they were younger. And Jesus tells if you believe in Me you will be saved. But it also through our actions that we are saved and not just by our words.

[Stephen]

Wow...I think this really crosses the denominational line bit...if anyone wants to take this further...take it to PM please. Everyone was good about it don't get me wrong...but I think this has way to much potential to snowball. Sorry guys.