(July 25, 2012 at 12:45 pm)spockrates Wrote: [quote='Godschild' pid='314778' dateline='1343112553']
spockrates Wrote:Yes, but when it is God's word that is unclear about a topic so important as one's eternal state of existence, what am I to do? It seems my prayer for wisdom has been answered by opening my eyes to the scriptural ambiguities. Rather than making the intent more clear, it has become cloudy--not in that the meaning is vague, but in that it seems impossible to determine which meaning is the truth! Speaking to those on both sides of the fence separating Protestants and Catholics has only deepened my conviction that either side might be deceived. So how do I choose? And if you don't mind my asking, what side did you choose?
I chose God's side, I found the answers in scripture, most of those answers came after salvation, as they do for most people.
Paul tells use that salvation does not come through works, neither does keeping your salvation. Salvation is through belief in Christ through grace and grace only. Works show others of the salvation we have, works help use grow in a relationship with Christ, scripture is very clear about this. I understand that when you study the scriptures things at times become unclear, that's why I said Christians need to be patient and the Holy Spirit will reveal the truth of God's word. I've had many unclear moments, but in time things were made clear, it's not about our timing it's about God's desire to reveal truth to you when you are ready.
God loves those who believe and those who do not and the same goes for me, you have no choice in this matter. That puts the matter of total free will to rest.