CHRISTIAN: A litmus test

Forty years ago, I studied theology. I also studied people. I found in any given Christian church, even though there is one lesson book called the Bible, 200 people can read it and 25 may argue various “doctrine.” Example, some say you must be baptized to be saved by the Grace of God. Some believe you can lose your salvation, others say once saved always saved. Some argue about end times and the tribulation, will it be before what Christians call the rapture, in the middle or after?

No one led me to God. For me it was like a baby coming from the womb and starts breathing; it seems I came from the womb believing. There was no point where I can say, “That is when I believed.” I just did. So, this may shock those who know me; but for those who argue over the various doctrines in the Bible: I don’t care. With one exception, none of it matters. That exception is believing Jesus Christ is the Son of God and accepting Him as your Savior. Go ahead and argue that; I don’t care.

The point I’m trying to make is, the only thing that really matters is your own relationship with God. Yes; tell others what you believe, but don’t tell them how to believe; they will learn what you believe by watching how you live.

Christian means follower of Christ — “Christ like.” Is our nation “Christ like?”

What matters to me is; am I?

JERRY MARTIN

Post Falls