Quote:
Originally Posted by Sheltiedad
Okay, I think I see an analogy that fits with your scenario... How about a demolition man, and He is trying to make sure everyone gets out of the building safely before he destroys it?
The problem is that as soon as you add in the Pentecostal culture, it adds in so much red tape that very few people will ever be able to complete all the forms just to leave the building.... this I believe is why Fudge chose that title for his book...
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What red tape? What forms?
While I can see what you are driving at in general, I don't believe that the Pentecostal culture, as it were, has a monopoly as say, the DMV, as to who gets out and who stays in.
Initial salvation is simple, once born again, we progress, even to the point of being useful in the salvation of others.
Now I don't know who Fudge is, but a name like that doesn't speak complete credibility to me no matter what the book may be.
Nevertheless, the mistake many have made is tying the Pentecostal culture off as the only way to the emergency exit door. This has caused some problems for those that are in it as well as without it. The later missing what is correct, the former too complacent and wise in their own conceits for their own, and consequently other's, well being.
Yet, there are many within the culture that will make it, and certainly some that won't. However, those without will be without excuse in pointing any fingers at any one culture, or sub-culture, as to why they failed. It won't wash. We all need to seek Christ all the way, and the true simplicity therein, in order to make it, regardless.
I believe some of the very last day saints will be far removed from the culture that helped deliver them the essential truths that made the difference. This doesn't speak anything against the culture, rather more so to the function of time with which they had to progress.
To whom much is given...much is expected. Those that made the complexities of the culture a stumbling block will answer for it, yet not everything about the culture is complex, neither all that are within.
The culture has gained ground in some areas, lost ground in others. Still, God seems very interested for some reason and, to be sure, not all is lost. It brings to mind:
1 Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Those that truly seek the Lord and the gift of salvation shall find it, He will make a way, even in spite of red tape and membership forms, culture and lack thereof.
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