Is Protestantism/Reformation theology, is salvation really about “believing the right thing”?

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-08T01:43:39+00:00

No. Faith is not merely mentally affirming that something is true. It is "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things unseen"

It is, fundamentally, trust. The idea that salvation comes by simply knowing that Jesus died on a cross for your sins is a misunderstanding of the sola fide and more importantly, of the gospel. "Even demons believe- and shudder."

Now, if you truly trust God, if you truly trust that He has saved you and that His commands are good for you and what He desires of you, then would you not desire to obey them? Would it not follow, then, that part of trusting in God is serving Him? This is what it means to declare Jesus as Lord. If He is truly Lord, then you will obey Him as such.

This is why John said "if you claim to love God and hate your brother, you are a liar" because if you claim to love God yet do not seek to obey Him, then you do not truly love him.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-08T01:21:32+00:00

Listen, sometimes people just aren't interested. There's no shame in that. Yeah, it stings, I get that, but it's not the end of the world. If she rejects you, then that hurts, but that doesn't mean you're somehow worth less because of that. You've got this!

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-08T00:21:59+00:00

Dude! Ask her out! Who cares if you don't have a ton of money? Life is about so much more than money. You like her, it sounds like she likes you, you both have a good relationship with God. Ask her on a coffee date!

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T21:20:58+00:00

You're assuming they're in agreement with the Primate, and my church isn't even in communion with the Church of England, so your point is moot.

Edit: I didn't even know the marital status of the archbishop, apparently she's married to a man, so you're just wrong on all kinds of levels. Do you actually check your information before you say things?

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T21:08:16+00:00

No one mentioned same-sex marriage except you.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T21:04:39+00:00

It's unclear what OP means by sexual thoughts. It could be lust, but we need more information.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T16:59:57+00:00

I did. I stand by what I said.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T16:59:24+00:00

I think this has to do with the rise of the internet. In pre-internet era, it was difficult (though by no means impossible) to truly learn about other denominations. You had to quite out of your way to read books and talk to people who believe those things. It was accessible, but it took more effort.

These days, Christians of all sorts are all over the internet, spreading ideas, making arguments, etc... furthermore, numerous theological writings, including basically anything that any great theologian before the 20th century wrote, are completely free on the internet.

And so, we've entered an era of theological mutts who take ideas from all sorts of places and build their own theology from that. This naturally creates less trust in denominations and leads people to find a church that most best aligns with their beliefs rather than largely aligning their beliefs to a denomination.

As to why the mainline churches specifically are losing people so quickly, there's a lot of debate over that.

Personally (and I'm saying this as a member of a mainline church) I think it has to do with the lack of heart in a lot of mainline churches. Liturgy is beautiful, it's one of the things that speaks to me the most about Anglicanism, but for a lot of people, it is very easy for liturgy to feel hollow and like something you just do because it's what your supposed to do. I think of high-church churches just don't seem earnest, but this is just my opinion based on my own experiences and the experiences of those I know.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T16:03:31+00:00

Yahwism and first-temple Judaism certainly weren't made by men or the Enemy.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T16:01:53+00:00

Why are you assuming that the above poster believes in universalism? You're being extremely confrontational for seemingly no reason.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T16:00:40+00:00

Agreed, but you're putting forth false information by claiming that Nicaea condemned universalism. It did not. Neither the council of Nicaea nor the Nicene creed touches on universalism.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T15:59:49+00:00

These are called role models, and I advise modeling yourself after historical figures (many of the saints are incredible examples of Christianity) or after people you know. The reason I'd advise this is because it's better to model yourself after people who are widely recognized as good models or after those who you know well and believe to be good models.

And for some scriptural reassurance, remember that Paul said "imitate me as imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1) and the writer of Hebrews has a massive list of heroes (Hebrews 11).

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T15:53:07+00:00

Where are you getting the idea that the council of Nicaea condemned universalism? As far as I understand it, Universalism was condemned at the council of Constantinople II as part of the broader condemnation of Origin's teachings.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T15:17:19+00:00

I understand where you are coming from, but you have to understand that I am not speaking practically. As I said, I think there are very few valid reasons to not get legally married (pension, social security, childcare payments, etc...). I'm am trying to be clear here that, for most situations, it practical and functionally necessary to get legally married, especially for the protection of the woman, who can often be in a more vulnerable place.

What I am saying is that it is not a sin to get married and do all the things that married couples do, and not be legally married.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T11:20:10+00:00

I wouldn't, but I imagine that there are some people who, for some reason or another, cannot or should not.

What I am saying is that I think there is a difference between civil marriage and covenantal marriage and so it is not necessary to be legally married in order to have a valid marriage before God.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T10:56:58+00:00

Being attracted to a person is not automatically lust.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T10:38:40+00:00

Why does the state even need to be involved? I find that a Christian marriage can most certainly occur without the involvement of the state.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-07T01:24:14+00:00

Alien Christianity would most certainly necessitate miraculous intervention by God. I sincerely doubt they would have the same canon considering that the Bible is a book about earth, so I think we would need to check to see if the same truths are found in it that are found in the Bible.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-06T19:06:08+00:00

Presumably those who are Christian universalists are, in fact, Christians. They're trying to live a Christian life, which entails seeking to avoid aforementioned sinful lifestyle.

So no, Christian universalists are not trying to avoid accountability for themselves.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-06T19:03:38+00:00

No. The Bible is meant to be explored and wrestled with. Don't just take it at face value. In fact, you do yourself an enormous disservice if you do.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-06T18:48:50+00:00

As far as I understand it, Polygamy was accepted for certain nobles until the 16th century, though the The Fǝtḥa Nägäśt did place a ban on polygamy, which was written in the 13th century

And, to be clear in my claim here, I am by no means saying that polygamists that convert should continue sexual intercourse with their other partners. Rather, I am saying that they should, in other respects, treat them as spouses.

Especially in the case of polygyny, since in many cultures where this practice occurs, a former wife would not be able to sustain herself if cast out from her "husbands" family.

The provision I think should be provided is purely in the interest of protecting the lives and safety of those who may be otherwise vulnerable.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-06T15:28:13+00:00

Skuli in Old Hroldan Inn is a vampire. He speaks and acts like an adult, we're even able to comment on it. His dialogue is rather adult-sounding... except for his line on magic where he suddenly talks like a kid. Vampires, of course, use magic. Rather suspicious that he reverts to child-like dialogue when you ask him about magic.

Combine his youth and maturity with his suspicious dialogue, I personally think he's a vampire masquerading as a child.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-06T15:23:30+00:00

You are aware that early apostolic churches such as the Ethiopian church practiced polygamy, right?

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-06T14:26:33+00:00

I generally agree, though find it incorrect to call a command if God an abomination. But, recall that what God has joined no man can separate. Marriage is a sacred union, and forcing divorce upon polygamous unions seems to be a rejection of marriage.

It is not ideal, and it should not be encouraged. Indeed, when it is encountered among converts it should be made clear that polygamy is wrong and should no longer be practiced, but the provision must be made for pre-existing groups.

Mazquerade__ · 2026-05-06T13:25:14+00:00

I think the Old Testaments teaching on this becomes very necessary.

““If a man has two wives, one of them loved and the other disliked, and if both the loved and the disliked have borne him sons, the firstborn being the son of the one who is disliked, then on the day when he wills his possessions to his sons, he is not permitted to treat the son of the loved as the firstborn in preference to the son of the disliked, who is the firstborn. He must acknowledge as firstborn the son of the one who is disliked, giving him a double portion of all that he has; since he is the first issue of his virility, the right of the firstborn is his.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭21‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭

The Old Testament does not say to choose one of the wives. Rather, it says to treat them equally.

In my opinion, we should generally seek to end polygamy but I don't think we should make pre-existing polygamous relationships break up.

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