Subject: "Once Saved Always Saved" |
Bible Note: Norrie I do believe you received all A's in religion in grade school. But, at that time in your life you were learning about God, the way a child learns about God. It was taught to you, the child, as a child. To a child and to some adults, Jesus and God, at times, seem so large and sometimes, beyond reach. To these people, the Church presents Christians who have gone before us and Mary, as role models. Not as figures to be worshipped, but role models. Because of a child's relation with their own mother, sometimes it is easier for the child to relate to the mother of Jesus - which in turn, gently brings the child in Jesus' world. Some children need this, some don't. The Saints, well - I like to think of them as the super heroes of Christianity - they are great role models for children to look up to. By seeing how these role models have applied there Christian values to their own lives, gives a child an opportunity to understand Christianity in more human, and easier to understand ways. This does bring the child closer into the world of Jesus. Again, some children need this extra step in understanding Christianity, some children don't. What becomes a problem, is when children become adults, but they still continue to view these role models, the relationship with Jesus and their responsibilties, through the eyes of children. As an child, I should look up to these role models of the Church, to help develop my relationship with the Father. But, as an adult, I should be living my life as a peer to those that came before me; I should now be the role model for the next generation of children. It is a difficult, when an adult still looks through the eyes of a child. Their understanding of their religion is incomplete, they tend to glorify saints beyond the high-level of respect to which they are entitled and in general, their understanding and perspective is very limited. Commandment #4 being #5 - to the adult, the important part is that people know the 10 commandments. To the child, the order is equally important. Norrie, I am happy you have found a relationship with Jesus - that is the important thing. I sincerely hope that it is giving you the peace and happiness within your life, which you deserve. Brian |