/christian/ - Christian Discussion and Fellowship

Just to be clear, Christianity being broken up three ways like that is a pretty /Christian/ thing. In reality Baptists aren't nearly as important globally and IFBs are nearly non-existent

>>612194

1. Believe Christ is God

2. Keep His commandments

Both.

As for confessing sins:

>He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. [22] When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. [23] Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.

Confessing directly to God doesn't work like some people think it does. Apostles received the Holy Ghost and so did everyone they laid hands on and ordained as priests and those priests are in the Apostolic Churches. So no, pastor Leroy does not have the Holy Ghost to forgive sins.

>>612199

So, how are we supposed to confess our sins then? Pray directly to God our find someone who can we be sure about that he is blessed with the Holy Ghost, but if so, how would we know?

>>612206

1) Believe in the Lord, and 2) keep His commandments.

1) does not only mean intellectual assent that God exists. It means belief in the correct doctrines concerning God - so, correct theology concerning Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, what was revealed about God and what He has done and does for us.

2) is inseperable from 1), because the God who gives us the commandments also gives us the means to fulfill them. You cannot say you believe in God without keeping His commandents. And indeed, it is impossible to fulfill the commandments without putting on Christ.

Heretics are those who proclaim false teachings regarding God or regarding what He has commanded, thus endangering the salvation of those who follow them.

>>612200

Find a priest who belongs to the Church, they are those who are given the authority to forgive or retain sins. Although it is only Christ working through them - they do not act on their own, but because they were given this mission and authority by Christ. It does not mean that God requires them for the sins of anybody to be forgiven, but, however, it does mean that you cannot be sure your sins have been forgiven unless a priest gives you absolution.

>>612194

From a catholic standpoint:

Keeping Jesus at heart, to have the river of life inside you (that includes the whole Law). With that, you will automatically incorporate the magisterium, sacraments, etc. And you will be a saint. No flamewar intended.