[Papercut Press] 2005-09-12 - Common Errors, Part 1

Originally Published 2002-11-25

Matthew 22:29 "But Jesus answered and said to them, 'You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures, or the power of God.'"

I stumbled upon an article that is about 200 years old, and in it there is a list of nine common errors that people fall into. I will seek to figure out and explain what the anonymous writer had in mind. I honestly don't know who wrote the article, so I can only guess why he included these errors in his list and ignored others, but I hope it will be an interesting experiment to examine them. Here is the list as given.

  1. It will be time enough for me to think about religion at some future time.
  2. I have never injured any one. I have never been a swearer, a robber, or a murderer, like others: if I am not saved, what will become of multitudes?
  3. God is too good to punish me for a few faults; true, all are sinners, but the Almighty is very merciful, and will be sure to forgive me.
  4. I don't see but I am quite as good as some people who make a great noise about religion.
  5. I have had so many sufferings in this life, that I shall not suffer hereafter.
  6. Religion may be very well for those who have learning; but as for me, I am no scholar.
  7. It is no matter what we be: if we are sincere, we are then safe.
  8. I cannot have grace if God does not give it to me, and therefore I am not to blame.
  9. I will try to make myself fit to be saved

These may not apply to you, but I am sure that they apply to someone you know. I hope to give some arguments that will help persuade you to the truth that these are errors. In addition, I hope to help give you some tools to use with those you know who think along the manner of these statements. We are told in 1 Thessalonians 1:10 that Christ "delivers from the wrath to come." There is really nothing more significant in our lives than to know of our own eternal state. But also, when we have resolved our own eternal welfare, it is our duty to seek to be equipped and used in the process of snatching others from the wrath to come, Jude 23.

Soli Deo Gloria,
T-

[email tim] godrulestb@aol.com
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