Tim just recounted to me a conversation with a friend (from earlier tonight) that leaves me jolted, uncomfortable, disturbed on a deep level. Why do these things affect me so much? Not sure, but I sense my sleep tonight-- if and when I get there-- will not be peaceful.

It was the guy with the verse in the window again. As Tim talked to him about that particular verse in fact, it came out that the guy believes that every time you sin, you are cut off from God until you confess that sin. If you die with any unconfessed sin, you will spend eternity away from God.

The discussion left Tim baffled and sent him studying. I, on the other hand, am just shaken and very very sad. I'm too tired right now (and discouraged... and sad...) to write all the reasons I 1) disagree with this guy and 2) think this is a significant, foundational, gospel-undermining problem. If you're curious, ask me another day.

For all you apologetics types, I'm sure Tim can handle this question on his own but equally sure he would be happy to receive help. Leave a comment or send us an email.

As I write, I'm smiling to the lyrics of a new-to-me hymn playing on my iTunes:

Jesus paid it all

All to Him I owe

Sin had left a crimson stain

He washed it white as snow  

So deeply grateful for grace tonight.

2 comments

1. Mary on April 9, 2009 at 6:57 AM

   It's good and godly that you feel so shaken when you see the gospel so sadly and dangerously misunderstood! It not only shows a rightful care about God's truth, but also a compassionate care for people whose lives are lived in fear and slavery when grace is not grasped! I thought of several verses in Hebrews 10 that could be helpful in talking with your neighbor (v10, 12, 14). Praying for y'all and them.

    
2. Kyle on April 9, 2009 at 4:40 PM

   A couple verses that may be helpful:
   
   1) Romans 8:38-39, "neither the present nor the future...will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
   
   2) The parts in Hebrews about approaching the throne with confidence and in 1 John about perfect love casting out fear don't really work if we are disconnected from God every time we sin until we confess again.