Who are they?

A rather "lively" discussion in our mid-week Bible class last night sparked some questions and thoughts in my mind. That discussion revolved around the possibility that more people may in fact be in a right relationship with God than we often care to admit. Of course, even the thought of that sends some people into a frenzied and angry feeding like the famed pirannah fish on a big fleshy arm, but it is an intriguing idea never-the-less.
As I think about my faith foundations and the concepts that I've been taught it would be safe to assume that they are generally rather traditional and conservative. In fact, at one point I would have been the preacher that stood in the pulpit each week making sure that everyone knew "we" were the only "real" Christians out there. But a deeper and more honest evaluation of the gospel of Jesus has helped me to be open to the idea that, as John writes, "whoever BELIEVES in Him (Jesus) will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). The ramifications of that concept are HUGE.
Contrary to what has often been espoused, John 3:3 is not necessarily a "baptism" verse. Instead, it speaks to an external event, produced and directed by God, that brings us into a proper relationship with Him. It is wholly God-driven. It is not a works based system that somehow entitles us to wear an "ONLY CHRISTIAN" sign around our neck. The event that brings us into that relationship? John 3:16...the greatest gift of all, given BY God TO His creation.
Since He is the giver and "the whole world" is the receiver, how can I, His creation, ever begin to make the determination that someone else hasn't opened the gift He gave? The only one I can answer for is me! Because I have been given that gift I KNOW where I stand in that relationship (1 John 5:13, see the Message for a GREAT translation of this verse). I don't KNOW where anyone else stands...because I'm not the giver of the gift.
Here's where I'm headed...I have many friends and associates in the religious world outside of my own tradition. There is little doubt in my mind about their sincerity, honesty and desire. They read the same Scriptures I read. They sing the same songs I sing. They make the same confession that I make and they accept the same responsibility that I accept. So...thankfully God is the One who will determine if they have opened His amazing present of grace. Only He has the right to put them in a particular category or "saved" or "lost".
With all of that in mind, I'm free to focus on how I say thank you for the greatest gift ever given. I'm able to rejoice in my salvation and to help others find their way to a life of rejoicing. God's the one with the answers...my challenge is to hear as He speaks.

More Musings

Over a week has passed since the Presidential Election. We are just over 40 days from Christmas and less than 60 days from the turning of the calendar to another year. In just a few days I'll have another grandson. I have a new kitty in my home trying hard to replace the memories of one that had to be put down. The leaves have all fallen off the trees after bursting into brilliant color. Aged parents quickly approaching the end of thier lives on this earth.
Through all of that one thing remains constant...the God of heaven and earth is in control. That's right; no matter what else is going on in the world, no matter who occupies the various seats of governmental power, how fast the calendar turns or how many children are born, God is in control.
All of that reminds me of His observation when creation was complete..."God saw all that He had made and behold, it was VERY good." All that He makes is indeed very good. All that He plans is exceptional. No matter what our personal perspective...because He is in control...it's all good.