You are correct, reading of scripture does not provide forgiveness of sins. Jesus did that on the cross for those who have put their trust in Him.
But Scripture can most assuredly lead a newby into know what sin is, what forgiveness is, why they need forgiveness, and who Jesus is and why He died for us.
What ppl did in the past w/o a bible does not affect or guide us today. We have the Bible today in its entirety and it is what guides us as Christians in our walk with God. If you encountered an atheist and they wanted to know more about Jesus because you mentioned Jesus, would you point them to a church service or the Bible? The Bible is where you discover who Jesus is. The Bible is what defines God and his nature. If you encountered another human and you struck up a conversation (non-religious in nature), you’d probably tell each other things about yourselves, as most ppl do. So the words out of your mouth would show this person who you are. The words in the Bible are from God’s mouth and they show us who He is. I don’t understand how folks can put Scripture at a lower level than other things in the church. It blows my mind.
@CapturingChrist@jwarnerwallace Romans 12 said be transformed by the renewing of your mind - which comes from reading the Bible and the Holy Spirit. Wheat and grape products do not transform you.
The Lord once said to me that the worship of Him is to be Christ-like. Being Christ-like is so many things - obedience, praise, faith, helping the needy, loving others like Christ would, -- just about anything that Jesus modeled for us as believers in the Bible. To try and be like Him is to deny one's self.
@taylorawelch I get what you are trying to say - God has shown me if I look to the left or right and focus on people, I get off the track He wants me on and it has happened multiple times. He always wants me to look straight ahead at Him. 😎
@DaniMayakovski This guy needs to know that it says in the Old Testament that God did not choose the Israelites for their own righteousness or being special, but He did it for His glory.
@Acts17David@CanyonMimbs If the "fitra" is satan, then it makes sense that it pulls you back to islam. Open your eyes @CanyonMimbs - I've had many experiences with the Holy Spirit to know that Jesus is indeed God.
@orthobrohammer - as the Bible states, the Holy Spirit will give us the words to use when speaking to others about Christ; When I've witnessed to others about Jesus, I've had that experience with the Holy Spirit, where He brings to my mind the things or words from the Bible to use in my conversation. Not one single time has the Holy Spirit ever brought to my mind Mary, or to use Mary as a way for salvation. Never. God does not use her in that way.
@FU4U2C@farmingandJesus It is one thing to honor her for what she did for the Kingdom while she was here on earth; it's quite another to elevate her to a position she herself would probably not want, due to her humility.
@FU4U2C@farmingandJesus Jesus did say in Matt 12 that all sin and blasphemy is forgiven except the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. We can revile anyone in the Bible and defame a church or religion (no, not something I support, just examples) and they are forgiven.
@WindermereLarry@farmingandJesus Romans 8:30 says those He justified He also glorified. So true believers in Christ will enter heaven by His justification.
I talked to a catholic this past weekend about this very thing and I said what about the North Koreans, who perhaps had a dream of Jesus because He can pour out His Spirit - I asked how then would this particular North Korean sit with God if they did not have access to the eucharist because no churches exist there. He said the North Koreans would have a special path because they do not have the Eucharist. Silly man. Not true.
Attention Young People - Ecclesiastes 12:1 says to "..remember your Creator in the days of your youth"....don't forget God in your day-to-day; don't think you are invincible. Stop and speak to Him today!