My last post dealt with a passage that is often used to advocate the Christian’s right to defend oneself to the point of taking another’s life. The point of that post, as well as this one, was not to try and “convert” anyone to a position that denies the right of a Christian to defend their self of others in a way that willingly takes human life, but rather to evaluate the text in it’s context and see if it does or does not say anything about Christians and self-defense. My conclusion was that it says nothing either way about the issue. This post is in the same vein, in that it will focus on a particular verse (I Timothy 5:8) that is often used in the discussion of defending one’s self or loved ones through taking the life of someone trying to do you harm.

But if anyone…

The current final version of the Plan of Salvation taught in most Churches of Christ and Christian Churches looks like this:

1. HEAR – Romans 10:17,
2. BELIEVE – John 1:11-12, Acts 8:36-37, Romans 10:9
3. REPENT – Luke 13:3, 5, Acts 2:38, 17:30, 2 Peter 3:9
4. CONFESS – Matt 10:32-33, Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37
5. Be BAPTIZED – 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-5
6. (GROW – 2 Peter3:18 and/or ENDURE to theEnd – Mark 13:13)

For more explanation of these steps see this post.

Although these Steps have been taught as Gospel for many years, I have a few concerns with them.  I also have some issues with this approach to Bible study.  However, I DO BELIEVE that each of these “Steps” is crucial to our relationship with God. We cannot have meaningful relationship with God while rejecting any of these commands.  The Bible clearly connects each of these…