In another thread here, some posters became upset at me about things they wrongly assumed about me and other Christians in general. That is gone.
Therefore, I begin a new thread (having sought permission) I post this caveat as an official statement from the owners of this site:
- C&WR is considered an outreach ministry of CF because building relationships based on mutual respect is key to sharing the gospel of Christ.
- Mutual respect means that members will not mock, degrade or belittle each others' religious beliefs, or make posts that are disruptive to the peace and harmony of the forum.
- There will be no disrespect shown to Christianity, nor will there be any attempt to discredit or disprove Christianity.
- Remember that CF is first and foremost a Christian site. Do not make posts which violate our site wide blasphemy and promotion and proselytizing rules.
My aim is to answer using the Bible as much as possible, letting it speak for itself. Thus, i begin with an affirming statement:
Even if you are or were involved in the "occult arts" God loves you just as you are.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
It is the stated aim of God that all humanity should come to repentance and live with God in His abode, Heaven. In the face of that Scripture, to say differently is to blaspheme the name and purpose of God.
The "flip side"of that verse is that God loves you too much to let you stay where you are, especially if you do not have an intimate relationship with Him
1 Thessalonians 5:
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Notice the very good news here. If you permit Him to do so, He shall make you sanctified, meaning being able to live with Him in Heaven.
So there you have it. It is the entire Bible condensed in 3 verses.