It's a matter of dispute. Jesus died for all our sins once and forever. Be crucified with Him, thank and praise Him for the favor, be saved eternally. Some would have God endlessly punish for one's sins. Sometimes I think it's they who wish to punish; for having been wronged, perhaps, or, in adversity, see you suffer for being wrong with regard to the disputation. Who needs this?
Long time ago had discussion with RC priest about this. He happened to be a former Naval chaplain so I gave him creedance. He said, more or less, to fear such awareness of eternity. I think he meant it in the context of being trained to handle it. Not something to be taken lightly. Like fearing a live wire.
Another one, years later, said that 'Protestants' were obsessed with sin. He seemed angry about that. Considering the premise, I've go to disagree. Nor have I any protest about them. Others, better trained, might dispute this. The Bible makes no such provision for factions.
All I can surmise is if we live gratefully and peacefully saved, there's no need to dredge all this up. But faced with a need to make onself clear and committed, how to testify something of a challenge. One runs into all sorts of pagan dynamics. "Whom the gods would destroy, they make mad." That sort of thing. The real thing is to talk it through in fellowship. That is a very rare thing in the competitive, phobic and status-conscious world we live in. Relaxed atmosphere required for dialogue.
Please God we ride out the storm.
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