Where did you get that theology from ? ? ?
I used to be a Volunteer Prison Chaplain, in two super-max Prisons, and your theology, Makes Prison Ministry seem like a joke. I KNOW THE LORD CALLED ME TO BE A VOLUNTEER CHAPLAIN, and when we get to heaven, I want you to look me up, and the one standing by my Right Side used to be a Murderer, SAVED BY GRACE, and LOVES THE LORD NOW and FOREVER.
I want you to try to make that theology square with Scripture:
Mark 3:28-29 (HCSB)
28 I assure you: People will be forgiven for all sins and whatever blasphemies they may blaspheme.
29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—
People can be forgiven for all sins, EXCEPT one who rejects CHRIST as their LORD and Savior, which is the same as rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit on the human heart. Salvation has NOTHING TO DO with Works, but rather, FAITH that JESUS DID IT ALL, BEFORE TIME BEGAN.
Titus 3:5-7 (ESV)
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
So when did that all HAPPEN ? ? ?
Titus 1:2 (NCV)
2 That faith and that knowledge come from the hope for life forever, which God promised to us
before time began. And God cannot lie.
2 Timothy 1:9 (HCSB)
9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
So what is the purpose for GOOD WORKS? Only a way to LOVE HIM BACK, because we know HE Saved Us.
One more Statement:
How many Do you think Paul murdered before the Damascus Road incident? ? ?
We know he was involved in the Murder of Steven, How Many More ? ? ?
1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV)
15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
I absolutely believe, God is the author of Poetic Justice. So don't be surprised if He may choose to have two murderers stand on either side of you, AS WE WORSHIP BEFORE THE THRONE. Yes, I believe the Rapture may be SOON! You have a good day!