The whole intention of our lives on earth is to give glory to God. The whole intention of this website is to help people understand God is madly in love with us, individually and intimately.
As I've studied the Bible and various theological viewpoints, it seems we can get lost in doctrinal stances, historical heroes of the faith, and philosophical debates. There are those who think everybody was saved when Jesus died on the cross; others believe He made Salvation available to all who would come to Him as their Lord and Savior, and there is a large body of believers who hold to the doctrine of "Election" in which God chose from the beginning of time those who He would have mercy on, and that the crucifixion was to save only those people.
Each group I've studied have compelling arguments and Scripture verses to defend their positions. I've spent countless hours seeking to understand and figure out which doctrine makes the most sense. In the end, I have decided the most important thing is to live one's life completely in love with the Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to honor and glorify them in all aspects of our lives.
I don't know if we are saved by "Faith Alone" as Martin Luther espoused. I don't know if we are saved by "Faith and Works" as the Catholic Church declares. What I do know is simply that if I love God with all my heart, soul, and strength, I am going to be living a life full of faith in Him and joyfully working to make life better for my neighbors. It really doesn't matter which doctrine is more correct if my heart is set on God, because my motives will be pure.
I do not know if Jesus sacrifice on the cross was limited to the "elect" or if it was a universal salvation or anything in between. What I do know is Jesus so loved the world, He chose to die a most brutal death because His heart's desire is infinite and intimate love with us. Christ on the cross is pure love.
The Bible tells me that we need to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior if we are to have eternal life. It would be really easy at this point to go to chapters and verses defending various positions but, again, it is not about "positions" it's about giving God as much glory as we can. In my simple mind, I praise God that He died on the cross for me, that when I pass from this world I will be meeting Jesus on the other side of death and He will be giving me a warm embrace. All my thoughts from this life will be foolishness as I enjoy the ecstasy of His overflowing love for me. Knowing without doubt that true believers will get to share an intimate relationship with the Lord of all creation is inspiration enough for me to share the Gospel of Jesus to friends, neighbors, and anyone who will listen to me.
I don't know if Jesus is really truly present in the Eucharist. I believe He is, but in what form I simply do not know. When I receive Communion, I receive it in faith that He is Present in all His humanity and Divinity. If I am wrong, I give Him glory anyway.
I don't know if creation is fallen or if God is present in animals and plants, in mountains and seas. I choose to see all of creation as God's beautiful handiwork, His expression of Himself in endless forms. Nature for me is an insight into the magnificence of my Creator. I glorify God by living in awe of His creation.
I don't know to what extent humans are born "fallen" or in "original sin." What I saw and felt when my children were born was an amazing, incredible love for God, and an insight into how much He must love me as His child. I choose to glorify God by looking into the face of an infant and seeing "Divine Innocence."
I don't know if human beings are "saved" or "unsaved." I believe the words of Jesus when He tells me, "I was hungry, naked, imprisoned, lonely, sick, thirsty" and I choose to see the Divine Savior in everyone I meet. I realize there are times when He will call on me to be the one hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick, imprisoned (Matt 25:34-36), I give glory to God by humbly accepting my circumstances - both pleasant and challenging - and sharing the love of God with my fellow man.
My life is all about glorifying God. The Bible shows me God in the flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. I see Jesus loving fishermen, prostitutes, little children, soldiers, tax collectors, and dying theives. I see Him chastising religious leaders who tried to limit God into a set of rules, who burdened people with laws and regulations. I choose to glorify Jesus by living the Good News of God who humbled Himself and came down to earth to love shepherds and sinners, rich and poor.
My "doctrine" is based on the Bible. My choice is to keep the message of the Bible simple. Jesus is my Savior. God is my Father. The Holy Spirit is my Counselor. The Trinity is my greatest love. Me to the Holy Trinity and the Holy Trinity to me.
n "Lord of my heart
"O, King of the Tree of Life