ZealouslyStriving

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I read his response to Longview's comment which is why I even responded in the first place because he misrepresented what Longview said. Which is precisely what is being done in the above quote. Let's settle the matter: @longview do you believe that anyone will be excluded forever from the Celestial Kingdoms if they haven't had a valid chance to receive and comprehend the Gospel?

No. The man in question was convinced of the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel, but didn't want to make the changes necessary to follow the commandments: One such dear friend of mine had limited experiences with God. But he longed to be with his departed wife. So he asked me to help him. I encouraged him to meet with our missionaries in order to understand the doctrine of Christ and learn of gospel covenants, ordinances, and blessings. That he did. But he felt the course they advised would require him to make too many changes in his life. He said, “Those commandments and covenants are just too difficult for me. Also, I can’t possibly pay tithing, and I don’t have time to serve in the Church.” Then he asked me, “Once I die, please do the necessary temple work for my wife and me so that we can be together again.” Thankfully, I am not this man’s judge. But I do question the efficacy of proxy temple work for a man who had the opportunity to be baptized in this life—to be ordained to the priesthood and receive temple blessings while here in mortality—but who made the conscious decision to reject that course.

I just wasn't sure, as you seemed to be explaining it as a defense for Duncan, who by appearances sees this as a bad thing- though he won't explain why.

Incorrect. Heavenly Father (whether one believes in eternal regression OR royal monarchanism(?)) will always be greater than us. Any creative endeavor we may engage in the eternities will be under His authority and under the authority of Jesus Christ.

How do you explain the preference of people for a god that creates the nations just to condemn a vast majority of them to hell over a God that created a plan to save or exalt almost all of His children- to the point that they will vocally, and sometimes physically, oppose the Church, calling us a demonic cult?

I can't tell if you are arguing with me or see the things you are pointing out as a check against the Restored Gospel, like apparently Duncan sees it.

So like trying not to look your alcoholic, abusive Dad in the eye when he gets home from the bar, hoping he won't notice you.

Nah. I think it is one of the most beautiful doctrines of the Restoration that God prepared a plan where everyone will have equal opportunity to learn and accept the Gospel and that His plan saves the overwhelming majority from "hell". I don't get why people prefer a god that created a scenario were the vast majority is sentenced to eternal torment for simply not having the opportunity to hear their gospel.

Then why are you talking about it like it's an issue? What's your beef?

Does that make you upset for some reason?

It's only those who had the true opportunity to hear and accept and choose not to that will not have the opportunity to advance- not everyone that didn't hear. God mercy extends to all others and they will have the opportunity to learn, accept, and advance- if they so choose.

No. Again, you show your ignorance at what the Church teaches.

I assume you are Protestant, so it seems you don't accept their (Catholic) defense as it pertains to their authority either- which places you in a strange predicament.

Meaning hell could not stop it from from rising (resurrecting/being restored) from the "dead" (apostasy). Or, in other words, it's "death" (apostasy) wouldn't be forever.

I believe that for Community of Christ, they see the "The" as language of exclusivity- whereas they are trying very hard to be inclusive (even before it was cool).

Two of us have already given an answer similar to your answer and apparently it doesn't answer the intent of his query. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Yeah, you completely lost me. So you wanted to know what JFS thought was required for "salvation" that might not actually be required for "salvation"?

I always understood JW's to believe that Jehovah is the one and only God and that Jesus was merely the Archangel Michael filling some assignment, not a God- big G or little g.

It was not an ad hominem- I was pointing out that if two of us understood your question the same way, perhaps you weren't as precise in your question as you thought you were. @Calmdid a good job explaining the confusion that may have happened.

You say I didn't answer your question, yet @InCognitus and I both answered the same way- so are you sure the issue doesn't lie with you? Let me try answering in a different way: - There a no beliefs required for the lowest general salvation- you just have to be born and die without committing the unpardonable sin (blasphemy against the Holy Ghost) - To attain the highest exaltation, you have to believe at some point, as necessary, the things I listed in my previous comment- and do them (or have them done for you, in the case of ordinances). ** There are varying degrees between the lowest general salvation and the highest exaltation- mostly having to do with our actions according to our knowledge

You asked what was required for salvation, I answered. If you are wanting more specifics, ask more specific questions.

You are missing the point... They are discussing general creedal Protestantism.

- If by "salvation" you mean not forever burning in the pits of a lake burning with fire and brimstone: * Be born * Don't commit blasphemy against the Holy Ghost - If by "salvation" you mean living eternally with our Father, together with our families, in a state of eternal learning and progression (what we call "exaltation"): * Faith in Jesus Christ * Repentance from sins * Baptism by immersion by one having authority and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. * Receiving and keeping covenants entered into in Temples- including sealing in marriage * Enduring faithful until the end

Define "salvation".