bu11fr0g Posted May 8, 2012 Posted May 8, 2012 We believe all men will be punished for their own sins. I recall a teaching that we are responsible in some way for all those we could have brought to salvation but did not. We are resposible for our children to receive certain teachings. We are responsible for deliberately misleading others. How responsible are we when other people do not achieve salvation in part due to our actions or is this even possible?
Calm Posted May 8, 2012 Posted May 8, 2012 I don't believe we can prevent someone from receiving the gift of salvation, but we may delay them and in doing so be responsible for not only harm to them, but also those they harm....ripple effect so to speak.I don't believe that salvation is ever limited to being chosen with limited info, in the end, imo we will all be fully informed of the implications of our choices prior to judgment and then those who we proved to be stumbling blocks to the truth will then learn the truth and be able to make a choice without the negative influences we might have imposed on them.It is the only way I see a truly Just God would make such a judgment.
cinepro Posted May 8, 2012 Posted May 8, 2012 There's a lot of stuff that we teach in the Church that's true, and then there's the stuff that we teach because it's just so dang comforting, or we think it will motivate people to do what we think they should do, or because it makes sense if you don't think about it too much.For me, the only way the Plan of Salvation makes any sense (in the eternal sense) is if Faith is taken out of the equation. Meaning, every accountable soul, whether in this life or the next, will get to chose whether or not to follow God's plan and journey to exaltation. This will be a willful choice made with full knowledge of the consequences.
Deborah Posted May 8, 2012 Posted May 8, 2012 I can't imagine that God would penalize someone else because I didn't do my part. I think he will just make other arrangements but we will miss out on the blessings that could have come. I am reminded of these verses in D&C 9:11 Behold, it was expedient when you commenced; but you feared, and the time is past, and it is not expedient now;12 For, do you not behold that I have given unto my servant Joseph sufficient strength, whereby it is made up? And neither of you have I condemned.
Calm Posted May 8, 2012 Posted May 8, 2012 (edited) For me, the only way the Plan of Salvation makes any sense (in the eternal sense) is if Faith is taken out of the equation.Faith doesn't have to be taken out of the equation, it can impact many things such as what value we place on aspects of our relationship with God. How we manage to live in faith may not be part of the specific 'equation' of how we receive salvation, but it may have a great deal to do with whether or not we want to receive it as our choices to live in faith will have an affect on the kind of person we will become and that person will be the one making the decision to accept God's gift or reject it, in part or in whole. Edited May 8, 2012 by calmoriah
mfbukowski Posted May 9, 2012 Posted May 9, 2012 I think the idea that we are responsible for those we "could have saved" is inconsistent with the idea of repentance.Suppose 22 years ago I could have saved person x, and did not. That person is now dead or gone or 3000 miles away and there is nothing I can do about it.There is no way I can repent of not saving person x. I suppose I could do better from now on in talking about the church and being a good missionary, but if I am punished for not saving person x I will be being punished for a sin for which I had no possibility of repentance.You can tell I have thought about this one long and hard. I think all former bishops have!
CV75 Posted May 9, 2012 Posted May 9, 2012 We believe all men will be punished for their own sins.I recall a teaching that we are responsible in some way for all those we could have brought to salvation but did not.We are resposible for our children to receive certain teachings.We are responsible for deliberately misleading others.How responsible are we when other people do not achieve salvation in part due to our actions or is this even possible?I'd like to see a talk or something you might be referring to so as to ascertain the context. I think we bring people to salvation by inviting, setting the example, teaching and testifying by the Spirit -- like we would our children or those within the scope of our calling or keys. So I would think the teaching you are refrring to is on a par with that.I've heard it said that those we could have taught will approach us in the next life and ask why we didn't do anything to share with them what we have, thus putting them at a disadvantage in finding what the Lord intended to give them through us . But these things can be resolved in the teaching and work for the dead, which may also be our opportunity to rectify our negligence while they practice forgiveness.
The Nehor Posted May 9, 2012 Posted May 9, 2012 We believe all men will be punished for their own sins.I recall a teaching that we are responsible in some way for all those we could have brought to salvation but did not.We are resposible for our children to receive certain teachings.We are responsible for deliberately misleading others.How responsible are we when other people do not achieve salvation in part due to our actions or is this even possible?As responsible as you are. Specific cases will require consultation with the Almighty.
theplains Posted May 11, 2012 Posted May 11, 2012 I don't believe we can prevent someone from receiving the gift of salvation,What do you mean by salvation in your context? According to this Ensign article, there are 6 definitions.Thanks,Jim
Duncan Posted May 12, 2012 Posted May 12, 2012 President John Taylor said; 'If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved had you done your duty' ('Discourse,' Deseret News, Aug. 7, 1878, 2so I don't know, I think you shouldn't force people or get egos involved but do something with your calling but don't get paranoid!
Libs Posted May 12, 2012 Posted May 12, 2012 (edited) I think we can, most definitely, be a stumbling block for others, and even cause them to lose their faith. All of us, but most especially people in authority over others have a responsibility to make sure, as much as possible that we are not causing someone to stumble, by our own sinful actions. And, yes, I do believe we will be held accountable for that. Edited May 12, 2012 by Libs
Libs Posted May 12, 2012 Posted May 12, 2012 I am not thinking in terms of faith in the LDS Church (since I am not a practicing LDS), but more about faith in God, in general.
mbh26 Posted May 12, 2012 Posted May 12, 2012 There's a lot of stuff that we teach in the Church that's true, and then there's the stuff that we teach because it's just so dang comforting, or we think it will motivate people to do what we think they should do, or because it makes sense if you don't think about it too much.That is exactly right. For met that's kind of turn off. I guess I just don't like knowing I'm being manipulated.
The Nehor Posted May 13, 2012 Posted May 13, 2012 That is exactly right. For met that's kind of turn off. I guess I just don't like knowing I'm being manipulated.Some people just don't know any other way to communicate so I just forgive them and ignore them.
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