What else do I need to consider to be part of the gospel?

[Anonymous]

?? I posted an entire reply last night. What in the world happened to it?

Did I get edited for revealing too much information about myself?

How odd.

[Anonymous]

Do you think we can believe ordinances were different in ancient days as they are today, and still be accepted as a faithful part of the church? Or do we need to believe ordinances are part of the gospel, and therefore unchanging except in apostasy?

[Anonymous]

Quote:

I posted an entire reply last night. What in the world happened to it?

Did I get edited for revealing too much information about myself?

How odd.

No idea what happened, but I can’t see any comment that was edited in any way. My guess is that it took a long time writing the comment, so the system timed out before you hit “Submit”, which means the comment simply didn’t post.

[Anonymous]

Quote:

Do you think we can believe ordinances were different in ancient days as they are today, and still be accepted as a faithful part of the church? Or do we need to believe ordinances are part of the gospel, and therefore unchanging except in apostasy?

Yes, to the first question; no, to the second one.

I don’t believe baptism, as we know it, existed in the time of Adam, for example. I also think it’s patently obvious that the “ordinance” of “chosenness” and commitment to God changed from circumcision to baptism – and if that sort of change can happen, I believe just about any kid of change is acceptable. (Seriously, it’s hard to imagine a more radical change than that!)

To me, it’s the meaning and purpose that are important, not the exact form and structure.

[Anonymous]

Heber13 wrote:

Do you think we can believe ordinances were different in ancient days as they are today, and still be accepted as a faithful part of the church? Or do we need to believe ordinances are part of the gospel, and therefore unchanging except in apostasy?

Since the ordinances were different I don’t think they are necessarily accepted today and here’s why: I think that Jesus did fulfill at least part the Law of Moses and because of his sacrifice, animal sacrifice no longer required. I also believe, therefore, that animal sacrifice is no longer accepted, except I do believe God still acknowledges the Jews as his chosen people and perhaps he might accept their sacrifices based on the idea that they have not yet accepted Jesus as the Messiah. Please note that I am not at all positive on that last point, but I believe a loving God may see it from that viewpoint – those practicing Jews are still practicing the faith they believe is right.

So, no, I don’t believe ordinances are necessarily directly part of the gospel and are unchanging. Baptism, for instance, may be part of the gospel but it was not always so as far as I can tell.

[Author]

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