I'm Sorry

 How do we look at disputes?

 We are called to be peacemakers.

Part of being a peacemaker is repenting, apologizing when you’ve caused hurt. Testing boundaries and pushing forward is very self-centred and Jesus calls us to an other-centred life. Failing to live an other-centered life is a sin.

Does sin lead to hell? And is there even a hell?

We believe that the answer to the second question is most certainly yes.

Returning to the first question, we believe that “the wages of sin are death”.

So, what about hell?

 Sin alone, isn’t the question. Repentance is.

Now, understand. Repentance isn’t simply saying I’m sorry, though that is part of it. Repentance is making amends and, more importantly, repentance is making a change, turning away from the sin.

So again, what about hell?

The threat of hell has, from time to time, been used as a weapon to “scare people into heaven.” But, that’s just not how it works. Obedience through fear is not what God wants. Obedience through love is what he desires. Getting rid of bad habits through fear, just doesn’t cut it. You have to choose to get rid of those habits because you love God and you love his creation, and you don’t want to harm it or hurt him.

Belief is central to our faith. So is love. Building a relationship is absolutely critical.

We acknowledge our faith through baptism. The Presbyterian Church sees baptism as a sign of God’s love and his commitment to shape our lives. As parents, we accept baptism for our children as a sign of our faith in his love for them and his commitment to their lives. If an adult enters the faith having not been baptized, then adult baptism becomes a sign of the faith the adult has in God’s love and the commitment the adult has toward God.

Repentance is an act between you and God, but it isn’t only between you and God.

In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus says

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

Repentance involves acknowledging the harm and redressing it. If you haven’t said you’re sorry, you haven’t taken full responsibility and you most certainly haven’t fully repented.