John 3:3-7, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
America's 41st U.S. President George Herbert Walker Bush (1924-2018) was a lifelong Episcopalian church member. Dear reader, the Devil's greatest weapon is to con people into living the Christian life without ever being born again. Churches all across the world are filled with hundreds of millions of religious people, who have never received the new birth by the Holy Spirit of God. No amount of religious devotion, commitment to follow Jesus, or good works, can get someone into Heaven. We find biblical proof of this in Matthew 7:21-23...
Matthew 7:21-23, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
The folks in the preceding Scripture passage spent their lives performing “many wonderful works.” They did those wonderful works in Jesus' name. They “prophesied” (evangelized) in Jesus' name. They even “cast out devils” in Jesus' name. Yet the Lord denied knowing them at all. How sad and tragic! This Bible passage lays to rest the false idea that all religions lead to Heaven. This passage proves that all paths don't lead to the light. The Lord plainly warned in verse 21 that only those who obey the will of God the Father will go to Heaven. We find the Father's will in John 6:40, “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” The will of the Father is faith alone in Jesus Christ, apart from all works.
Here is what Episcopalians believe theologically:
Episcopalians typically consider salvation to begin in each person's life with baptism, the ritual by which a person is granted "rebirth" by the Holy Spirit and destined to live a Christian life. They consider the process to continue with regular celebrations of the Eucharist, which is the sharing of the bread and wine, symbolizing the body and blood of Jesus Christ, during church services. These rituals, along with constant repentance in everyday life, are intended to renew the lives of believers and create a better relationship with God. [emphasis added]
Now since the Episcopalian church requires water baptism as a doorway to salvation, they are perverting the Gospel of free grace. Water baptism is NOT necessary for salvation. Nowhere does the Bible teach that a sinner must receive water baptism to receive God's free gift of eternal life. Quite the contrary, we are taught that Christ did not send the Apostle Paul to baptize, but to PREACH THE GOSPEL. 1st Corinthians 1:17-18, “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” It is the preaching of THE CROSS, and not being dunked in some baptistery tank that saves a man. If water baptism were necessary for salvation, then Paul never would have made such a dismissive statement about baptism. Salvation is by faith alone (Galatians 3:26).
From all that I have read, Episcopalians are basically Roman Catholic in their beliefs, a variation thereof. Therefore, based upon the authority of the Scriptures, I personally do not believe that former U.S. President George H.W. Bush went to Heaven. I am sad to say that, but for the sake of anyone reading this, please make sure you are not relying upon anything other than the precious blood which Jesus Christ shed for you on the cross to save you (1st Peter 1:18-19). We are saved only because GOD is faithful to keep His promise “TO SAVE THEM THAT BELIEVE” (1st Corinthians 1:21b), and not in any way because WE are faithful to God. We all deserve to spend eternity burning in Hell to pay for our own sins, but “CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY” (Romans 5:6-9). What a wonderful God and Savior!!!
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