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To document this day and close out this thread, today is the day of my Baptism. Thanks to everyone...

carlson1 wrote:I will give you one my friend.

Works for me :-)

I don't even have a Bible anymore. I guess I need to go to the bible store... Thanks again all...

carlson1 wrote:Many people have the same question what do "I DO" to be saved. There is only one time in the Bible that this question is asked it is . . .
Act 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

and answered. . .

Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Everything llwatson said and others summed it up.

Is this to say, if I am, my son is as well?

This is all very helpful and reaffirming. Thank you all. I am going to spend some time in person with Carlson this weekend on the topic. Maybe we can get a few rounds off too :-)

This has all been pretty enlightning. It sounds like everyone's take is more or less the same, it is what it is. Can't see it, don't deserve it, but it's there for the taking. Sounds like it is up to ME where I stand. I then wonder if I should trust myself enough to make that determination. Who do I think I am? Who am I to say that I am good enough for that gift. Does that make sense?

I guess is what the Catholic church offers that others don't. A human being to stand in front of you and tell you where you stand.

Thank you Doug,
I understand the above. I DO think I get a pass. But lying there, I just kept wondering, am I really as safe as I think I am? Ya know?

OK theological type people,
I want to ask a question that has had me wondering for years. This is not a specofic prayer or praise request. This is a faith question. While this board isn't centered around religion, many members choose to discuss it amongst themselves and I many times hear some of it ring true which is why I want to post this. So hear goes.

How exactly does a human male KNOW without question that they have been saved. We all know what it takes to become saved, Accepting Jesus Christ into your heart and accepting his death as one of love for us and our future sins.

This is being prompted by a question Carlson asked me lying on what could have been my death bed\, but thankfully wasn't. He asked me, Joe, If you were to go right this minute, are you going to heaven. My semi-drugged response was, "I think so, I certainly hope so, I am as sure as I think I can be."

He then stopped and said a prayer for my, ummm, "acceptance" Maybe acceptance is not the right word, he can explain the intent better then I.

My background: Mother was Jewish, Father was Catholic, I was raised predominately (sp?) Catholic. When I became an adult, (about 4 months ago if you ask Linda) I decided to go with Protestant. I have been to Methodist, Baptist, Seventh Day Aventist, and a couple of others. The only ones I have found to be somewhat comfortable for me are the newer, non-denominational more progressive, or contemporary churches. The problem is finding one, it is somewhat difficult.

So the crux of the question is, How do you tell with 100% certainty that you have hit the mark, have been saved, are going to heaven, all that stuff? I wish it were as easy as you get a letter in the mail one day confirming your reservation, but there has to be some more tangible indication that you're good to go. Thanks!

Joe