postlaestadianrevival

The church often pointed to Paul’s conversion as evidence that someone had to tell you your sins were forgiven before you could be saved. As the bible teaches in Acts, Paul was struck blind by the LORD on the road to Damascus. It was not until Ananias placed his hands on Paul that Paul’s sight was restored, and this, they say, means that Ananias testified Paul’s sins forgiven, and that was how Paul was saved.

Paul describes his conversion in later in the book of Acts when he is speaking to Agrippa (Acts 26). He says nothing about receiving the testimony of Ananias, nothing about the need for human testimony although he says in verse 29 “I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am…” Was he not giving them the full gospel? Was he lying when he said he wanted them to be Christians like he was?

Paul again tells about his conversion experience in the book of Galations. He begins with these words (Galations 1:1) Paul an apostle--sent not from men, nor by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead--”

Galations 1:11 “I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up NOR DID I RECEIVE IT FROM ANY MAN, nor was I taught it rather, I RECEIVED IT BY REVELATION FROM JESUS CHRIST.

Galtions 1: 15 “But when God….called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the gentiles, I DID NOT CONSULT ANY MAN, NOR DID I GO UP TO JERUSALEM to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia, and later returned to Damascus.

Galations 1:22 “I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.

I cannot see anything in the book of Acts or in the letter to the Galations that supports the OALC assertion that Paul received testimony of his sins forgiven from another person. Nor was Paul in close contact with the other Christian leaders, as some of the preachers claim when they point to their own close ties with the Elders in Sweden. Paul took his directions directly from God.

Thanks for exploring that angle of one of the twisted doctrines taught
in the OALC & other related churches. Putting all the related passages together is a wise way to see what the real truth of Scriptures is.

The sad thing that I found out is that their final truth is NOT what the Bible teaches, but what the old preachers and/or the current Elders & missionary preachers decide is the "correct interpretation". I heard that kind of stuff over & over again in the discussions they would have in the afternoons between meetings. The final answer to questions asked was usually what "Old preacher So & So" said years ago.

Paul's story of his conversion is related at least 3 times in the Bible, so it was obviously very important to God. Since he was appointed to go & preach the gospel to the Gentiles and to appear before kings, he had to have a very dramatic story that would show a drastic difference in his beliefs and life after he met Jesus. I am quite sure that he would have told that same story in every place where he went (not that he limited himself to just that story!), and it helped a lot of people find faith in Jesus Christ. It also disturbed a lot of people who resisted its message, just as the truth that we-"extoots" proclaim about our former and present life is disturbing to the present "toots"!

Acts 10:43 and 13:38 may help you out, since both record an oral proclamation of the forgiveness of sins to unbelievers.

Acts 10:42-43 reads: "He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Acts 13:38 reads "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you."

Faithful, these verses say that by believing in Jesus you receive forgiveness of sins. At least that is what I am seeing. Are you seeing something I am missing?

I see it as the oral proclamation of the forgiveness of sins. This is particularly evident in Acts 13:38, also 1 John 2:12 "Your sins are forgiven for his name sake." There is an old testament account also. Nathan assures David(after David admits his sin against the Lord to Nathan) that Lord has taken away his sin.(2 Samuel 12:13)

We can and should proclaim to anyone who asks for our forgiveness not only that we forgive them but that God forgives them. That is what those Scriptures above are attesting to. The teaching of the OALC is that it is THE way that sins are forgiven us. The teaching is that there is no other way to receive forgiveness but from another church member who are the only ones who have this 'key' to forgive. That is Roman Catholic theology...they have to confess and receive forgiveness from the priest. Making straight paths for our feet (asking a brother or sister to forgive you for anyway you may have offended them) is different from receiving forgiveness. We receive forgiveness from God through Jesus Christ. Scripture encourages us to ask Him. He forgives.

It seems the OALC has parted from other Laestadians regarding confession, putting it above the hearing of the Gospel. I have been put to peace by reading the testimony of forgiveness in the scriptures as well as hearing this. The way I was brought up in a different church, I thought you were not saved until you said the sinners prayer. I believe anyone who truly believes(whether they said a prayer or confession or not) will be saved and preserved and carried to their heavenly destination.

I Just don't get what is so important about the "oral proclamation." You say it gives you comfort but I cannot trust that as people take comfort in all kinds of things that are not of God. We are so easily deceived. Why is it not enough to read (or hear) the bible and believe it? That is God's word. Why would the word's of another human being matter?

Because telling someone they have forgiveness of sins is not my opinion. It is what the Bible says. Further, Christ said repentance and forgiveness shall be preached to all nations(Luke 24:47)The Apostles told people they had forgiveness. Could not the hearers trust this testimony? It wasn't just the Apostles opinion. Can not people trust the same proclaimed word today? I think so.