Does Our Theological Understanding Save Our Soul?

Our theological understanding does not save our soul but it does shape the way we understand and preach the gospel. Some sincere Christians have made some awful stupid statements because of bad theology even though their hearts were right with God.--John Reisinger

He is not saying that theology does not matter. I agree with the quote above because I do not believe that it takes a theologically perfect (if there is such a thing) scholar to get into heaven. I also do not believe that our agenda as fellow believers is to shove truth down peoples throat for the sake of winning arguments. Christianity is not so much about theological precision as it is about diligently seeking to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord for HIS glory and Name's sake. Speaking the truth in love to other professing believers that may not have very sound theology takes gentleness, self-control, humility (2 Tim 2:24-25)... not a sharp tongue. The only time a sharp tongue by a believer is used (Jesus, John the Baptist or Paul) that I can find in Scripture was when the Pharisees and false teachers were confronted. If I am wrong, please do not hesitate to show me.

Somehow... and I really cannot comprehend this, some feeble words I wrote about prayer touched John Reisinger to the point that he not only e-mailed me to tell me, but also sent me two booklets that he wrote. Perhaps it is because I fall into the "sincere Christians that have made some awful stupid statements... even though their hearts were right with God" that He has done this... :-D.

I am flattered that he took the time to send them and I look forward to reading them. He gets right to the point... no fluff, and I like that. I actually became familiar with Mr. Reisinger through Monergism.com where several of his articles are published.

Here are the books he sent:
"The Sovereignty of God in Providence"

...It is difficult to have a reasonable, hopeful sense of security and a heartfelt assurance while living in our present-day, crazy world without a knowledge and appreciation of the sovereignty of God in providence embodied in these six biblical truths. Do you understand the message of hope and grace that is set forth in the Word of God, or do you have trouble putting it all together into one coherent system? Can you relate the truths of the Bible to your everyday life, or do the doctrines of Scripture seem unrelated to the real life situations of your personal world today? This booklet is written for the express purpose of giving you clear and specific help in these two areas. It is designed to help you understand what the Bible really says and means, and to apply that message to the real life situations you must face in your personal world.

and "The Sovereignty of God and Prayer.

"Prayer never makes God my servant to give me everything I think I must have in order to make me happy. God is not a ‘heavenly bellhop’ who carries my suitcase of selfish desires any place I command.Prayer never allows me to either dictate my will to God nor to make God in any way change his mind.God has a fixed plan and his plan is the best plan. God is determined to carry out his plan, and neither our sin nor our ‘believing’ prayers are going to derail or in any way change God’s ultimate decrees (Job 13:13).The author also tells us what true prayer is: True prayer is a frank admission that God is sovereign. When we really pray we admit that the thing is in God’s hands alone. We are saying that tomorrow, with all it brings, is not under our control but under his control. It is in his hands and not in ours.Prayer is a joyful surrender to God’s sovereign purposes. We are acknowledging that God has the right and power to do whatever seems good to him. We are saying that regardless of what God does tomorrow, we know it is part of the “all things” in Romans 8:28.Prayer is earnestly pleading with God for grace to glorify him regardless of what he does. We are really saying, “Father, give me grace to trust you and act like your child whether you say yes or no.”