@Aguest:
Seeing as the apostles themselves didn't understand the scriptures... until Christ himself opened up their meaning TO such ones (Luke 24:27, 32, 44, 45)... I don't see why anything different should be expected of others, dear Bio (peace to you!). Excluding those who claim to "see" (but do not)... and "seat themselves in the seat of Moses" as a result, of course.
i was actually reffereing to Sixofnine there, not the thread opener(Serenity). you should see his post.
Not a church (religion), no; however, the first part of your statement is an error. A very serious one... as it absolutely DOES cover family. Noah's faith saved his family:
Well, you are the wrong one here, the reason why Noah's family was saved too was because like Noah they had not infected themselves with the Nephillim / Sons of God. Their genes were clean. They would not have been saved if they mingled themselves with the Nephilim.
A more practical exmaple would be Lot's wife, what happened to her when she turned back? yep, a pillar of salt. Thats because we are all to account for our actions individually. That does not mean we should leave others to perish in their ignorance.
Both Cornelius' and Rahab's faith... saved their families, including non-core relatives. Cornelius' faith even saved some of his friends. Zechariah's faith... resulted in a blessing to his son, John (the Baptizer)
Again, i am refering to the salvation of eternal life, not some good deed that benefits another. You CANNOT earn eternal salvation for family or friend.
And here is why you exist in the error you do:
The Bible... is NOT the Word of God. Only One is... and the truth can only come from that One. Because HE... IS the truth. John 1:1, 14; Revelation 19:13; John 14:6; 17:17; Hebrews 13:12
Please, dear one... know YOUR Bible... and what it SAYS... before you undertake to bring those who admit they DON'T know... and ask for assistance.
Well there you go, IF the bible is not the word of God, then there is no hope for mankind, then all that we have heard about Christ is a lie.
2Ti 3:15 - 17 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
The reason why many of you err in understanding the bible is because you wan to use the knowledge of man to justify the work of God. That is why many cant accept the fact that God created the world in 6 literal days. And many argue about the global flood of Noah's day.
Isa 55:8 - 9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
In case you did not know, you can't accept a part of the bible and reject another. Its either you are fully for God or not for Him. Perhaps you should go read the bible on what God says about people who are neither cold nor hot