Are we there yet?

I’m sitting in a bar at Newark International Airport drinking Stella (you’ve got to love France if not the French) Artois larger. I’m rather sober though, as I undertook the (possibly ghoulish) service of visiting Ground Zero for the first time this afternoon. It’s a big hole, with a half built skyscraper in it. The thing that got me were the scars on all of the surrounding buildings. One can see the trajectories -- right in the walls -- of the “micrometeorites” that showered down at great velocity They're now embedded into the brickwork of adjacent buildings. My prayer was short “God please let these souls find their way to you”.

That single act of destruction has changed us, seemingly permanently, but nothing lasts for ever (does it?)

Incidentally -- a six buck toll to come in down the Lincoln tunnel but free going out on the Holland? What is that all about? (And fer goodness sake's what on Earth is a "Ped X'ing"? - some kind of People's Republic of China official?)

You wrote:

Our being "born again" is a sovereign act of God himself; Grace bestowed
upon the truly repentent (sic. sp? – ed.) who comes to realize the utter hopelessness of their own efforts and turn in complete trust (not just belief) in the saving work of Jesus Christ.

The Bible teaches that one's eternal salvation is based on this singular act of regeneration, bestowed by God.

Question: who does good choose to bestow this blessing upon? Is it anything that the individual does that qualifies them for this blessing? If it’s not, then that’s pretty bad luck for those that don’t get picked, they have to spend an eternity in agony. That’s just not fair. Wouldn’t you agree?

Also this “chosen by God” doesn’t strike me as very probable – someone born in a Muslim country is far less likely to have this blessing of being chosen bestowed upon them. Or, does God choose them to be born in a Muslim country thus causing them to have very little chance of salvation? (Again grossly unfair to my REASONing … but if I suspend reason then all is “ok” again).

Ok I have a further question for your good self on this – and it is related to my assertion that Christianity is a time-dependent test.

Take the following scenario if you please:

1. Atheist lives a non-believing non-Christian non-regenerated life
2. Atheist dies and all becomes clear – Jesus Christ exists – He is “the way” and the atheist converts on the spot. The Atheist is truly repentent.
3. Does the atheist now go to Heaven and if not why not?

NCAA on the TV, Washington vs. West Virginia .. your old stamping ground buddy!

Current Song: Someone in the bar is humming a Britney Spears song … “One more time” or something.