Originally posted on 05/01/2018:

Since Roman Catholics and Protestants (their descendants) aren't the original church, you probably won't find what you're looking for --- especially if your intent is rational or mental, some legalistic way to understand things. That's where they go astray, big time.

Regardless, since no one knows the mind of God on things like salvation (yet everyone seems preoccupied with it), it's better to just do what's right to the best of your ability, repent when you do wrong, and remember:

And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.

It's not a coincidence that even though people do things "in his name" he says in Matthew Chapter 7 to depart because ... "I never knew you"

Knowing in this sense is experiencing, trusting, and being obedient to God, whom you were created for. That's what the church is for, to show you how to know God, to cooperate with him. We all fail, but if we are honest about our failings, he is sympathetic and merciful, having gone through all these human things and worse, unto death.