serapha said:
Hi there!
:angel:
Christians are......criminals on probation.
[quote:4d3ca]
Citing that Christians are on probation implies that Christians are saved on a less than perfect basis.
When one considers that Adam and Eve were placed on probation, when they were 'perfect' (sinless nature), before they had committed sin......how much more do we, who having a sinful nature, be placed on probation ?
Point #2.) I was forgiven my 'past' sins, (Romans 3:25) by Jesus Christ, with the idea that I would not commit any known sin again....hence probation.
When I was saved, I don't remember there being a "catch" to redemption such as "with the idea that..."
Do you not remember what Jesus said, when asked how people may gain eternal life ? Read it in Matthew 19:16,17.......Mark 10:17-19.
Revelation 22:14 tells us that those who keep the commandments of Godf are the ones who have the right to the Tree of Life and may enter into the gates of the City of God.
The idea was, is, and continues to be... people are saved by their faith (period)
BUT...faith results in good works, and it is the works we do thru the power of God working in us, that is Judged in the Day of God's Judgment.
If a person refuses to let the Lord work out his will in us...they are lost !
That is why the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:3-17)need to be studied very carefully , as they are the very standard by which God judges Character.
Point #3.) In order for Jesus Christ is get me qualified for heaven (Be perfect as your Father which is in heaven is perfect), Jesus must show me any sin that I am not yet aware of, and correct any sinful habit which would marr the faultless character which Jesus Christ is trying to bring out in me.
Hogwash.
If I am reconciled to God, then I am qualified for heaven.
Then you are saying that you no longer commit sin ?
Have you looked at what the Law of God says, regarding the 4th commandment, (Exodus 20:8-11) ?
Would you mind listing the "qualifications" that you feel are necesasry to get into heaven?
What I feel is UNimportant....it is what God says that matters, right ?
Again, Revelation 22:14 says: "Blessed are those who 'do' the commandments of God, that they may have right to the Tree of Life, and may entwer into the gates of the City".
God has identifed his people, as those who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus, (Revelation 14:12).
Point #4.) It is then, 'my' responsibilty to correct those faults in my present charcter, thru grace, which God gives me freely....as I have not the strenght to do the that work, in my human power alone.
As scripture says: 'Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling'.
Again, hogwash.
Why is it that in your teachings, one does not become a new creature in
Christ?
"Whosoever is born of God ...does not...commit sin", (1 John 3:9).
It is simple logic......If Christ was sinless, and He dwells in you, controllling your desires, and thoughts, then why should it be difficult to live out a sinless existance ?
After all, Jesus said: 'go and sin no more', (John 5:14......John 8:11).
And, why in your teachings, do you not place your faith in Christ to make you a new creation, not a revamped (my responsibility to correct myself ) person, but a new creature.
Because God can only give you the new birth experience, but the person themselves must live it out thru their own daily choices and actions, hence the Bible verse: "Work out your own salvation", (Philippians 2:12).
I can "self-help" myself all of my life and not be one step closer to heaven than on the day I was first saved.
It is God, that provides the power to live the righteous life, but it is you, that must actually put it into practice.
Point #5.) Temptations ...are the testing ground by which my character is tested on a daily basis.
The 10 commandments, as found in Exodus 20:3-17 is God's standard of Righteousness, to check my progress.
If that were the case, that living by the commandments made you righteous, then there would never have been a need for a Savior.
A sinner is defined as one who has broken God's law of love (10 commandments) as the Bible defines that sin is, the transgression of the Law of God, (1 John 3:4....Romans 7:7...etc.).
Once a person has asks forgiveness of their sins, one cannot expect to go right on sinning, and be a Christian !
~serapha~[/quote:4d3ca]
