OZOS
Well-known member
I think you know, I'm not the most articulate person in the world. I understand what I know, but have a problem putting what I know into words, or proper sentence structures.Your posts are interesting because I usually find myself both agreeing but at the same time feeling like some of your comments need clarification. The truth of what you say really depends a lot on the context and just precisely what is being discussed. For example, you said...
"The proud man (you) compares himself with others and says "I'm not as evil as my neighbor". Again, you are the Pharisee in the temple, and God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
In the context of your post, the context of salvation and righteousness before God, that is a true statement but it could easily be taken too far. It may well be true that someone happens to be "not as evil as their neighbor" and it would not be a sin to notice that fact nor would it be a sin to point it out, depending on why it's being pointed out.
You said in an earlier post....
"Being a homosexual is no different than being a thief, liar, adulterer, etc. when it comes to being found a sinner."
...and again, because of the last eight words of that sentence, I agree, but holy molly can such a statement be taken to mean something that isn't true at all. All sins are not the same and homosexuality is far far worse than stealing a tic-tac from your mother's purse (or stealing any else for that matter).
Would you agree?
Also, I'm curious to know something else as well. This is off the topic so you don't have to elaborate much but what do you believe the law (i.e. the law of the land, the criminal code) should be regarding things the bible considers capital crimes (e.g. murder, rape, adultery, homosexuality, et al)?
Clete
How we determine the law of the land, or state, city, school, business, church, home, etc., should be and must be enacted by those in authority. And, in my view, those authorities should seek God's heart, mind and will. "Love does no harm to a neighbor" But, if they don't adhere to the ordinances of God those nations, churches, homes, etc., will reap what they sow. Punishment for behavior, justice, is necessary to deter evil behavior. Love is to be without hypocrisy, abhorring what is evil, and clinging to what is good. We are to raise our voices against injustice and evil behavior, and if necessary fight to preserve justice and goodness. These things are related to an economy between men, where doing good works is profitable for ourselves and our neighbors. Yes, there are behaviors that are worse than other behaviors, and a just punishment should be enacted against those who engage in evil behavior.
However, sin and righteousness are a completely different economy, a spiritual one. The sin issue has been settled, once and for all. Men are either dead in sin, or alive in Christ. It matters not which one you are when enacting punishment or justice for your behavior in the world's economy, but it does not change who a person is in God's economy. Good or bad behavior will never make a person right or wrong with God, otherwise the cross is meaningless.
I appreciate you asking me about this. Ask or challenge my thinking all you want, I'm open to fine tuning my understanding.