Lon
Well-known member
If you think that "Love thy neighbor" Mark 12:31 and "forgive others so that you may be forgiven" Matthew 6:14 and "repent lest ye likewise perish"Luke 13:5 is "law that you are not subject to" Romans 6:14 Galatians 3:25 then you are in a dangerous place, and between the two of us, it's not me that lacks understanding of the law and grace. (verses added)
Galatians 5:16 actually says 'walk,' not obey. I expect this thread to go a long distance because questions will be asked for about every response.
For instance: do "I" obey? Or does God work obedience in me? Is it about freewill in that sense? Even a good many freewill theists deny their 'will' can get in the way of salvation, indeed, even claiming OSAS against it! :noway:
Then, the 'obey' people will quote a lot of scriptures about obedience but again: Do "I" obey? Ephesians 2:10 Philippians 2:13 Romans 1:5
2 John 1:6 Is this 'test' met by God in us, or by us for salvation? IOW, is it how we know God has a hold of us, or is it what we need to do to be 'sure' God has a hold of us? Ephesians 2:8&9
Hebrews 5:9 Is this when we first came to Christ? Was that our obedience, or does 'obey' mean 'keep on obeying everything?'
Do I have anything to do with my salvation? My continuing salvation status? How much is 'me' and how much is God for this?
Are we transformed by the renewing of our minds? Romans 12:2 Or are we transformed by His power? Colossians 1:21-22?
Are the contexts for all these verses important? How do surrounding verses give us context for knowing which verses I need to apply, which are applied to me, or which aren't relevant for my particular walk with God?
I hope and pray this thread goes a long way and is very meaningful about the Grace of God, righteousness, Christian living, and clarifying about salvation, done or a process not quite finished....
Before debating anything, might I suggest making a LOT of questions: who, what, when, why, where, how....of the other guy. The more questions, I think the more meaningful AND clarifying this thread will be and it is my prayer it will become a go-to thread of importance on TOL concerning Salvation, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and His Love and Grace.
In Him -Lon