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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Joe, what is Paul and Hebrews 'the Law'? | Heb 6:4 | Reformer Joe | 17995 | ||
Bill: This is a Bible study forum, and we are discussing the Bible. Why are you wanting to take this privately? I have asked you two questions, both based on James 2. The first one had to do with Abraham's faith being demonstrated through his works. The second one has to do with this verse: "But someone may well say, 'You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.'" --James 2:18 Notice that James does not say "Christ performing God's works through me." He says MY works. Paul says the same thing in Philippians 2: "So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." --Philippians 2:12-13 Yes, God is working in me, conforming me to the image of Christ, but in a very real sense I am "working out my salvation" (not working FOR it, mind you). If it is simply a matter of "letting Christ woirk through us," why does Paul give us such specific commands? "Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." --Ephesians 4:25-29 "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." --Galatians 5:13 "But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness... For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers." --1 Timothy 4:7,10 "Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity." --Colossians 4:5 "Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." --2 Timothy 2:22 Nowhere do we find that it is "Christ doing these things through us." Striving, pursuit, work, labor, service, discipline are all the things which the believer engages in. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling us that we are given the power to please God (Romans 8:7-9), but it is most definitely we who are active in the deeds of righteousness, thanks to God's sanctifying work in our hearts and our wills. Christ already knows the specifics on how to please the Father. If it were as simple as "letting Christ work through us," we would not need the COMMANDMENTS we find all throughout the epistles. And, personally, I find the idea abhorrent that we as human beings "let" the sovereign Lord of the universe do anything. Who is in charge here, anyway? --Joe! |
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2 | Joe, what is Paul and Hebrews 'the Law'? | Heb 6:4 | Bill Mc | 17996 | ||
Joe, Ok. And don't forget to respond to this note so that you're sure to have the last word. | ||||||
3 | Joe, what is Paul and Hebrews 'the Law'? | Heb 6:4 | charis | 17999 | ||
Dear Bill, Joe, and Forum, Sorry to be a 'buttinsky,' but... I agree with Joe that we are exhorted to 'work out our salvation in fear and trembling.' But this cannot be accomplished by mere human study and (attempted) application. I also see Bill's point about 'allowing' the Holy Spirit to have His way in our lives. The danger there is to also 'allow' our emotions to masquerade as the Holy Spirit, which is all too common. (Frankly, I, too, have seen the abuse of 'letting' God have His way!) Friends, I am not trying to 'referee' your thread, but simply saying that both of you seem to be on a Biblical track, as long as the letter AND intent of the Word, coupled with prudence and common sense, reign over your belief. Maybe (just maybe) this is the last word. :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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