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NASB | Matthew 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; |
Subject: Grace AND? |
Bible Note: I guess you can call me dense but I don't see how Rom 6 and 2 Cor 5:17 provide answers to the points in my post on this subject. Apparently, you don't wish to tackle my points, all in the same response. How about if we break them down say two at a time? How about if we start with the following: 1) Please explain to me how your interpretation of Grace from God with no strings attached, no need for works is reconciled with Jesus' very own earthly brother, James' teaching on this subject? Ref James 2. 2) Please explain to me how God on Judgment Day will distinguish between the sheep and goats, (christians and non-believers) without works of any kind? Ref Matt 25. Remember, even the Devil believes in the Lord. In answer to your questions: 1) Yes, I believe very emphatically that the saving Grace of God is the ONLY thing that stands in the way between all of us and Hell as our eternal doom. BUT I also believe in the Words of our Lord when He said He would judge the world on Judgment Day by His Words which includes His delegation of some authority to His appointed Apostles. Also, He promised the Comforter or the Holy Spirit would lead them and It lead them to provide us with the balance of the NT, God's Word. So we'll be judged by the WHOLE NT. I'm not able to explain the actual mechanics of how Grace and works blend together; I just know our Father will be looking for both in our lives as His children. 2) I'll have to admit "better safe than sorry" is a modern, man-made designation. What would you call the concept where God sets the example of forgiving us over and over again? We supposed to follow that example and forgive our enemies and our brethren over and over. BUT now that we're assured of our home in Heaven, we don't have to bother. IF a brother can't get his act together, grow up and stop sinning (sins and repents over and over again), we'll just kick him out of the church and send him somewhere else. We don't have to put up with that kind of extra burden and headache, we've got Heaven to anticipate. No need to make certain of anything, we've been assured by Grace. You tell me, is there something wrong with this scenario? I do hope you'll respond in kind and answer my questions above and of course provide scriptures in support. As always, I open up the whole line of discussions for Forum-wide participation. This should result in some really good productive discussions. God bless you all. --Rowdy |