| Author | Message | ||
| Jim02 Registered user Username: Jim02 Post Number: 1232 Registered: 5-2007 |
I wish it were that I could find a way , a book(s) or some study system that would help me to sort through the passages of confusion and conflict between the covenants, the law and grace, condemnation and freedom, admonitions and once saved always saved. You see , it is the attempt to hold onto a belief system of being free from the law and also free from condemnation and works to merit that continue to confuse me. I gave examples and questions in another post and the subject is simply too broad to answer concisely where I can hold onto it while defelcting the passages that seem to undermine or cancel out the other. Is there a road map? Parsing out scriptures that cancel out the other. Dividing the "ifs = thens" Defining the unspoken but implied. Much of the confusion is the practical application of sanctifaction versus the reality of human nature. "Let him take hold of My strength so that he may make peace with Me" The SDA would view this as strength to observe and keep the law and purge sin out fo the life. Works. But I suspect that The Strength here is in fact Christ and what Christ has already done, wherin the peace resides. It takes the load off my back already. I do not have to be good enough today so that he will accept me tommorrow. Colleen said it is about trust. Maybe this is what she meant? | ||
| Jrt Registered user Username: Jrt Post Number: 1180 Registered: 10-2008 |
Jim02, While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (That is scripture). God's love is not dependent on our behavior, neither is our salvation dependent on our behavior - otherwise salvation and God's love is of us - not Him. Jim, I pray that you find the peace that comes from the answers to your questions. Rom. 8:1 says, "Therefore, there is NO condemnation for those who are IN Christ Jesus." To be IN Christ you must place your faith and trust in Christ's Saving Power, Grace, and Unconditional Love. Admitting that salvation is none of you and all of Him is humbling and freeing. For me I found that my own confusion slowly began to clear up. You may not have the answers for everything, but it doesn't matter, because your salvation is secure in Christ. The Holy Spirit is a deposit on that guarantee (Eph. 1 & 2). Jim, I don't think you need a book - because honestly it will be just as easy to deny the author's words as it would be to deny scripture. My recommendation ... challenge  .... Read nothing but scripture for the next 30 days. Yep, nothing but scripture. And each time ask God to teach you truth. Jim, If Jesus died for you - He must love you immensely - don't you think that He would also want you to know truth. Trust Him and His Word. Also, don't read it while you are in a hurry - nope, sit with the Word for 30 minutes ... Pray for His revelation of His own Words to you His loved creation. Again, only scripture, and be open to whatever God may teach you - even if it contradicts what you have always believed. Trust His care for you - you don't even have to trust yourself, because God will be directing you. Just some thoughts and you have my prayers, JRT | ||
| Jim02 Registered user Username: Jim02 Post Number: 1234 Registered: 5-2007 |
Unconditional Love. I think that is the single greatest gift God could give. It is inside that kind of Love where I could hope to find healing and renewal. Thank you JRT. Jim | ||
| Jrt Registered user Username: Jrt Post Number: 1181 Registered: 10-2008 |
Jim, Not, "could"', "DID" . Your and my response is simply to receive it. Ask God to help you receive that unconditional love and the gift of His Son's death for you on the cross. You and I are totally undeserving of the gift that is why it says while we were yet sinners ... I have been given gifts before, but nothing compared to Christ's gift of the substitutionary death for my sins. The gift is perfect, because He was the perfect lamb. Jrt |
