When is it right to ever do right (righteousness)? Are we to practice righteousness or not (1 John 3:7)? Are we to work righteousness or not (Acts 10:34-35)? Can there be such a thing as the "Legalism Police"?
Hi Doug, I'm not sure of the reason why you're asking these questions, but the answers to your questions according to my understanding of scripture are: #1 It's always right to do righteousness when it's with a humble, submissive faith (Matt. 6:1-18), #2 - Yes, we are to practice righteousness when it's done with a humble, submissive faith. #3 - Yes, we are to work righteousness when it's done with a humble, submissive faith (Romans 4). #4 - Yes, we can become "legalism police" and ironically become legalistic in the process if we're not careful to correct others with a humble, submissive faith (see Galatians 5-6). Thanks for your comment.
Thank you for your response. One more thing, is wanting to please the Lord out of Love for Him, a spirit of humility ... and is practicing righteousness, working righteousness, carrying out works, and/or obedience necessary for salvation or simply that which demonstrates our salvation? Seems to me there is a growing "Reformist" view emerging concerning Ephesians 2:8-10, hence my question. Thanks.
Hi again Doug, Ephesians 2:8-10 focuses on the grace we have received through faith and not of works (read: of merit). A humble, submissive faith shown in good works is the proper response to such a wonderful gift of grace that we have received (i.e. I love the Lord so much that I humbly want to do whatever He says (obedience) because of the greatness of His sacrifice through Jesus.). Thanks for your interest - I'll be glad to carry on the conversation in a private correspondence if you feel I am not understanding the question or the text. Have a good weekend.
Wanting to please God, willingly submitting to His will, is Bible faith (Rom.2:4-11, 5:2), and as such, cannot be merit. Are the works of Ephesians 2:10 instrumental for salvation or only evidential - only evidence of one's salvation? Thanks.
Obviously, Andy Baker is a faux pas neouveau riche Christian. Only they would make such an inflammatory false biblical twisting of the scripture to prove their points from a scriptural perspective. This is the symptom of a monk-sadist. I know as one as my early life was traumatized by one who which has plagued me personally throughout my life. This is not the scriptura, perspective an Established Christian strives to convey. Before you dismiss my perspective, read Dietrich Bonhoeffer's the Cost of Discipleship to refocus your Christian vector. To these misguided faux Christians are an example to walk in the steps of Jesus. To the author, Andy Baker, as in monopoly, read as you do not venerate the Lord and Master, aka Jesus the Christ whom I venerate. May the Lord forgive you for your blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Don't write something you obviously do not comprehend and commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Find this sin in the NEW Testament Gospel.
Wow. I am sorry you find me and my writing so offensive. Admittedly, I do not understand as much as I should, but I do however appreciate a thoughtful, kind, and gentle rebuke when I do inevitably miss the mark. I have never considered though that I might be a monk-sadist nouveau-riche faux pas. :(
Great post … any way to print?
I don't know of a way to print from Substack; you should be able to copy and paste (but please give proper attribution, if you do so--thanks).
When is it right to ever do right (righteousness)? Are we to practice righteousness or not (1 John 3:7)? Are we to work righteousness or not (Acts 10:34-35)? Can there be such a thing as the "Legalism Police"?
Hi Doug, I'm not sure of the reason why you're asking these questions, but the answers to your questions according to my understanding of scripture are: #1 It's always right to do righteousness when it's with a humble, submissive faith (Matt. 6:1-18), #2 - Yes, we are to practice righteousness when it's done with a humble, submissive faith. #3 - Yes, we are to work righteousness when it's done with a humble, submissive faith (Romans 4). #4 - Yes, we can become "legalism police" and ironically become legalistic in the process if we're not careful to correct others with a humble, submissive faith (see Galatians 5-6). Thanks for your comment.
Thank you for your response. One more thing, is wanting to please the Lord out of Love for Him, a spirit of humility ... and is practicing righteousness, working righteousness, carrying out works, and/or obedience necessary for salvation or simply that which demonstrates our salvation? Seems to me there is a growing "Reformist" view emerging concerning Ephesians 2:8-10, hence my question. Thanks.
Hi again Doug, Ephesians 2:8-10 focuses on the grace we have received through faith and not of works (read: of merit). A humble, submissive faith shown in good works is the proper response to such a wonderful gift of grace that we have received (i.e. I love the Lord so much that I humbly want to do whatever He says (obedience) because of the greatness of His sacrifice through Jesus.). Thanks for your interest - I'll be glad to carry on the conversation in a private correspondence if you feel I am not understanding the question or the text. Have a good weekend.
Wanting to please God, willingly submitting to His will, is Bible faith (Rom.2:4-11, 5:2), and as such, cannot be merit. Are the works of Ephesians 2:10 instrumental for salvation or only evidential - only evidence of one's salvation? Thanks.
Obviously, Andy Baker is a faux pas neouveau riche Christian. Only they would make such an inflammatory false biblical twisting of the scripture to prove their points from a scriptural perspective. This is the symptom of a monk-sadist. I know as one as my early life was traumatized by one who which has plagued me personally throughout my life. This is not the scriptura, perspective an Established Christian strives to convey. Before you dismiss my perspective, read Dietrich Bonhoeffer's the Cost of Discipleship to refocus your Christian vector. To these misguided faux Christians are an example to walk in the steps of Jesus. To the author, Andy Baker, as in monopoly, read as you do not venerate the Lord and Master, aka Jesus the Christ whom I venerate. May the Lord forgive you for your blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Don't write something you obviously do not comprehend and commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Find this sin in the NEW Testament Gospel.
Wow. I am sorry you find me and my writing so offensive. Admittedly, I do not understand as much as I should, but I do however appreciate a thoughtful, kind, and gentle rebuke when I do inevitably miss the mark. I have never considered though that I might be a monk-sadist nouveau-riche faux pas. :(