Quote:
Originally Posted by bearbear
To some extent you can't blame us folks who are not as sure about our own salvation. There's quite a few passages in scripture where Paul admonishes us to have holy fear and desire our best to be blameless and innocent by the grace of God all within the context of salvation, perhaps because there are eternal consequences if we let our vigilance down from guarding our good deposit:
Philippians 2:12-16
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Paul seems to have a fear of laboring in vain. Perhaps that's why it seems he's trying his best to instruct the Philippians of every spiritual safeguard to ensure he'll see his spiritual children in eternity?
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bearbear, I have to apologize if I've seemed rude. It's just frustrating to deal with what appears to me to be a lack of faith.
When the golfing great Bobby Jones first witnessed the play of a young Jack Nicklaus, in awe he commented, "He plays a game with which I am not familiar." He meant that as a compliment. I could say the same when observing you, only it would be less of a compliment. I'm not familiar with the type of faith you have, because it seems to me to be a lack of faith.
At the same time I respect your earnestness and seeking. This discussion has been very helpful to me. It's made me rethink some things. The understanding of Matt 7:23 cf. John 10:27 came to me today. That was an amazing revelation God gave me, that Christ can never say to me "I never knew you," because John 10:27 says he already knows me. Wow! I might not have realized that without your pointed challenges. So, thanks.
You are on the path God wants for you. I pray he will bring you into a deeper understanding of his faithfulness, love and assurance, and cast out all unnecessary fear, while leaving you with the needed fear (awe) that is the beginning of wisdom.
Igzy