Now that was the most sensible and godly thing I have read in this entire thread.
There is way too much focus on "I am no longer required to do this in order to be saved" and not enough focus on, "What more can I do because I am saved?" No we are no longer under the law for salvation, but as a result of salvation should strive to live righteously. And if you throw the law out because it is no longer "required" it appears you are looking for reasons to excuse unrighteous behavior. We are no longer subject to the law, but how much sweeter is a gift if it is not required?
There is way too much focus on "I am no longer required to do this in order to be saved" and not enough focus on, "What more can I do because I am saved?" No we are no longer under the law for salvation, but as a result of salvation should strive to live righteously. And if you throw the law out because it is no longer "required" it appears you are looking for reasons to excuse unrighteous behavior. We are no longer subject to the law, but how much sweeter is a gift if it is not required?
LOL, Did you read this entire thread? Wow, this was a nightmare this one. Please understand that we suspected our opponent to be caught in legalism, and that is one reason why I dwelt so strongly upon not being under the Law.
We do need to obey God's Law in it's entirety, but I'm convinced that it's God who will cause us to do it by shedding abroad His love in our hearts. That obedience won't save us, but it does prove how much love we have for God, and just how submitted we are to Him. Yes, you are very correct in what you are saying. We ought to be overjoyed to obey all of the commands in the Bible out of love to our dear Savior.
John Wesley said something like the Baptism of the Holy Spirit can only be kept if we focus on a life of good works. He also said basically - and I read this recently - that the great efforts we put forth while under the Law ought to be equal to, or even lesser efforts than we now put forth when we are walking in the Spirit. (Not that I am under the Spirit quite yet).
Anyway, I love your enthusiasm Shelle, you sound like a real fighter to obey God in everything just like I used to be. Just be watchful as satan will enjoy fooling you into a works salvation. He does it to me often, LOL.
And I think that I repent for what I said in my "Am I Saved" thread. I don't think that we should whip ourselves into action to obey all these commands. I think we need to let God work it through us. I have had some great days (including Wednesday) where I just depended on God continually, asking Him to cause me to walk, and I had a very disciplined day and happy day. Today was awful as I just felt ugly all day, but I'm not under the Spirit yet so it won't be perfect.
Quest
We do need to obey God's Law in it's entirety, but I'm convinced that it's God who will cause us to do it by shedding abroad His love in our hearts. That obedience won't save us, but it does prove how much love we have for God, and just how submitted we are to Him. Yes, you are very correct in what you are saying. We ought to be overjoyed to obey all of the commands in the Bible out of love to our dear Savior.
John Wesley said something like the Baptism of the Holy Spirit can only be kept if we focus on a life of good works. He also said basically - and I read this recently - that the great efforts we put forth while under the Law ought to be equal to, or even lesser efforts than we now put forth when we are walking in the Spirit. (Not that I am under the Spirit quite yet).
Anyway, I love your enthusiasm Shelle, you sound like a real fighter to obey God in everything just like I used to be. Just be watchful as satan will enjoy fooling you into a works salvation. He does it to me often, LOL.
And I think that I repent for what I said in my "Am I Saved" thread. I don't think that we should whip ourselves into action to obey all these commands. I think we need to let God work it through us. I have had some great days (including Wednesday) where I just depended on God continually, asking Him to cause me to walk, and I had a very disciplined day and happy day. Today was awful as I just felt ugly all day, but I'm not under the Spirit yet so it won't be perfect.
Quest