Hi seasrekeyed.
With regards to your quote about twisting I think and see it from opposing sides and not just one side.
I suppose it happens because we all have our own interpretation of what we believe scripture is saying.
Not sure I would call it twisting as such but trying to explain our position.
I must admit that I do hate "they, those, others" being banded about.
There are people on here who I disagree with but I still consider them a brother/sister in Christ and I would hope it's reversed.
To me it's ok to disagree and to do so as brothers and sisters in Christ and not as enemies.
At the end of the day we will all stand before Jesus and he alone will judge every aspect of our life and works.
Those who have placed genuine faith in Jesus will have their works judged.
The dross is burned but they are still saved.
The works that we do I think are based on our understing of scripture and this wall direct our walk with Jesus and others.
If they are dross as said they are burnt but we are still saved.
see, I'm not even worried about the 'works' part of the equation because the works are really simple displays of our faith
like what? just being kind to another person...giving of time and whatever God lays on your heart to give with regards to 'things' including money, feeding the poor etc...really just what is mentioned in scripture. a changed heart should display these things. I have never said you are not saved if you do not display these things...it is the other side of this debate actually that will go on and on about it as though someone has said works save...I have to say again, I have not seen that in this thread (albeit I have not read every post for the obvious reasons LOL!) but I do believe some will say you have to work but scripture does not say that.
what it does say though, is that faith produces works which is why we seem to have two opposing things going on when really we do not.
again, with your comment re works and understanding...I think scripture is plain it all begins with the simple things anyone can do and it's not difficult and I have never said it adds to salvation or keeps salvation yet I keep reading posts that state someone, including myself, has said this
I concur with your post in the 'spirit' in which you posted
however, I have read posts wherein someone will state another is not saved because of a difference of understanding and I have never said this but yet those who do, really need to own up to it and stop it along with the arrogance as though someone they disagree with is stupid or contemptable
I disagree about the twisting. there are a few who seem to go out of their way to turn what someone said, into something else
and they cause most of the fights. however it seems more are using the 'ignore' option in an effort to keep the peace