here is what confuses one's faith- statements like these- " we are saved by grace, but one MUST,,,,,,"
salvation is free, but,,,,,,,,,", thus nullifying the meaning.
some ( you ) have to interject self, you have to be responsible for your own salvation, it can't be all God, it has to be me and God....................
all this is manly pride talking, not Biblical teaching.
I would suggest the idea salvation is free in this definition is actually heresy.
The subtle lie is one is saved despite ones response. But this is clearly absurd,
as has been agreed, faith shows itself through a transformed life.
The whole point of faith and the need for Jesus is to be transformed, and only
in Him is transformation possible through the word and following.
You can be given a free ticket to ride on a train, but you still have to turn up,
abide by the rules of being carried, and get on the train. Doing this fulfills the
promise and free ticket, denying this response is just denying the gift itself.
But I know because this is the foundation of peoples lives, emotionally, they
will see me as evil and wrong, and dream up excuses as long as their arm as to
why I am deluded and they have reached heaven. The fact scripture disagrees,
shows how empty this position is.
And pride? I wish there was something to boast about, but it is just dependency
on Christ all the way, and sharing He provides everything, and gives life to the blind,
light in the darkness, love and hope to the lost. We do though have to take responsibility
for the gift and honour the privilege He has given us and bring praise to His name.
But if you remain in darkness, and sin still dominates all you do, little wonder you do not
see the problem or see the sin that continues to fester.