The Heresy of Perfectionism
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hi zilla.
hmm....let's try that on for size.
we can start with Ephesians:
Zilla 2
By Grace Through Faith and Works
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the bodya and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 Butb God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been given a chance to be saved— 6 and possibly raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus if we have good works. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith and works. And this is partly your own doing; it is not just the gift of God, 9 it is a result of faith and works, so that the righteous may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, and we are helping, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them and we agreed to do so.
Ephesians 2
By Grace Through Faith
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the bodya and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 Butb God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
is that about right?
hmm....let's try that on for size.
we can start with Ephesians:
Zilla 2
By Grace Through Faith and Works
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the bodya and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 Butb God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been given a chance to be saved— 6 and possibly raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus if we have good works. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith and works. And this is partly your own doing; it is not just the gift of God, 9 it is a result of faith and works, so that the righteous may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, and we are helping, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them and we agreed to do so.
Ephesians 2
By Grace Through Faith
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the bodya and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 Butb God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
is that about right?
I know Ephesians 2, zone...
However, Ephesians 2 is in harmony with James 2. Paul and James both agree with one another because it's more than simple faith... It's a combination of both.
I believe the Bible is the innerant Word of God, but I won't accept a redefinig of grace
Romans 6:1-3
However, Ephesians 2 is in harmony with James 2. Paul and James both agree with one another because it's more than simple faith... It's a combination of both.
I believe the Bible is the innerant Word of God, but I won't accept a redefinig of grace
Romans 6:1-3
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F
God's love is indeed unconditional. I dare say that there's not a soul on earth, in heaven or hell that God doesn't love. That's why He sent His Son to die for our sins. However, salvation is not unconditional. It requires faith in the Son. Unfortunately, there seems to be many varying ideas on what constitutes saving "faith".
Just my opinion anyways...
God bless!
Just my opinion anyways...
God bless!
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E
What is even more amazing is the fact the prodigal son, even though separated from his fathers love and presence. never stopped being the son. He was always the son. However his temporal life went to crap without his fathers love. And this brought him back. This is what separates a true believer who walks away from one who is not saved.
The one who is not saved has never felt his fathers love, and does not know the difference or how bad his life is. One who is a true son sees the difference. I know I have been there. God brought me to the point I either returned to him or took myself home. I hit a brick was and had nothing left to live for.
E
Some people. Eph 2 does not say not by works alone, It says no works whatsoever. How someone can get zero works to mean any works is beyond me.
then Again James does the same although opposite. He says one who states is had faith, but has zero works , proves he has zero faith (dead)
neither Paul or James preach faith plus works.
then Again James does the same although opposite. He says one who states is had faith, but has zero works , proves he has zero faith (dead)
neither Paul or James preach faith plus works.
E
Grace = unmerited favor. = unearned favor. = free of charge. = not able to buy or purchase, but was purchased for you as a gift. = zero works. as Paul said, if it is grace it is not of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. why? Because if one works for it, he is trying to purchase it with his works. which means it is not an unearned favor, but a reward, or a wage.
NOT OF WORKS lest any man should boast. Zero = Zero. why do people want to make zero means some?
NOT OF WORKS lest any man should boast. Zero = Zero. why do people want to make zero means some?
1
All I'm realizing more and more is this...
Once we decide we've had enough of our sin, we can realize that we can't get enough of God and he can get all of us.
This topic on perfectionism is tough. I really believe some use the belief that we 'have an ongoing struggle with sin' as an excuse not to give it up.
On the other hand, the belief that we can be perfect can drive a sincere believer to an unneeded burden if not approached rightly.
I really do believe Jesus gave us a HIGH GOAL to shoot for, and I don't think he'd of given it, if it wasn't somehow attainable. Most likely it's a long process, involving much growth. We should at least be engaged in the process and not withdrawn because it seems too abstract or too elitist.
Once we decide we've had enough of our sin, we can realize that we can't get enough of God and he can get all of us.
This topic on perfectionism is tough. I really believe some use the belief that we 'have an ongoing struggle with sin' as an excuse not to give it up.
On the other hand, the belief that we can be perfect can drive a sincere believer to an unneeded burden if not approached rightly.
I really do believe Jesus gave us a HIGH GOAL to shoot for, and I don't think he'd of given it, if it wasn't somehow attainable. Most likely it's a long process, involving much growth. We should at least be engaged in the process and not withdrawn because it seems too abstract or too elitist.
N
God's grace allows us to be good, we must always keep that in mind. We lack the capacity to do good without God's grace and mercy.
It is Christ that is within us that allows victory over the flesh.
To even attempt to share Gods glory is a vain attempt that leads to self righteousness, I would strongly recommend people abstain from saying, I did this, or I did that. You did nothing worth talking about.
All we have to do is submit to God and abide in him, and God will take care of the rest.
It is Christ that is within us that allows victory over the flesh.
To even attempt to share Gods glory is a vain attempt that leads to self righteousness, I would strongly recommend people abstain from saying, I did this, or I did that. You did nothing worth talking about.
All we have to do is submit to God and abide in him, and God will take care of the rest.
A
YES that's it!
I think a lot of people want to believe they are saved but have not repented of their sins. they do not have godly sorrow about the whole matter and think of excuses to keep sinning. Therefore if they do not repent and turn from their sin how can they be forgiven of them?
Grace is unmerited and freely given but by rejecting to turn from sin then you are in effect rejecting grace and forgiveness of sin. If you still cling to your sin and still justify yourself and your actions that go against God then you are not placing it under the blood of Christ. you are clinging to that stronghold in your like and allowing sin to chain you and bind you.
therefore if you still think you can sin, then you have not repented and you do not have grace and without grace there is no salvation.
what is sinful? well coveting your neighbor's goods. looking at others and complaining in your heart to God and saying "why didn't God do or give me that?"
that is just one example that a lot of people say to me.
I think a lot of people want to believe they are saved but have not repented of their sins. they do not have godly sorrow about the whole matter and think of excuses to keep sinning. Therefore if they do not repent and turn from their sin how can they be forgiven of them?
Grace is unmerited and freely given but by rejecting to turn from sin then you are in effect rejecting grace and forgiveness of sin. If you still cling to your sin and still justify yourself and your actions that go against God then you are not placing it under the blood of Christ. you are clinging to that stronghold in your like and allowing sin to chain you and bind you.
therefore if you still think you can sin, then you have not repented and you do not have grace and without grace there is no salvation.
what is sinful? well coveting your neighbor's goods. looking at others and complaining in your heart to God and saying "why didn't God do or give me that?"
that is just one example that a lot of people say to me.