This is a really great post. One question I have is: did Jesus consider the pharisees his "brothers"? Was he heated with them when he spoke to them? Did he use embarrassing adjectives to describe them?
The thing is, I don't consider someone who is saying that their good works will save them and telling others they must be sinless my "brother". I consider them to be just like the pharisees in Jesus day....and I will use whatever means at my disposal to expose them.
Yeh I get your point.
I would just like to say though that Jesus rebuked the Pharisees.
In Matthew we find the 7 woes pronounced to the Pharisees.
I think the issues concerned were concerning the Mosaic Law.
Also the attitude and reason why the Pharisees were like they were.
They were hypocrites who laid heavy burdens on people but would do nothing to help lighten the load.
Thier own works were done to be seen by men rather than God. This included their prayers prayed out loud.
They wanted the best places at feasts and the chief chairs in the synagogue.
It is intersting to note that Jesus went at the Pharisees and not the Sadducees who were more liberal and the Herodians who were political.
They were guilty before God because they blocked the way for others seeking the kingdom of God.
Now looking at the posts above and below I can't see any of us walking in a way of those who want to come to Jesus or in fact lead people to Jesus.
The issues are what happens afterwards and how we walk with Jesus.
The Pharisees were not interested in the praise of God, only men. They used their status to downtrodden people to make themselves superior.
They had no concern for people full stop.
I am not sure that on the whole for the majority on people posting here, this is case.
Either way I still say one side is wrong BUT are the wrong side condemned to hell along with those they have taken with them?
Your thoughts on the above question.
Pesonally I think not. I still hold on the the Corinthians verses.
Just so you know all, that all of you know for me.
I am a OSAS, but not a greasy gracer.
I will sin and will never claim I will not.
When I do I come before God and talk to him about it, say I'm sorry, ask for help and thank him I'm forgiven.
The fact that I know I will sin is because I know myself but I know I don't want to, my spirit fights my flesh.
I would be interested to know what you all think if Jesus was sat between the two opposing camps here.
What would he say?