Has anyone on Truthtalk actually changed sides?
Good question. I personally have changed a great deal. Two things? As a result of some of the discussion on TT, I have amended my belief about the accomplishment of the cross.
Actually, I think it was something Lance said. May be wrong on that. At any rate, I now understand that the cross ACCOMPLISHED salvation for all -- that there is no "plan of salvation" that equally applies to all. "Requirements" for acceptance, a poor choice of words but allow me, are individual depending on where you are spiritually -- for some it is 'repent and you will be saved." For others, it is "confess and you will be saved." For the Jews on Pentecost day, it was "repent and be baptized and you will be saved." In Isa 58:9-11, we will find the Lord IF we stop the pointing of the finger (which is very different from the giving of the finger) and pour ourselves out for the hungry. In James, justification by acts of benevolence is in view. In Ro 2, for the man who has never heard, the instinctive doing of the law will save. In Romans 14, it is acting on your passion/faith -- even if it is misinformed (i.e. the vegetarian). For others, it is simple belief apart from any kind of work. For David (Ps 51) it was contrition and brokenness instead of the commanded sacrifice.
The second change was to accept that faith, love, the Spirit constitute the New Covenant -- that God's commandments are still there but are no longer used as the standard of judgment. That was a big deal.
Actually Jonathan, I see a lot of free thought and change within this list. I do believe that you will find that you are in good company --- just get used to ducking once in a while.
John Smithson
