FAITH WITHOUT WORKS iis DEAD! Samsons' works were of the flesh, chasing after skirts, breaking his Nazarite vow. So how then could he be a hero? As Judy has pointed out by his FAITH, by his believing! He lived like a devil, but when it came down to it Samson believed God. That is what put him in Right relationship to God by His grace.
This is what ourr Mormon friends can not understand the Grace of God. The only work Samsom employed was he BELIEVED God Samson Believed his way to God not worked his way.
THE WORK OF GOD IS BELIEVING: John 6 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Meritorious works will leave you dead, REPENT and BELIEVE!
Hebrews: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Terry Clifton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Judy Taylor wrote:=====================================================On Sun, 20 Feb 2005 13:41:29 -0800 (PST) Kevin Deegan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:Samson certainly did no such thing -- preferring to die for no more noble a reason than revenge.Can anyone tell me why Samson is a hero of the faith?What did he do to qualify?I read that he broke the nazarite vow he touched a dead carcus.He chased after women.What was it about him that made him a hero?Samson was the last of the Judges, appointed by God to deliver Israel from the Philistines. God anointed him with supernatural strength and he did many amazing exploits - However during his time of ministry (20Yrs) the little foxes began to spoil the vine and Samson let go of the holiness God requires of "vessels meet for the Masters use" He began to compromise and indulge his flesh. At the end though when all appeared to be lost he rose up in faith and he prayed that the God he served would strengthen him just once more. He was willing to lay down his temporal life for this cause and in his death he slew more Philistines than he did in all his life. Samson's prayer was that he be "avenged" of the Philistines for his two eyes and God went along with it. Avenging is what God does. Revenge is not exactly the same, revenge is what our old unregenerate flesh nature likes to get into. Samson is accepted in the Beloved and he is listed in the hall of faith (see Heb 11:32) so I wouldn't be pointing the finger of judgment his way... judyt
Thanks for clarifying that, Judy. Like John, I did not see much to admire about Samson.
Terry
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