John Smithson wrote: > The Message of hope as found in Col 1:17-23 > is profound and exciting. > ... I am comfortable thinking that YOU can keep > your sin and still be considered righteous
Aren't you ignoring some of the content of the very passage that you referenced? Paul puts a condition upon our realization of this reconciliation: Colossians 1:21-23 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled ... to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith... Paul speaks about reconciliation, but he adds, "IF YE CONTINUE IN THE FAITH." Maybe we need to talk about what that means. This passage seems to indicate that faith leads to being UNBLAMEABLE and UNREPROVABLE. Other passages also would lead us to understand that faith does this by producing the fruit of righteousness, obedience, and good works rather than wickedness, disobedience and evil works. Do you see it differently? I suppose that I love this passage at least as passionately as you do, but I don't see any kind of "positional righteousness" of all of humanity being taught by it. Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
