triune considerations. And I see, almost daily, the value of the teaching. In II Cor 5:21, we are told that Christ became sin (assumed all sin) so that in Him, we might become righteous. Righteousness in II Cor is a gift of grace.
I have been doing a little thinking about various aspects of my counseling ministry in view of the
"That we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" is how the verse goes JD. It's a process that does not happen by way of the incarnation JD. In fact this will never happen without our cooperation in the process of sanctification..Our part is a process -- but God's part is not. You can't get "process" out of Gog exhangeing faith for rigghteous. How long does it take to make change?
Such a statement parallels with Romans 4 and the claim that His faith (or "faith" ----- let's not argue on this) is exchanged for our righteousness. The point being that we are made righteous by Another.
So whose faith did Abraham have that was counted to Him for righteousness? Read Romans 4:5 and note the phrase "faith of Him."
In Col 1:17ff, we find the fact of reconciliation presented and the purpose of this reconciliation put forth. We have been reconciled so that we might be holy, blameless and above reproach in His sight. How can young people benefit from this teaching -- the full presentation; the fact and the purpose? Think about it: if we do not approach the effort to holiness with the view in mind of securing our salvation; if we understand that our salvation is secured by other influences ---- then the purpose of holiness is for our own health, for our own good. If we are not saved via holiness, what, then is the benefit? Sanctification and spiritual maturity. Our youth need to see the blessing of holy pursuits and the scandal of selfish impatience.
It's much more than a 'scandal' JD. Scandal defined: conduct that causes or encourages a lapse of faith or of religious obedience in another . It's a matter of life and/or death although the way you put it - it is just all layed on us so who would ever guess "It's a narrow way that only a few are going to find" It is a matter of life's promises and holiness verses self destruction.
When Christian young people deliberately choose to indulge themselves with no concern for others (and that is exactly what they are doing), they make themselves no different in function from those who hate God and give Him no acclaim. THAT is the scandal, as I see it. It is the scandal in my life, for sure. I was quite the sexual activist in my younger days - me a Christian and forever (it seemed) a leader within our youth group and at Christian college.
No fear of God is the result of believing the lie that there is no consequence for sin. Absolutely.
One day, I asked myself this question: "how in the hell am I different from the atheists? I mean, I am doing these things ON PURPOSE, deliberately IGNORING my own conscience, just because I don't want to wait. I am insulting the very authority of God, my loving and patient spiritual Father - will He run out of patience with me? Will he conclude that I am none of His BECAUSE THAT IS THE WAY I AM LIVING MY LIFE? "
You wouldn't be in line to inherite the Kingdom - that's for sure. Fornicators don't make it and under the Old Covenant presumptuous sinners were cut off. The eyes of works salvationist see only the law when we are not under law. What you say COULD be true -- but there are other very important and biblical concerns.
Even a loving and patient father wonders these things when he sees his own destroying their lives and, after all is said and done, CANNOT STOP THEM. And so Christ stands over the city and weeps. He CANNOT COMMAND FAITH. Grace is free but not cheap and we all have to make that concept a truth in our lives.
So what's the concept JD and what do you tell the ppl you counsel to aid them in becomeing free from their misery and addictions? judyt
Have I answered this post before????
