John wrote: > Let me ask you this: if I continue in an > addiction, or if I continue as a selfish person > - not seeing my own failings, am I saved or not?
Probably not, but the Lord ultimately is the judge. Justification comes before the change, so it is possible for a repentent person to mourn his sin and be justified before he has actually been found to have been delivered from his addiction and selfishness. Furthermore, because of bad teaching, a person might truly believe in Christ, but walk contrary to the Spirit of Christ because others teach him that he will always sin and that he is no different from others who are not in Christ except for the fact that he is forgiven. Such a person could possibly be justified before God in that he keeps coming back in repentance, but eventually that person will start to trust the Spirit of Christ more than the traditions of men and realize that he does not have to continue in his selfish ways. In other words, obedience and holiness is not an option. Once a person believes in Christ, he will become like Christ in the way he walks. There is no choice in the matter. It is to his benefit and the benefit of others for him to begin walking in love right away. John wrote: > Then why pull her out of the discusion? > You make no sense on this, David. I did not pull her out of the discussion, John. I asked Lance to answer his own question for us. His question was so broad that it intimidated even me. If it intimidated me, it certainly posed a problem for her. I was just making the way a little smoother for her so she would not have to feel bad for not answering his question. At the same time, she could answer it if she wanted to answer it. There is more I could say that might help you understand, but I think I should leave it at this for now. By the way, I noticed that Lance never did answer the question. Did you notice that? 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.
