I would be interested in a response to the last question of this post. Fine tune the remark or correct it, if you will. Jd
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sat, 27 Aug 2005 23:41:49 -0400
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Torrance and the Message
The book is better than the CD, I think. Mediation of Christ
In his opening words, Torrance speaks of unconditional grace, hoping to put the response of man (repentance) into perspective. Unless I misunderstand this author, and more importantly, the biblical message, itself, even our response is suspect. Can we do anything "perfectly" seems to be an oft discussed issue here on TT. More to the point, can a man who is viewed by many as unregenerated do anything perfectly? The preacher demands of this sinner that he believe, that he confess, that he repent, and that he receive Christ into his life................and does this preacher expect anything less than perfect obedience on these issues?
Surely we all would agree that perfect obedience is not possible for the unregenerated. Does this not demand the intercessory mediation of Christ: His obedience, His faith, His righteousness?
If grace is unconditional, it is so for a reason!! Because the condition of man demands no less. Unconditiaonl grace (read: unmerited grace) is a statement about not only the love and provision of God but the ultimate inability of man to do anything to such measure as to merit or effect his own salvation. Unmerited grace is there for a reason -- because it has to be.
Could it be that the faith and obedience of Christ the Petitioner makes the faith and obedience of man the Respondent meaningful activity for his salvation --------------- understanding that "salvation" in this case is a life lived for others (Isa 58:9-11) ?
