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Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 9:44 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post

Quote:
Quote:
if we do more than the commandments require for a few years, what condemnation is there? I would rather err on doing more than is required than less so I am not condemned. If I look at the years I might have left on earth and stack them up against eternity, I can no longer find the years I might have left on earth.



Could you explain what you meant by this ChapChap?


The Just shall live by faith!
It is by Grace you are saved, it is the gift of God!

And yes, we are saved unto good works! Show me your faith without the works, then faith is dead! BUT, show me your faith by your works, and faith is alive and well!

Is this what you meant?


Hi Slim,

The short answer is no. I need more time that I have now to explain it. I'll try to explain in the near future.

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Wow, I stated I would "explain in the near future" because I was purposefully trying to be vague; but 3 months!? Sorry Slimland

I have been considering how to properly explain what I meant and hopefully this is succinct enough.

Matthew 5:48 (KJV)
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

If one does more than the commandments require, he is better than perfect. Earlier in Christ's sermon he declares:

Matthew 5:38-39 (KJV)
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: [39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Is this to be understood as written? Did not Christ the master set the example for his followers as he was taken to the cross, beaten, and crucified? Who was evil, the mob that did those things, or Christ?

Preachers assign "spiritual" meanings to passages such as these because they are easier to swallow. After all, who wants to subject themselves to being harmed without attempting to harm them back simply for doing what they are supposed to. Is a "spiritual" meaning what Christ intended?

Matthew 16:24-25 (KJV)
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. [25] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.


In the above passages, which interpretation would cause a person to deny himself more, a spiritual meaning that makes the commandments easier to swallow, or a literal meaning?

Since it is impossible to be better than perfect, I think it is wise to take the most stringent interpretation of a passage.


More at a later time. I have to get some sleep.

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