NELSON I am NOT a preacher/minister, merely a student in the WORD. But this comment reminded me of John 1:1 In the beginning (Genesis) was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. How else can any of us have faith in God/His Holy Begotten Son without the WORD?
They were not talking about the written word...you guys are a bit dense, sorry...you are.
"ALL SCRIPTURE is inspired by God and is profitable for 1) Doctrine; 2) Reproof; 3) Correction and 4) Instructions in Righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16). We are also reminded that scripture is the oracles of God (Romans 3:2) and that it is ACTIVE and POWERFUL...and discerns the THOUGHTS and INTENTS of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
When someone, ANYONE, indicates its a false to argue soley from the scripture...and then attempts to say faith in the Bible is somehow different then faith in the Word of God...I would say the Word has POWERFULLY discerned the thoughts and intents of their heart.
Scripture tells us what to do with such a person:
"Mark them them which cause divisions and offences CONTRARY to the DOCTRINE you have learned...and avoid them..." Rom 16:17
"As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him" (Titus 3:10)
"Everyone who goes on ahead AND DOES NOT ABIDE IN THE TEACHING does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works." (2 John 1:10)
Saying Paul wasn't saved while he wrote the scripture (7 books) is denying the Word of God. The Word of God says he was saved BEFORE Romans 7 was penned. That is heresy. It is a false teaching...and a damnable lie.
Given these are only the facts known...who knows what remains UNKNOWN regarding this shipwrecked faith. I prefer not to find out.
I shake off the dust from under my feet as a testimony against such heresy...and the hypocrisy we ALL have seen openly displayed. The hypocrisy of not acting as Christ would act (which is the DEFINITION of sin). The hypocrisy of slander yet somehow saying they are without sin.
Their words are a testimony AGAINST them.