The Acid Test of Being a Christian

Monergism ^ | Tim Keller

[Tennessee Nana]

The article speaks of the splendor of grace. If we were saved by our works, our salvation would then be payment for services rendered. But Paul explains we are saved by grace, not works, and that grace is not in and of ourselves. It is a gift from God.
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That’s great...

Thanks...

[Tennessee Nana]

That’s true and we do have to do good works after we come to faith. But, as I said before, if we use those good works to get us into heaven, we’re on the wrong track.
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yes...

[Califreak]

I couldn't help but think of this when you said happy cows! LOL! Thanks!

[Tennessee Nana]

Those there are the Happy Cows I was thinking of

LOL

[adopt4Christ]

I need grace AND mercy.

[wmfights]

...watching men struggle to prove salvation is by their own good works. It's the best illustration in the world that if you think you contribute to God's grace, you probably don't have it.

Powerful

FWIW, if Grace is a gift how do you pay for it and aren't you insulting the giver when you try to pay for something given as a gift?

[wideminded]

“I’ve always subconsciously looked out for the total Christian and when I found him he turned out to be a non-practicing Jew.” - William F. Buckley, Jr.

[Gamecock]

WOW!

That sounds like a typical Democrat statement.

[Gamecock]

Have you followed 100% of His will?

[Gamecock]

Have you fulfilled 100% of what God demands? Every time?

I’ll claim Christ’s perfect work as mine, do the best I can, and then realize that I am unworthy except for Christ.

[lupie]

“Long my imprison’d spirit lay
fast bound in sin and nature’s night
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light.
My chains fell off, my heart was free.
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee!
Amazing love, how can it be,
that Thou my God shouldst die for me!”

Thank you for posting that. My favorite verse of one of my favorite hymns. Now I will be singing it all day. \o/

[count-your-change]

I’ll be happy to answer your question if you can answer why the people that did all those powerful works and acknowledged Jesus as Lord were called workers of lawlessness by Him
Seems like a reasonable offer since you already know the answer to your question.

[Gamecock]

They used His name in public, but in their hearts they didn’t know Him.

[JZelle]

“I still question whether or not it’s an acid test for me though, based on my low self esteem and frequent anger and bitterness.”

I know where you’re coming from. Hang in there, you’re loved!

[Califreak]

Thanks to all you believers who’ve given me words of encouragement and thanks to gamecock, who originally posted this thread!

[count-your-change]

Nope. Give you two more tries then I’ll show you.

[P8riot]

From, of all sources, Charles Wesley:

Nothing have I, Lord, to pay,
Nor can thy grace procure,
Empty send me not away,
For I, thou know'st, am poor:
Dust and ashes is my name,
My all is sin and misery;
Friend of sinners, spotless Lamb,
Thy blood was shed for me.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

How on earth have Christians become so judgemental against other Christians who do acts of charity? I wish someone would explain this clearly to me.

In what way did Jesus teach us to do charity? See Matthew 6:1-4. Many people completely overlook that.

I don't like how the author packaged this either. Just for different reasons. I think preachers are often too driven to divide and contrast to make their point more impressive, and sometimes it begins to say something different that I read in Scripture. I don't think a sense of wonder is the acid test of true Christianity. Neither do I think a person who delights in obeying God and understands the justice of God, that we reap what we sow, is automatically a legalist attempting to earn points with God. Nor do I see a person caught up in the human weakness of failing to see God's plan in their circumstances as an automatic red flag of a grace rejecting non-believer. To me his analysis lacks grace for the struggling and growing Christian. To make his point he oversimplifies and walks some danger lines that could be misunderstood and misapplied.