[grey_whiskers]

But here's the problem I see with this position: Once a man has been "forgiven" (i.e., is thus promoted to the "elect" of the saved), on the basis of justification merely by virtue of the sacrifice of the Cross), does this relieve him of his responsibility for leading a life in this world that follows Christ? Or even a life that is even remotely human?

The problem is the conflict between Romans 9:22 ("vessels of wrath"), and Phillipians 2:12-16 ("work out your own salvation with fear and trembling").

They appear to be irreconcilable, don't they?

And then of course you always have Matthew 13:24-31 (wheat and the tares which *look* indistinguishable until the end) , Hebrews 10:29 ("trampled the Son of God underfoot"), and 1 John 2:19 ("would have remained with us")...

These seem to argue against the "once saved always saved", as does 1 Cor. 4:4 ("I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted.")

Curiouser and curiouser -- almost as though He doesn't want us to judge, not even ourselves, so we will not be tempted to pride and/or self-righteousness indirectly.

Cheers!

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Ping to 341.

There is no conflict with scripture. There is only not understanding scripture.

We "work out our salvation with fear and trembling" because we are aware of the power of God and our own inability to save ourselves. Justification is by Christ alone. Sanctification is the Holy Spirit guiding our daily Christian walk.

[betty boop]

Curiouser and curiouser -- almost as though He doesn't want us to judge, not even ourselves, so we will not be tempted to pride and/or self-righteousness indirectly.

And thus we are drawn back into the Biblical description of the "poor in spirit." Which I take to mean: the humility of the human spirit before the throne of God.

What a beautiful essay/post, dear grey_whiskers! Thank you ever so much, dear brother in Christ!