Houghton M. wrote:
“To simply say, ‘Hey God, thanks a bundle for dying on the Cross for me and forgiving my sins and ain’t we all happy and peachy and it warn’t no such Big Deal’ might ...”
Yes, it is so easy to run through, decapitate, and dance on the body of the straw man you chose to engage. It is so easy to ascribe to others the mindset you have been taught to assume that they have. It is so easy to assume that faith in the pure, unmerited mercy of God toward sinners will bring forth no fruits, that God does not know what He is talking about, that we must put Him to the test in order to satisfy our own demands.
Houghton M. also wrote:
“You’ll complain that what I outlined here is ‘works righteousness.’”
Well, I don’t know about him against whom you wrote, but I won’t complain. It is to be expected. But, yes, what you outlined is most certainly “works righteousness.” I don’t expect you to believe me. But maybe one day you will hear and understand (and I hope you do!) Jesus’ words: “Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others ...” (Luke 18:9)
Houghton M. also wrote:
“Well, go ahead. What you believe in is cheap grace.”
Cheap? Hardly. “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 26:47) Manifestly, you have no idea what you are saying.
Now, don’t make it personal.
“Manifestly, you have no idea what you are saying.”
Now, don’t make it personal.