Well, annalex, you don’t listen and respond to what’s said in a way that indicates you actually understand the point at issue. Instead you hear something, categorize it according to the template you have before you, and choose whichever talking point most closely approximates an item on the menu of your template. It is like talking not to a man but to a machine.
“... act like a saint,— then you become like a saint and therefore you will be saved.”
So, this is your response to my question of how a “good tree” comes to be? It is not something God does, but the individual does? Will you appoint yourself your own Creator as well, able to make yourself into a “good tree”? You are a theologian of the caliber of Nicodemus who that night asked Jesus, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” You try to answer heavenly things with earthly wisdom.
annalex also asserted:
“You are saved by your works of charity.”
So, you have not only appointed yourself Creator, but now Savior as well, even though only One is called to that office? That is why the Holy Scriptures call Him the Savior of the world, and expressly deny that any can be his/her own savior.
Where do you get your doctrine from? It isn’t from the Holy Scriptures. Ahhh, I see. You have also appointed yourself your own Enlightener and Sanctifier. You are a veritable trinity in and of yourself.
This is where the white rabbit has led you, away from the written Word of God and down the rabbit hole ... and you still follow.
Belteshazzar: So, this is your response to my question of how a “good tree” comes to be?
Yes, -- why is it not a response? You may disagree with it -- on that in a moment , but why do you accuse me that I "don’t listen and respond to what’s said in a way that indicates you actually understand the point at issue"? You asked how one is counted among good trees or among sheep, and I answered: by becoming a saint.
It is not something God does, but the individual does?
Individual and God cooperate in that. God answers the prayer and gives man strength to withstand trials and be a saint.
Whatsoever we shall ask, we shall receive of him: because we keep his commandments, and do those things which are pleasing in his sight (1 John 3:22, several similar )
Annalex: “You are saved by your works of charity.”
Belteshazzar: Where do you get your doctrine from?
Romans 2:6-10, Matthew 25:31-46, James 2:17-26, Apocalypse 22:12.
This is where the white rabbit has led you, away from the written Word of God
Sorry, I am not one discussing rabbits. If you have a scriptural comment, make one, like an adult, please.