Good sound theology...except for appending the so-called “Lord’s Prayer”. Notice where in the story line of the Bible this prayer occurs. The Sermon on the Mount is a thorough-going description of the Law (continuing through Matt. 7:27). Why is this important? Because during this amplification of the Law Jesus also said, “You are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Do we think this is the Gospel of grace? Not hardly.
The cross had not yet come. Jesus’ exposition of the Law astounded the listeners as impossible...and it is. It was intended to crush self-effort. No amount of self-developed righteousness will meet these requirements. And, just as the rich young ruler gave up when told the true weight of the Law, there is no hope for man...unless God chooses the man (your original point). Notice Matt. 19:26. What man cannot do, God will do for His elect.
When you mix the exposition of the requirements of Law with Paul’s remarks about God’s election you risk confusing the audience. That is, do you really believe that you want God to forgive you EXACTLY as you forgive others? Really? I want Him to forgive me beyond my lack of forgiveness. That is the Gospel Paul illuminated in Romans. And, you are correct...If God chooses you then nothing will separate you from God.
We have to take the Scriptures as they come to us, unfolding, developing, clarifying as they go. You will notice that most Roman Catholics hover on the Gospels, and have some disdain for Paul. This is because they can sense a change in the picture, an unwelcome change from “you must do” (Gospels) to a “you cannot do, God will do it for His elect” (Epistles). With your remarks, the water is muddied. But, let the story unfold. Your remarks are true, but quoting the so-called Lord’s Prayer to support them confuses the issue.
I agree with you.
Your point about Catholic disdain for Paul is interesting. I can count on one hand the number of times I ever listened to O’Reilly on the radio, but one of the few times I tuned in Bill was berating a caller for referencing something in one of the Pauline epistles. He pompously lectured her on the superiority of the gospels over and above the epistles. He was so off-base that it would have been funny if it hadn’t been so sad.
To all,
Praise the LORD. We are all at different levels of faith, but for those that say they love the LORD, want to be obedient, and still have something to say, please don’t forget the way we must go about it in order to keep order;
MATTHEW 18:15-17
15“If your brother sins against you,b go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’c
17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
GOD BLESS US ALL,
Jesus4life
I am always aghast at the ease with which protestantism utterly and completely rejects Christ, and the disdain with which protestantism views the Gospels.
Clearly, protestantism IS NOT Christianity. It is “paulianity” ... a bizarre and false religion indeed. It invents for itself a false “gospel” (a truly satanic deception) of complete irresponsibility from St. Paul’s letters, and prefers its own invention to the Gospel of Jesus Christ Himself.
Oh Daddy!
Oh Daddy! My Father will always forgive me.
Why I sinned an broke the picket fence but Daddy will always forgive myself.
So I sinned again I broke the window Daddy will always forgive me.
I sinned and busted the pipes. Water is everywhere but Daddy will always forgive.
I do not have to humble myself Daddy will do it for me.
I have tears in me eyes Daddy does it all!
Why I am not responsible for myself. Daddy does it all by himself.
Oh Daddy declared me a spoiled brat.
I played with Matches. The Couch burned then caused the drapes to burn. Now No house anymore.
I have not seen my Daddy in a few weeks.
Why the last time he had a gun. He shot three bullets into my car.
I am three states away from Daddy.
He does everything I do not understand.
Oh Daddy! Oh Daddy!
I guess I am eternally separated
He did say “ I never want to see you again.”
Yet he still was running toward me with the Gun to get close to me.
I did not want to look like swiss cheese
Oh Dadddyyyyyy!!!
But Daddy I have tears in me eyes you do it all.
Daddy caught up with me!
I am now on a shelf being sold as Swiss Cheeseeeeee!
Oh!!! Daddy!
You do it All!
Echo!
Tears in me eyes!
Oh Daddddyyyyyyyyy
Don’t ya luv me anymore you do it all!!!
The above Swiss cheese was last seen on a ham sandwhich which was totally eaten.
The Parable of the no salt Swiss Cheeseeeeeee.........