Thank you for that clarification.
Perhaps I should give a similar registration. Paul seemed to listen to some folks politely and soundly reject (even angrily reject) others. Notice the difference between the treatment of the pagans at Mars Hill and the Judaizers. I cannot find a reference that specifically refers to his method of differentiating, but I do find that he coached Timothy using the following, “But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” IITim2:23ff. Notice, no reference to the Decalogue.
I certainly don’t pretend to hold the rank of Timothy, but as a fellow believing Gentile it seems the advice to him is now applicable to me. And, it is entirely likely that we are approaching this threshold.
You seem to view the Bible as a flat, encyclopedic document (as I described before), useful for a kind smorgasbord selection of useful sayings and advice (cf Ps 119 cite). I, OTOH, view it as an unfolding story delivered long before there was ever such a thing as a “Roman Catholic Church”. History seems to support my view, but Rome supports your view.
And, all 66 books of the true Bible are equally valuable…not all of them, however, are written directly to me. And, you seem to have a hint of this, too. There is a reason you do not go to Jerusalem, even though Jesus ordered this clearly in the text. You have some sense that He was not speaking directly to you. Sadly, this pick-and-choose mentality is what permits the Romanists to create a homemade religion. It is not, however, the Gospel of Jesus as delivered by Paul (read the entire letter to the Romans).
The Epistles explain what believing Gentiles should hold as true and how to behave accordingly. You are welcome to believe you are doing the things described in the so-called Gospels (again, these words are not in the text), just recall that I cautioned you against this view. And, of course, Jesus spoke in types and shadows and figures. But, when He demands that you be, “…perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”, no one with any kind of reasonable hermeneutic believes this is one of those “figures”. I am curious to know if you believe you meet His demand.
Because, if you do not satisfy this, and all other parts of the Law, be aware that you will be guilty of it all (if you believe you should accomplish it). Perhaps it pleases you to feel that the “old college try” is adequate, I cannot tell. Perhaps, you believe your sincerity is adequate. Again, the Muslims are deeply sincere.
I sign off, here, hoping that you can hear this. But, I know from the Scriptures that the choice is in the hands of Jesus.
I appreciate your generous remarks.
I view the Bible as the history of salvation. However, more than that (which seems impossible), the Bible does provide specific, and practical advice for daily living, moral and spiritual development, and is the basis for understanding Christ’s ministry on Earth.
Regarding what God has commanded and does command are two different things, though there can be overlap. God commands we shall worship no other than He. However, the dietary laws no longer apply. In attempting to decipher what applies and what doesn’t can be tricky. However, by understanding Jesus came to fulfill the law, helps quite a bit.
Finally, the Gospels are the definitive source for Jesus and His teachings. Regarding your quotation, it is true that none of us can be perfect like the Father, because of our human nature. In this statement we recognize we need help. Fortunately, because of the sacrifice of Jesus, and God’s infinite mercy, we are able to approach the throne, provided we reject sin and seek to be His son.
Religion is a very difficult topic because of its personal and spiritual nature, as well as a wholly unintelligible God (by humans). In a way, religion is unique, as each person is unique. God reaches to us both as an individual, as well as family of believers. Additionally, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not given equally, especially the gift of faith.
We are all God’s creation, from the most holy to the most evil. He loves each of us and seeks our love. He has given us the ability to choose to love or reject Him. Let us hope all people feel this call of love in their hearts, every moment of everyday.