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Thanks, Dave. Your explanation was clear and concise, as usual. The truth of the last statement from your reply (in italics, above) varies to one degree or another among protestants. For instance, I don't believe that God sees everything I do as the righteousness of Christ (I've not seen the scriptural support for that view).

Let me re-phrase that. Not everything one does is seen as righteousness. But only righteousness is attributed to you, because of Christ.

No, God sees me sin; that is why He has to correct and discipline me...that it might result in holiness (see Heb. 12); however, even though my behavior is lacking somewhat : ), I can say with assurance, based on Romans 5&8 (as well as the chapters between), that because of the death of Christ, I have been acquitted (justified) and given a life sentence---of LIFE, that is!!---there is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are IN Christ Jesus!!! (and I am "in" Christ Jesus because the Holy Spirit baptized me into Christ ((Rom. 6: 3-6)).

I know you don't mean this to the exclusion of other aspects, but it is the peculiar Protestant fascination with being "acquitted" that drives the entire worldview. By the time I get to Heaven I will be actually innocent, not just acquitted. In the western Church it is seen as an inward transformation, by the power of Christ, that makes me actually pure and free from sin. Not to be "covered" by the righteousness of Christ, but to be changed. Our eastern friends talk of a healing. Sin is a sickness in our souls and Christ is the antibiotic which heals us. Actually heals us.

Sin is a sickness in our souls and Christ is the antibiotic which heals us. Actually heals us.

I agree, Dave, but we don't simply need improvement; we need an entire "overhaul." The cure for the sickness is not an antibiotic administered BY Christ; the cure is the health of Christ Himself. Read Romans 5---the whole chapter. But out of that I'll quote verse 17:

"For if by the transgression of the one (Adam), death reigned through the one (Adam), MUCH MORE those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness, there resulted justification of life to all men.

I'm off to work, but will check in tonight--- Adieu !