Posted on 06/08/2005 7:39:02 PM PDT by wagglebee
For all practical purposes we can know where a person stands regarding their lifestyle.
But I don't think this verse gives us a license to make judgments on the ultimate salvation or condemnation of others based on the severity of their sin.
If you are a Biblical Literalist then I can see why you would not how see John 8:7 applies to this situation.
The lady says she has a personal relationship with God. Only she and God know the truth about that. I certainly do not know what is in her heart and am thus in no position to judge her.
I'm not talking about sinless perfection...neither is the Apostle John.
There is no place in the Bible that says the proof of your salvation is the past. The Bible says those that KEEP his commandments not those who kept his commandments...it says those who BELIEVE not those who believed. Read first 1 John again.
Strong's Number: 80
Original Word Word Origin
ajdelfovß
Transliterated Word
Adelphos 1:144,22
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
ad-el-fos' Noun Masculine
Definition
a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother
having the same national ancestor, belonging to the same people, or countryman
any fellow or man
a fellow believer, united to another by the bond of affection
an associate in employment or office
brethren in Christ
his brothers by blood
all men
apostles
Christians, as those who are exalted to the same heavenly place
1 Corinthians 5
9 I wrote to you in my letter not to
associate with sexually immoral persons
10 not at all meaning the immoral of this world, or the
greedy and robbers, or idolaters, since you would then need to go out of the world.
11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with
anyone who bears the name of brother or sister who is
sexually immoral or greedy, or is an
idolater,
reviler, drunkard, or robber. Do not even eat
with such a one.
12 For what have I to do with judging those outside?
Is it not those who are inside that you are
to judge?
13 God will judge those outside. "Drive out the wicked
person from among you."
Strong's Number: 80
Original Word Word Origin
ajdelfovß
Transliterated Word
Adelphos 1:144,22
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
ad-el-fos' Noun Masculine
Definition
a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother
having the same national ancestor, belonging to the same people, or countryman
any fellow or man
a fellow believer, united to another by the bond of affection
an associate in employment or office
brethren in Christ
his brothers by blood
all men
apostles
Christians, as those who are exalted to the same heavenly place
"I don't think people should ride her because of her occupation..."
Huh? :>]
We don't have to judge what's in her heart.
But we can certainly judge what her actions and statements tell us...and these things show the OPPOSITE of what a personal relationship with God produces in a person's life.
Just the idea that she can revel in what God calls sin and still state that she believes she has some deep personal relationship with Him shows her self-deceit is perhaps the biggest tragedy of all.
If we are unable to make judgements about things this obvious and clear cut then perhaps we need to question our own relationship with God.
That too.
Your comments on post #284?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1419244/posts?page=284#284
I'm not talking about sinless perfection.
Where did this "word" come from? How about a reputable cite? Could you be trying to spread disinfo, perhaps?
This controversy merits a deep investigation.
A probe is called for.
Did Laura really joke about that?
Then let me be the first to volunteer to strip search her.
Get in line.
No cuts.
1 John talks about those the "KEEP his commandments"
Keep is defined as:
to maintain a course, direction, or progress.
It's like being in a boat...sailing to your destination. John says that we are all sinners...we will sometimes stray, but Christians will KEEP or steer towards God because they will be convicted by the Holy one to do so. Eventually that sin will go away...and then you can work on the next one.
Hey, I posted the thread, that means I go first dammit!
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