***The Reformed claim an indwelling knowledge that others do not have.
The others would be non-Christians, not you guys. If one is a Christian then he has the same access to the Holy Spirit as any Reformer. There is no exclusivity. Of course with different Christian faiths, the mileage may tend to vary, but we don’t have anything that isn’t available to all other Christians.***
The Reformers are the only self described Christians posting here that claim that their actions and beliefs are guided, influenced and directed by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
That is Gnosticism.
The Reformers are the only self described Christians posting here that claim that their actions and beliefs are guided, influenced and directed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. That is Gnosticism.
We claim what the Bible teaches:
Gal 5:16-25 : 16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Now, how do you suppose that we "live by the Spirit" or "keep in step with the Spirit" if the Spirit does not lead us in a substantial way? It's impossible. However, if one is taught to reject this teaching, then one alternative would be to "live by the Church" and "keep in step with the Church". Since I don't see anything about the hierarchy of the Church in this passage I will just have to assume it is another Bible passage that is wrong (or terribly misinterpreted). Hmmm. Again, man is elevated and God is diminished.