I know a man I worked with was going with someone else's wife and was a player to women in Christian coffee house events. He would quote scripture about how he was already forgiven while openly admitting this all because of how screwy this view can go. He knew scripture too. And we all know about priests who hear confessions, assign acts of penance and grant absolution, conduct Mass and then rape the altar boys. So I would be careful judging a faith by those who proclaim they follow it. That person you describe who says he's a Christian but then openly lives like he has no light in his soul is just the kind of person Jesus said to be wary of. We can "know" someone by their "fruit". But the truth of salvation by grace through faith is not "cheap grace". Those who truly grasp the enormity of the price Christ paid for our redemption can NEVER call it cheap grace. A person who says he is a Christian but does not demonstrate a changed life is not showing forth the fruit of repentance. A repentant heart is one that is grieved by sin and who seeks to live a holy life that brings honor and glory to God who saved him by his mercy and grace.
I think that parable Jesus gave of the servant who was forgiven of a crime by his master but who then turned around and mistreated another person who had owed him is a good example of this. One who has been forgiven by Christ but who then cannot live as one forgiven is demonstrating a person who has not understood grace at all. So, as you said, it IS living the life of faith and not just saying it. A person who is genuinely saved WILL live a changed life and it will be marked by a heart that no longer seeks after sin but who becomes more and more attuned to the things that please God.
We are saved by grace through faith UNTO good works which God has prepared for us. But those good works are not what saves us. Grace is grace after all.
Dear Sister-I was not talking for you to get sick about abusive priests. The person I was talking about was his justify a sin not about sexual abuse. Two very different things. I am talking about consensual sex not rape.
You get you emotions in check! You are are way overboard!
Think what I put down in writing also I have friends who live the life who believe like you. They believe then act on it. Not just say it. They are real Christians. I know them. Nobodies saying you do that. So do not get stupid!
Stop acting like a child! Amazing! I never thought you would over react until I saw this writing. Calm down.
NOTICE AGAIN!
"He would quote scripture about how he was already forgiven while openly admitting this all because of how screwy this view can go. He knew scripture too.
"how screwy this view can go"
Does not mean you are screwy! The view can go screwy in certain people. Hello!! You are comparing sexual abuse/rape to consensual sex. Go get some coffee and wake up!
By the way there is pack mentality going on on both sides. It does not mean if someone gets personal with you I agree with them. Look at the individual not a group. Stick to the theology.
Check my comments outside of others/people you will see how constant it is in a balanced manner. There is always Divine Mercy of Christ no matter what above all else.
May God Bless you and keep you!!! Relax.
Freeper Regards!
