Two things here. When had I done such, or demanded that you do so? Your reply puzzles me. It seems to be a non-sequitur. But are you truly saying that we cannot define what salvation is? Or know what would comprise a Christian? Jesus thought otherwise...
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
(Matthew 7:16-20 KJV)
No i wasnt accusing you of doing so, just stating my position, as to Matthew 7 vs16-20, have you ever come across someone who appears to be leading a righteous life , says and does all the right things, shows Faith, love and Compassion to all they meet, and yet inside ,is a totally different person, i wont name any names except to say, ive learnt not to judge anyone on the "fruits" i see, i leave that judgment to God. ........ and yes i know what i think comprises a Christian Life, but again i dont see myself in any position to judge others, for i dont know their inner feelings, alls i see is the outward face, and that can be very deceptive,
The second thing would be, who told you that it is God's prerogative alone? I am curious to read that scripture verse.
How about James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
And also
Isaiah 33:22 For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us.
finally
Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Then by definition they aren't Christian (or at least disciples of Jesus sanctified in this regard), for Jesus has said -
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
(Luke 6:37 KJV)
Oh dear, once again, please allow me to clarify (and thank for your grace in allowing me to do so) ... "their journey through becoming Sanctified". Yet only believers are on this journey. One must first be Justified before one can be made Sanctified.
While not disagreeing with what you said, I would ask that you actually do the work and post the supporting scripture for your views. Until then I cannot address this passage in your post.
the passage is
23And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there
just a few who are being saved?” And He said to them,
24“Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
25“Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’
26“Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’;
27and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME, ALL YOU EVILDOERS.’
My heart is then gladdened to hear that you've gotten a covid vaccine. But I would express dismay, (perhaps astonishment is a better word) that you "try" and "rarely succeed." That gives me pause for concern. When one follows RHEMA, one cannot fail, and one will always succeed.
Love never faileth:
(1 Corinthians 13:8 RV)
I know of a great Amish farm that's for sale.
But NO. The sins of society do not attach to me, and I provided sufficient scripture for you to understand this. Now if the Holy Spirit of God leads me (or you) as an individual to modify one's behaviour because of "climate change" etc. then yes, I would led by the Spirit to do or not do such a thing.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
(Romans 8:14 RV)
But your condemnation of me (guilt by association) is just plain evil. The stress within a person who thinks this way must be beyond measure. It's legalism pure and simple. It reminds me of the Hindus who walk around with a broom lest they step on an insect and kill it.
Could i ask you a question, if someone offered you something that you knew had been stolen, or perhaps the owner murdered, or forced into selling at a much reduced price, and you brought it, do you feel you are morally culpable, do you fell "guilt by association", similarly if you sold someone something that you knew they were going to commit theft or murder with, would you feel guilt then, and what if by your inaction you allowed someone else to commit an evil act, would you feel guilt then, or what if they committed that evil act and you profited from it, how would you feel then, i believe if you are truly led by the Spirit of God then you would feel guilt for all of these actions , and your love of neighbour would compel you to act.
I was actually about to point this out, and am gladdened that you see the further implications of your views. So, then, you need to stop posting and trash your computer. You call it sin, and yet you keep on sinning. Now that's the definition of hypocrisy. Truly, if you actually believe this, I expect to never see you post here again.
Yes that has crossed my mind, but i use my computer for work, ive had it 7 years and dont plan replacing it till it drops, and the work i do on it is running an internet based campaigning group with hundreds of members across the globe, in fact weve campaigned on this issue many times, and will continue to do so when it arises again, there are so many issues in this world of Injustice, cruelty and destruction, and we can address many of them from the comfort of our own homes, petitions, e-mails, sharing information, organising demos, joining campaigning organisations, giving of our time and money, but yes , as in so many aspects of my life i recognise the hypocrisy of my actions, but thats just one of the many sins i commit daily, Blessed are those that Hunger and thirst for righteousness, well i dont feel very blessed, but try to take up my cross every day, for i believe we're all called to a life life of denial and suffering for Justice and compassion on our Journey to Sanctification
Which is a more dangerous game? Believing the scriptures that condemn Guilt by Association? Or making up your own Law and presenting it as God's ??
But lovijng your neighbour as yourself and treating others as youd want to be treated is Gods Law, or do you think otherwise
Rhema
(Rad, I just feel a bondage surrounding you that I would pray you be freed from. I'm not condemning you when I say this, but I am concerned out of love.)
It takes a village to raise an idiot.
Sorry Rad, I don't live in your village... I am not of the world.
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
(John 17:16 RV)
