Confidence in the Flesh...

[friend of]

In view of sinless perfectionism, if someone rests in their good works and sanctification of the flesh, can it be said that they are putting their confidence in their flesh? When Christian's look to their obedience as their rock and sustainer of their salvation, more or equally so than to Christ's propitiation, I think it can be said that they are putting confidence in the flesh/works.

I believe this scripture says yes. Paul talks about not putting confidence in his flesh, then goes on to over qualify himself by all the thingshe accomplished, with a comparison to religious pharisees who also followed the letter of the law to a "T"

Philippians 3:3-7

3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

_

What does it mean to have confidence in the flesh? Am I wrong?

Be blessed

 

[Episkopos]

In view of sinless perfectionism, if someone rests in their good works and sanctification of the flesh, can it be said that they are putting their confidence in their flesh? When Christian's look to their obedience as their rock and sustainer of their salvation, more or equally so than to Christ's propitiation, I think it can be said that they are putting confidence in the flesh/works.

I believe this scripture says yes. Paul talks about not putting confidence in his flesh, then goes on to over qualify himself by all the thingshe accomplished, with a comparison to religious pharisees who also followed the letter of the law to a "T"

Philippians 3:3-7

3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

_

What does it mean to have confidence in the flesh? Am I wrong?

Be blessed

You could turn the argument around and say...anybody who thinks they are saved by their own belief is putting confidence in the flesh. Unless God intervenes directly you can't assume anything. Who is in charge really? Who is really in control?

Doing things FOR God like starting churches and such, falls into that same category. In short, any religious activity is by the flesh.

So then we wait on the Lord and on His Spirit to intervene and direct and build the church. Then we can be said to be waiting on the Lord.

But usually people like to make their own means and draw their own conclusions.

 

[CoreIssue]

You could turn the argument around and say...anybody who thinks they are saved by their own belief is putting confidence in the flesh. Unless God intervenes directly you can't assume anything. Who is in charge really? Who is really in control?

Doing things FOR God like starting churches and such, falls into that same category. In short, any religious activity is by the flesh.

So then we wait on the Lord and on His Spirit to intervene and direct and build the church. Then we can be said to be waiting on the Lord.

But usually people like to make their own means and draw their own conclusions.

So then you discount works of salvation regarding rewards?

 

[Episkopos]

So then you discount works of salvation regarding rewards?

You mean works by the Spirit? Do you realize that the flesh and the Spirit are contrary to one another? Read Romans 8.

 

[APAK]

In view of sinless perfectionism, if someone rests in their good works and sanctification of the flesh, can it be said that they are putting their confidence in their flesh? When Christian's look to their obedience as their rock and sustainer of their salvation, more or equally so than to Christ's propitiation, I think it can be said that they are putting confidence in the flesh/works.

I believe this scripture says yes. Paul talks about not putting confidence in his flesh, then goes on to over qualify himself by all the thingshe accomplished, with a comparison to religious pharisees who also followed the letter of the law to a "T"

Philippians 3:3-7

3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

_

What does it mean to have confidence in the flesh? Am I wrong?

Be blessed

We are the new circumcision in Christ and have confidence in the spirit today. This is Paul's story here. Paul is saying even though he used to be confident in doing the right thing under the old circumcision, under the Law of the flesh he does not now. As he said in verse 5 and 6, he was good and confident under the Law, of the flesh, by persecuting the church, and doing other things, he was called doing 'good' when he was under the law; not anymore. It counts for nothing anymore, under grace. confidence in the flesh does not bring any value or salvation to Paul, or me either.

Bless you,

APAK

 

[CoreIssue]

You mean works by the Spirit? Do you realize that the flesh and the Spirit are contrary to one another? Read Romans 8.

I mean exactly what the Bible says. But those who work for God receive rewards.

43 Bible Verses about Reward

I call you Gnostic because you keep claiming things that the Bible does not says.