Lizbeth
Well-Known Member
We're saved by faith, yet at the same time, the Lord has given us commands and instructions, which the NT is chock full of. He is looking for fruit in keeping with repentance/salvation, and James 2 also speaks of works that work together with one's faith. Therefore, we're instructed, encouraged, exhorted and warned in scripture.Bodily growth is not the same as spiritual growth.
Spiritual Growth is first and foremost based on "working out your salvation".....vs, never doing that..
What is that?
Its to understand who you have become as a 'new creation in Christ", that isnt related to works, commandments, or trying to be like Christ.
CHRISTIanity, is all SPIRITual....so, the moment you try to DO THAT, you just stopped.
The minute you try to be good to try to be SPIRITual, you just proved you have no idea what to do.
The minute that "here is what i must DO", starts...then CHRISTianity, and SPIRITuality, leaves the building.
"behold are you saying we are not to do anything".
A.) = Next... ..."ushers....get this one out of here, as they are going to be impossible to teach, as they are too full of SELF to hear."""
Bring me a real student....
It's hard for the mind to grasp things at times...I kind of think of this as a coin with two sides, but not sure if that is really accurate. Getting saved is not quite the same thing as walking out one's salvation and showing the fruits of it after being saved. Some fruit and obedience may come automatically when we're born again, I think depending on the measure we're given individually - other things require time and a learning curve and God's discipline, as we are God's workmanship, and He is the Potter, we the clay. He really could make us all perfect in a moment if He chose to (like He will in the end), but it seems in God's wisdom that battling this out and suffering through it is just necessary for us. There are things in us that need to die, and things that need to be etched/carved upon our hearts so to speak. And not to mention He is glorifying Himself in the process, in the face of His enemies, so its not even all entirely about us.