Quote:
Originally Posted by kclee4jc
Sadly, many are moving in this direction right now. The scripture tells us that in the last days many shall depart from the faith. We're seeing it happen.
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Sadly? Its sad when people begin to emphasize a relationship with God rather than trying to meet requirements? It was the Pharisees that demanded requirements to be met , rules to be followed. It was Jesus that encouraged His disciples to enter and maintain a relationship with God. Without having a relationship with God, the keeping of requirements is null and void.
Nicodemus was a teacher, a ruler among the Jews. Yet, he had no clue as to what it meant to be born again. He kept all the right rules, submitted to the right standards, yet he could not grasp the concept of having a personal relationship with the Lord. Now, THAT is sad. And whats even more sad is the fact that in all churches, including many Oneness churches, there is gross negligence on the part of the ministry to teach what is and what is not a true relationship with God. And the keeping of rules and standards is not necessarily the same as having a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
But I wil agree...there are requirements. There are standards. The Bible tells us what is required of us. But, we can cast out devils, and not truly know Him. We can give all we have to the poor, and still have nothing. We can keep every law, and still fall short. Thats where grace is found... in the relationship we have with God. Unless we abide in Him- have a relationship with Him- the best rule keeping we can do will end in a puff of smoke.