Re: A new twist on "Phariseeism?"
 

:thumbsup

Re: A new twist on "Phariseeism?"
 

Rob said today:

If "the righteous scarcely be saved...", why are so many people consumed with being scarcely righteous? - Rob McKee

His point, likely, has to do with people not living disciplined enough, or maybe not following hard enough after Jesus.

The way he makes his point is confusing. When 1 Peter (and Romans 5:6) record that the "righteous are scarcely" saved, this doesn't mean that those who are righteous are barely going to make it.

Reminds me of the sweet sister in the How Sweet the Sound Video, representing Merced's choir recently. After a beautiful song about heaven she said: "If I pray enough, fast enough, live holy enough.... I'm going to see that place one of these days." (paraphrased) Her response left no glory for the Gospel. It confused sanctification with salvation.

To understand what this verse really means we must rightly divide the word of God. We must allow the word of God to interpret itself. In context, Peter's letter is preparing the people for suffering, not dangling a salvation carrot in front of them.

14 So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian,[e] for then the glorious Spirit of God[f] rests upon you.[g] 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? 18 And also,

“If the righteous are barely saved,
what will happen to godless sinners?”[h]

19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.

Just reading the context almost clears this up enough. Following Jesus may include suffering -- and times of chastisement. But if this is what the righteous endure, imagine what it's going to be like for those who refuse God's Message?

We are "barely" saved at the desperate attempt of a God who "barely" saved us. But make no mistake, our salvation and footing our sure in the Good News of the Cross. Any other idea is not the Gospel, but fragile spirituality. And that's exactly what happens when preachers exhort others to lives of discipleship and sanctification, showing good works, all the while referring to their eternal destiny.

Re: A new twist on "Phariseeism?"
 

There seems to be doubt he said it.


HE DID.

Re: A new twist on "Phariseeism?"
 

smith
Smith. What he said and what you say he said do not match.

Seems like Smitty can't quote people accurately.

Re: A new twist on "Phariseeism?"
 

Jim Cymbala baptizes in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. He does not regulate outward appearance. He believes in salvation at belief. If you're unable to do the math, that's your problem, not mine.

Go annoy someone else.

Re: A new twist on "Phariseeism?"
 

Are you going to admit you have been misquoting people?

I don't think any pastor "regulates" outward appearance. Now the Muslims do enforce

Re: A new twist on "Phariseeism?"
 

Adios. My Coadie Annoyance Meter just maxed out.

Re: A new twist on "Phariseeism?"
 

Anyone else care to chime in regarding 1 Peter's "righteous are scarcely saved" mentioned above?