Quote:
Originally Posted by pelathais
I'm afraid you've left the realm of New Testament theology there and have begun to grasp for straws.
Legalism has always been defined as "trying to earn salvation..." The opposite of trying to earn salvation is to receive salvation as a gift.
I can't even begin to guess how you could have gotten to that point from what I have written. Again, my point is that "legalism" is defined as "earning salvation." I feel that it is wrong to teach people that they must earn something God has freely given.
I have further stated, that preaching "holiness" as has been done within the holiness Tradition - in America this encompasses the teachings of John Wesley, Finney and the modern Holiness movement - teaching this message does not constitute legalism. Holiness preaching exhorts the believer - who is already saved - to go onward.
I disagree strongly, and respectfully. What I have said I have said and preached for years. I would challenge you to take what I have said and ask someone like David Bernard or any one else within the Apostolic movement to evaluate it. I could take the essence of what I said and preach it at a General Conference and get a rousing response.
I am afraid, that for whatever reason, you have chosen to try and view my thoughts in some distorted fashion. I'm afraid that from what you have said, you may be removing yourself from the Apostolic teachings; and perhaps you do so out of some personal feelings toward me. Please, don't allow my insistance that salvation is free prevent you from recognizing that truth for yourself. If need be, eliminate me entirely from your mind and heart and embrace the free gift. I'm not the Giver and not that important to you.
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Pelathais,
Thank you for your series of posts and responses. I think I more clearly understand your position and you and I are VERY MUCH on the same page of the book! I think you carefulness in your writing and my redneck roughness combined to create a breakdown in communication and a subsequent misunderstanding of your statements.
If you notice my tag line on my avatar, I am very aware of the power of the free gift of grace!
Now lets move on and get these other legalists straightened out and these liberals lined up and we can have revival!
I appreciate your spirit and attitude in your posts. You have shown Christ in most every circumstance (except when you and I clashed in the beginning
).
Lord Bless You!
Hybrid Mode
