Quote:
Originally Posted by acerrak
However the Holiness the bible speaks of is the Inward Holiness produced by God. however with his book he has basically interpreting for God how these standards should be, just as the elders did for israel. there is no difference.
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Ah, you need to read the bible more. You are coming from the point of view that the Old Testament no longer matters. When you come from the point of view of "Outward Holiness is brought by a change in Inward Holiness" then you will come unto his understanding.
Legalism is a the thought that Outward Holiness will save you. We as Christians need Outward Holiness to show the inward change. For if you receive Christ, but change not, ye are none of his.
The problem is, with our society, churches have become so Secular, that there is to clear distinction between the "Church" and the "World", yet our society had become more "Moralized" by using the teachings of "Christian-ism".
I know some of you hate this, but if you take a look at the world in the late 1000's to early 1900's, 99.99% of your women were modest in dress and action. Why? Because of the hard line rule of "legalism" dominated by the Catholic Church and Reformed Churches. If you look at society now (from the mid 1900's to present) you will see a big swing toward Secularism, Paganism, and Humanism. You have Christians that think tattoos are a way to display there "Love for Christ". They have taken a pagan ritual and brought it into the Church. That is heresy to the highest. You have the same Christians that were a cross, that do the same thing.
We, as Christians, should not desire to be like that, but "Come out and be ye separate". Do I agree with the hard line, "Your sleeve needs to be X long", type of belief? No. Emphatically no. The change must start by the renewing of the soul first, and that will in change, display in an outward Holiness.
Do I believe in standards for those in charge. Yes, even Paul gave instructions to those that desire to rule. Is it a salvation issue? No.
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