Homosexuality Or Legalism--Which Is Worse?

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by philjones

Pelathais,

You seem to like setting your own rules for how this discussion must occur. I find that your spectrum and graph are the ones that fit your position the best while Prax' represents a more honest view of the situation. Your view is the one that fits your argument the best.

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.

Originally Posted by philjones

You are obviously intelligent and well educated; educated by what I view as apostate Christianity as well as traditional Apostolic tradition. You seem to have chosen to embrace the apostate's positions in an effort attack the traditions which birthed you. I hope that I am wrong.

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.

Originally Posted by philjones

I think in this post you have revealed the reason for the per se. You DO actually feel that anyone who holds to a particular traditional Pentecostal standard is and MUST be a legalist! You may say otherwise but your words oppose you.

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.