Comments on: Confronting Legalism or Exclusivism? Reconsidering Key Pauline Passages http://www.thepaulpage.com/confronting-legalism-or-exclusivism-reconsidering-key-pauline-passages/ Just another Marketing WordPress Legion site Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:32:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Chris L http://www.thepaulpage.com/confronting-legalism-or-exclusivism-reconsidering-key-pauline-passages/comment-page-1/#comment-69 Chris L Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:36:10 +0000 http://www.thepaulpage.com/?p=104#comment-69 Paul meant what he said as is evident by the number & force of words used to differentiate between the Law and Christ's mercy & grace as means of achieving individual salvation. To say there is a "new understanding" implies few if any Christians have properly understood the Bible during the past 2000 years, and frankly undoes what Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. If Paul's chief intent was to get the early church members to be more tolerant of each other, he was wrong to include many passages in the Bible on a wide range of topics. So was Jesus! The Gospel is both unifying & dividing - It seeks to unify the people of God unto salvation by faith alone in Christ's finished work alone, and it divides this essential truth from anything else. Paul's discussion of works IS exactly tied to man's attempts to attain or augment their salvation, and that's what Paul wrote & fought against! Paul wasn't trying to tear down relational walls of separation between those who trusted in faith alone in Christ alone (sola fide) and those who said works were required. Paul clearly said there necessarily MUST BE A WALL between these because it IS the difference between eternal life & death. The issue is individual salvation, not collective salvation or more harmonious interpersonal relationships. If the latter happens that is best, but not at the cost of cheapening or adulterating Christ's work on the cross. Jesus was VERY CLEAR about this & Paul's writings add emphasis & commentary via the Holy Spirit. Paul meant what he said as is evident by the number & force of words used to differentiate between the Law and Christ’s mercy & grace as means of achieving individual salvation. To say there is a “new understanding” implies few if any Christians have properly understood the Bible during the past 2000 years, and frankly undoes what Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. If Paul’s chief intent was to get the early church members to be more tolerant of each other, he was wrong to include many passages in the Bible on a wide range of topics. So was Jesus!

The Gospel is both unifying & dividing – It seeks to unify the people of God unto salvation by faith alone in Christ’s finished work alone, and it divides this essential truth from anything else. Paul’s discussion of works IS exactly tied to man’s attempts to attain or augment their salvation, and that’s what Paul wrote & fought against!

Paul wasn’t trying to tear down relational walls of separation between those who trusted in faith alone in Christ alone (sola fide) and those who said works were required. Paul clearly said there necessarily MUST BE A WALL between these because it IS the difference between eternal life & death. The issue is individual salvation, not collective salvation or more harmonious interpersonal relationships. If the latter happens that is best, but not at the cost of cheapening or adulterating Christ’s work on the cross. Jesus was VERY CLEAR about this & Paul’s writings add emphasis & commentary via the Holy Spirit.

]]> By: chris white http://www.thepaulpage.com/confronting-legalism-or-exclusivism-reconsidering-key-pauline-passages/comment-page-1/#comment-68 chris white Tue, 02 Nov 2010 07:25:36 +0000 http://www.thepaulpage.com/?p=104#comment-68 So what is your conclusion on the depravity of man? Is it still the traditional reformed teaching or have you modified it? So what is your conclusion on the depravity of man? Is it still the traditional reformed teaching or have you modified it?

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