Polycarp said:
Greetings Polycarp.
My contextual understanding of the account in Acts was that the message of the Christ was now to be sent to the whole world, (the Gentiles) not simply the world of the Jews. The reference to the Law in Peter’s vision was appropriate as the Law was a mechanism designed to lead to the Messiah. And, I agree with your comment.
Well…I would have to agree in part…I personally do not see the world in this context though. I don’t see anyone as “righteous” although that is a word that can be used in different contexts. For example God referred to Job as “righteous”, (“blameless” in some translations). (Job 1:8) Malachi spoke of the difference between the righteous and wicked saying, “And YOU people will again certainly see [the distinction] between a righteous one and a wicked one, between one serving God and one who has not served him.”” (Mal 3:18) Jesus spoke of the righteous. (Matt 13:43, 5:45 and others) God himself is said to have his eyes on the righteous one,and makes a distinction towards those doing bad, saying "For [the] eyes of God are upon the righteous ones, and his ears are toward their supplication; but [the] face of God is against those doing bad things.” (1 Pet 3:12) ** (others Pr 15:28, 29:2, Acts 24:15)**
Yet, Paul said at Romans 3:10 “just as it is written: “There is not a righteous [man], not even one; …” Proverbs says “Who can say: “I have cleansed my heart; I have become pure from my sin”” (Pr 20:9) Ecclesiastes says “For there is no man righteous in the earth that keeps doing good and does not sin.” (Ec 7:20)
The bible would indicate that we cannot, through our efforts, redeem ourselves and become “saved” (as one would perceive saved…). We cannot never become “good”. (Mark 10:18)
So, I would agree with you that God’s grace, love and mercy is what gives us any hope for redemption. It is certainly necessary as no matter how “righteous” one is to lead their life, they can never “earn” salvation. Nonetheless, the cites that indicate that we still have an obligation to try are legion. Our salvation is not an all or nothing proposition; that either we can do it ourselves or there’s no point in trying. So I would have to say “that our own efforts to avoid sin” do make a difference.
I agree. We must try to avoid sin. That requires not just action and effort on our part, but a willingness to rely on the holy spirit to give us the necessary strength.
I would have to disagree here. Once again, one has to have balance. The bible surely gives a lot more than ‘clues’ as to how to live a moral life. And, it’s usefullness as a guidebook for relationshios, marriage, raising kids, business affairs and others is as pertinent as it ever was. For those who consider it’s principles when making decisions, it can hardly be said that they are a group of legalistsic historicists.
While I agree with much of what you’ve said, I have to disagree with some as well. (Some of it strongly) And I would note that in the months I spent as a lurker I read many of your posts and I can see why you are held in high esteem here.
I have never condemned a homosexual, and I would stand in defense of someone who was attacking one. I would stand and defend one verbally and physically as well. Over the years I have had gay friends and workmates and have spent time in homosexaul environments. Still, it is the practice (behavior) that my reading of the bible indicates is unapproved. I do not believe that the homosexaul orientation is an overt act of sin. I do however believe that is incumbent upon the homosexual to refrain from homosexual behavior that God condemns. I know that opinion is anathema to most homosexuals, and hasn’t made me popular here. I do appreciate though that I have been treated, by and large, with respect and dignity. And I apologize for those I may have offended.
Those are curious words to me… I’m not sure what you mean by that. I hope you don’t feel that my views are influenced by what a lot of “good Christians” (I presume the religious or “conservative” religious establishment…) think. I don’t know any "good Christians, and if I did, I wouldn’t care much about their opinions as it related to the practice of my faith.
And despite not being good myself, I do try to live the model that Christ left us.