This thread was not about salvation, it was about ability. I agree with you that Zacharias was a sinner, I said that in the OP. So, how folks are interpreting me to saying Zacharias earned salvation beats me, I never said such a thing.
All I am saying is that Zacharias proves that a man is ABLE to obey God, or at least he was able to keep all the commandments and ordinances of God. It cannot be denied, the scriptures say so.
I agree with Freeatlast, we are able to obey God, but none of us do. I have lied many times in my life, but I was never FORCED to lie. I could have told the truth. I have done many other wrong things in life I am ashamed to talk about here, but I was never forced to do any of them. I could have always done the right thing, but chose to do wrong. That is all I am saying in this thread.
I don't understand how a man can truly repent if he thinks he HAS to sin. Like Freeatlast said, that is a failure to take responsibility for our own actions. We are not really confessing we have sinned at all, we are blaming God because he made us a sinner.
P4T says I am saying MAN MAN MAN. He could not be more wrong. I am saying GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY. I am not a sinner because God made me a sinner and I could not help sin, I am a sinner and GUILTY because I chose to sin. I do not blame God for my sin, I take full responsibility for my own actions.
I am defending God against those who blame him for being sinners.
I guess one my points is that even when unregenerate man does obey God his motives are impure.
Second, concerning Zacharias, though he was "blameless" it was later found out that he had a spiritual problem and was chastised (we've all been there).
Third keeping all the commandments include the maintenance commandments of sacrifices.
i.e. Possibly Zacharias brought a sin offering after his tongue was loosed and re-established his "blameless" status.
Thanks
HankD