Zenas said:
Nice try, all who have answered. You have put a spin on this verse that would put a politcian to shame but none of you said much about the fear and trembling part. I believe with all my heart that good works is something we must do if we expect to pass through the portals of heaven. We can't do anything to earn our salvation, it is free for the asking, but we must do good works to maintain it. Every time I read Matthew 25 I experience some of that fear and trembling. Also, Paul shows some concern for the precarious nature of his own salvation. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27. I would like to debate this but I'm really busy this week, so I will tune in occasionally and read your posts as you heave volleys my way and further obscure the plain language of scripture.
Not looking for a debate, but I will give my "spin" for you to take a shot at if you want. Oh, and the rest of the gang too. By the way, who is Cranmer and what is homily. Isn't it grits or something? :smilewinkgrin:
"Work our your salvation with fear and trembling."
Paul just got done explaining it was the example Christ set for us: he
" made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross".
Jesus dreaded it(take this cup...). Paul was presently experiencing it in jail. He was just telling us what to expect when we give our lives to a God "which worketh in you both to will and to do of
his good pleasure."
Later Paul contrasts Timothy, who was a faithful minister with him, with those who
"seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's."
He also praises "Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in
labour, and
fellowsoldier" "for the work of Christ he was
nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me."
These were people "enjoying" their salvation in a much different environment than you and me. We tend to have so little to fear and tremble over that we make up problems. I am thankful for this country, but it is hard to keep our focus on the truth that this life is not about THIS life.
May we all be like Paul who said he had LEARNED "how to be abased, and how to abound: every where and in
all things." He was "instructed both to be full and
to be hungry, both to abound and
to suffer need."
By the way Zena, I agree that those without works as a part of "their" salvation are the ones who need to be afraid of their eternal destiny. However, it isn't what Paul is getting at here.
God bless. :godisgood:
