I'm A Good Man--most of the time!

[benherndon]

I am a good man....most of the time. I believe Christ was the Son of the Living God who came in the flesh and was raised to life from death after His crucifixion. I believe He will come again for His "own".

I do not keep all the Ten Commandments right all the time and sometimes I do things on the Sabbath that are against the 4th commandment law....like..eat out and pay the waiter/servant to feed me. I sometimes have naughty thoughts, and revengeful thoughts, and sometimes I say a naughty word when like somebody pulls out in their car in front of me. I eat meat rather frequently but I always warn the waiter that if it has pork in it I will have a convulsion and they'll have to call "None One One!". I read the Bible a lot and I believe what it says as far as I can understand it. I've honored my parents, relatively speaking, pretty much. I've never committed murder literally though I've felt like it a time or two. I've never committed adultery though I've thought of it a 'time or two'. I tell a lie once in a while on purpose, rather benign in variety, but nevertheless a lie. I don't steal much---just little things like hospital pens and I once 'somehow or another' ended up with a stapler from an old army hospital now closed that I used to live across the street from. I don't do as much giving to the poor as I probably should and I have a little trouble being compassionate for lazy drunks that try to beg money.

But, over all, I'm a good neighbor pretty much. I've given lots of free medical care and still do. I am reasonably cheerful and I encourage others to read the Bible and give their hearts to God. I don't attend movies because they are so uninteresting most of the time and I go to sleep in them if I do attend them.

I drive too fast and get tickets but I dont' argue with the cops much.

So-o-o-o, you can see that I'm a reasonably good American Citizen abiding, over all, by the details of the law except when I break them in minor ways.

Oh, by the way, I break the Sabbath in other ways like buying gasoline on Sabbath if I've planned poorly and almost run out of gas miles from home.

I believe the SAbbth is the only day God ever chose uniquely from the week to specially worship Him. I do not believe He ever ordained Sunday or any other day specially above other days for such worship.

..........................................................

So in the opinion of the many who post here, What are my chances of being saved when He comes again to 'claim His own'?

Will I be saved?

Or, will I be lost to burn in the final Lake of Fire?

(If you don't say what you really think, you will be acting fearfully, not compassionately---but cowardly! The Bible says those who are fearful or 'cowardly' will be in the final Lake of Fire which is the second death! You don't want that, do you? )

Let's hear it!! ....don't quote me some Bible or from 'the writings'....I've read or heard them already. Just let your opinion out...How I've described myself would apply generally to millions of other folks who call themselves Christian. What's my chances?

Ben

[David_McQueen]

Well your chances of help in the restuatant are reduced if you get them to call "None One One"...lol

All I have to say is Jesus knows your heart and desire to be with him. But that said I have made a reservation for you under the tree of life, so God willing see you thurr!

[Norman Byers, N.D.]

Hi Dr. Ben

You asked that we be honest and so I will be. When reading your post I was reminded of the rich young ruler. You have been saved already but questions remain; do you want to be with Jesus in heaven? Do you long to look in your Father's eyes? Do you want to spend eternity in perfection growing to love God more and more as time goes? If so, then go tell others that they are wanted too. That is what we are called to do because it gives us the assurance and development we need.

Norman

[Nan]

Dr Ben, I read this much as the other responses indicate.

You have said a lot about your actions - what is in your heart? Are you satisfied with your 'good deeds' or do you see yourself as coming short of 'the mark of His high calling' and then asking Jesus to live in you, forgive your shortcomings and help you live, in Him, the full life He wants us all to have?

And I ask these questions more of myself than of you.

[Nicodema]

Ben, I am not a good person. I am too selfish, reclusive, stingy (not with money but with other things), self-pitying, impatient, cynical, and easily irritated. Therefore, I am not in any position to judge you. But even if I were a good person, I would still not feel myself in a position to judge you. "Man looketh on the outward appearance but the Lord looketh on the heart." I'm not quoting that "at" you but to explain myself. All I can see is your outward behavior -- in fact I can't even see that directly since we don't interact in the real world; all I can see are your words describing certain behaviors. I cannot see your heart. God sees it, and He knows it inside and out. What I DO know, is that He is kind and patient and delights in mercy. He can be trusted with your heart AND your "fate."

[Robert]

Quote:

---

I am a good man....most of the time. I believe Christ was the Son of the Living God who came in the flesh and was raised to life from death after His crucifixion. I believe He will come again for His "own".

---

Actually Ben, when we compare ourselves to Christ’s life we must confess that there’s none good, but One…God! Yes that’s quote…Sorry. So if you’re betting on your goodness, forget it (and I know you are not).

Quote:

---

I do not keep all the Ten Commandments right all the time

---

Please remember that the law is much more than 10 brief statements! Paul tells us that love is not self-seeking. Please show me one person, besides Christ, that isn’t (present tense) doing that. Even EGW states that there should be less self-seeking. That’s like sin less…same thing. She knew none of us were measuring up. Of course we shouldn’t use this to indulge sin, after all we have considered ourselves dead to sin, and alive to God. That’s the aim…or as Nico says, “the attitude”!

Quote:

---

and sometimes I do things on the Sabbath that are against the 4th commandment law....like..eat out and pay the waiter/servant to feed me.

---

I can’t find that eating out is against the 4th commandment! Yes, you can go outside the law and maybe come to this conclusion, but in the law itself it doesn’t say that. It simply says to cease from your normal labor as a sign that God’s creation is perfect and complete. Of course I don’t keep the Sabbath from the law because it is meaningless. Why? God’s creation was ruined by the fall…but that’s another story….

Quote:

---

I sometimes have naughty thoughts, and revengeful thoughts,

---

Remember that Jesus didn’t even sin by a thought! Wow!…His mind never, even for a millisecond, sinned by a thought. Remember the law judges your thoughts….If you hate, you’ve killed…if you lust, you’ve committed adultery….It’s terrible…but even worse is to be “under the law”!

Quote:

---

I eat meat rather frequently but I always warn the waiter that if it has pork in it I will have a convulsion and they'll have to call "Nine One One!".

---

Yeah…I guess I eat it frequently, although I am trying to watch what I eat (less greasy stuff). Of course you know you’ll probably live longer being a veggie. I see a time when eating meat will be like playing Russian roulette.

I try to avoid "unclean meats"....I don't like eating the garbage collectors.

Quote:

---

I read the Bible a lot and I believe what it says as far as I can understand it.

---

Read Paul…especially Romans and Galatians. Most Traditional Adventists are stupid on Paul…. They misquote him.

Why read Paul? He was set aside to explain the gospel. The other writers primarily write about the life of Christ and give good advice, but Paul expounds on the gospel. Besides his letters comprise 53% of the NT.

Quote:

---

I've honored my parents, relatively speaking, pretty much. I've never committed murder literally though I've felt like it a time or two. I've never committed adultery though I've thought of it a 'time or two'. I tell a lie once in a while on purpose, rather benign in variety, but nevertheless a lie. I don't steal much---just little things like hospital pens and I once 'somehow or another' ended up with a stapler from an old army hospital now closed that I used to live across the street from. I don't do as much giving to the poor as I probably should and I have a little trouble being compassionate for lazy drunks that try to beg money.

---

As the Spirit moves…acknowledge your sins to Christ….This gives Him permission for Him to present you before the Father perfect “in Himself”! I blatantly lied today….It was a pride thing…forgot to tell someone something, and when asked did I do it I said yes! I immediately felt bad, so I said, “Yes…Guilty…sorry! That was pride.”

Quote:

---

But, over all, I'm a good neighbor pretty much. I've given lots of free medical care and still do. I am reasonably cheerful and I encourage others to read the Bible and give their hearts to God.

---

Good…some fruit….This makes a good witness for Christ!

Quote:

---

I don't attend movies because they are so uninteresting most of the time and I go to sleep in them if I do attend them.

---

I use to go (about 2 years ago)….Never R-rated…but now the PG-13 has the “f” word…even nudity. The plots are typical: Sex and violence….It gets old! I guess there’s a few good movies?

Quote:

---

I drive too fast and get tickets but I don’t' argue with the cops much.

---

I drive fast all the time (80mph in a 70mph zone), but that’s going to work. I sold my MR2 Sypder….Good thing, I did 100mph quite frequently. Now I have a 750CC Honda Shadow motorcycle. No fast speeds on that thing….It’s for cruising on a nice sunny day on some back road.

Quote:

---

So-o-o-o, you can see that I'm a reasonably good American Citizen abiding, over all, by the details of the law except when I break them in minor ways.

---

Again, good…. Christians should aim at being good citizens.

Quote:

---

Oh, by the way, I break the Sabbath in other ways like buying gasoline on Sabbath if I've planned poorly and almost run out of gas miles from home.

---

I have a fire going in the fire place….You are not going to stone me are you?

Quote:

---

I believe the Sabbath is the only day God ever chose uniquely from the week to specially worship Him. I do not believe He ever ordained Sunday or any other day specially above other days for such worship.

---

Actually the Sabbath has nothing to do with worship. Look it up! Yes, the NT Christians met on the Sabbath, but why not…they weren’t doing much anyway, huh? Good day to go to church. And BTW, there’s nothing wrong with worshipping God on Sunday. Just don’t call Sunday the 7-th day, because it ain’t! I recognize the Sabbath as a sign of my redemption “in Christ Jesus”. I cease from my normal secular work as an outward sign that I agree that God rested from His perfect work of redemption “in Christ Jesus” some 2000 Sabbaths ago. But again, that’s another post…

Quote:

---

So in the opinion of the many who post here, What are my chances of being saved when He comes again to 'claim His own'?

---

God knows those who are his….That’s another quote. IF you are depending on Jesus for your ticket to heaven and recognize yourself as a sinner (that’s confession), you will be saved. Why will be? Because we are once saved always saved as long as our faith in Christ remains. Keep the faith.

Quote:

---

Or, will I be lost to burn in the final Lake of Fire?

---

The lake of fire is the core of the earth making its way to the surface when God abandons this world. Remember what Christ said on the cross? “My Father…why have you forsaken me?” When God abandons the unbelievers this earth will fall apart. I believe He is now (present tense) holding it together or humaity would have parished many years ago.

Anyway, my point is God doesn’t kill….Like EGW said, “God destroys no man…man destroys himself.” How? By persistently telling God to get lost and you don’t need a Savior….Many think they are quite capable of saving themselves. Remember, we are legalists by nature….Unbelievers are legalists. (I use that word a lot, huh?) They don’t need Jesus because they think they are good….

Quote:

---

Let's hear it!! ....don't quote me some Bible or from 'the writings'....I've read or heard them already. Just let your opinion out...How I've described myself would apply generally to millions of other folks who call themselves Christian. What's my chances?

---

Sorry…I quoted some. You chances are 100% IF you keep your faith in Christ. Want to build it? Well, don’t look to your performance. Look to Jesus…study His selfless love….Study the cross (Jack’s got real good stuff). There you’ll see a God who would rather die eternally…not for His friends, but His murders. He choose the 2nd death so His enemies..those murdering Him…could have heaven instead of Him. Once you realize that you’ll never be afraid of God again….

[Clio]

Quote:

---

benherndon said:

Let's hear it!! ....don't quote me some Bible or from 'the writings'....I've read or heard them already. Just let your opinion out...How I've described myself would apply generally to millions of other folks who call themselves Christian. What's my chances?

Ben

---

I dunno Dr. Ben. Everything you've told me is based on outward appearance, and is visible only to the eyes of man.

But Abba, our most wonderful Abba, does not look upon the outward appearance. He looks upon the heart.

I choose to believe that you are my brother in Jesus, and that your heart is fine....cuz Abba hasn't said otherwise... and I might have missed it if He did....

Clio

[archierieus]

Quote:

---

Nicodema said:

I cannot see your heart. God sees it, and He knows it inside and out. What I DO know, is that He is kind and patient and delights in mercy. He can be trusted with your heart AND your "fate."

---

I cannot imagine how anyone could possibly put it any better than these words! So, so true. There is an old saying in the Deep South which seems quite appropriate at this point: "Say no more."

Regards, Dave

[Jeannieb43]

Dr. Ben, our pastor says "There's nothing you can do to make God love you any less, and there's nothing you can do to make God love you any more."

So. I'd say your behavior is not the test. It's whether you've accepted God's free gift to you. You know the answer to that, and God knows the answer to that - so no need to ask us to decide!

(After all, God didn't ask Noah and his family to become perfect, in order for Him to save them during the flood. All He asked was that they get on the boat!)

God can be trusted, and He will save all who come to Him in faith.

[Gerr]

Ben, since when are we saved by how good we are? We are saved by trusting in God's grace alone! That grace working in our lives is what brings out the good works. Our goodness is never the basis for grace.

You talk about minor infractions of the 10c. Are these inadvertent/unintentional infractions? Or are these deliberate & willful? Would a loving earthly father spank his/her child for accidentally spilling milk on the carpet? When it is our heart to obey God & we put forth effort towards that end, can our loving God expect any more?

If it's our heart to obey God but because of our fallen nature we come short, will a loving God chastise us for it?

Courage my friend. Our loving God will not quench what little spark that remains in a smoking flax. He who doubles His efforts to make an unfruitful tree fruitful will not be discouraged to see only a fruit or two.

If there was hope for King Manasseh, there is hope for you & me!

By grace alone.

Gerry

[cricket]

Quote:

---

I believe Christ was the Son of the Living God who came in the flesh and was raised to life from death after His crucifixion. I believe He will come again for His "own".

---

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

This says that whosoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life. It doesn't say whosoever believes [these things] about Him will have it.

This is the faith of the Christian: belief that though the Christian is a sinner, he shall receive eternal life through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

[John317]

Hi Dr. Ben,

You're describing me and probably lots of other people. It's a good thing none of us must be sinless in order for us to be saved in God's kingdom, because if that were the case, there would be absolutely no hope at all for any of us. The standard might as well be jumping to the moon.

I believe that as long as I am in a loving relationship with Jesus Christ and have the holy Spirit living in me, God sees Christ's righteousness in place of my filthy rags and He loves me and accepts me as if I were His Son.

I am "saved" by God's grace alone through faith in His Son's life, death and resurrection. All of us are at different stages of spiritual growth and God alone knows where we are on that journey.

Our actions will certainly show whose side we are on, but we are not judged by the occasional misdeed or even by the occasional good deed, but rather by the general tendency of our lives. And that judgment of our lives has to do with showing whether we really are disciples of Christ, not with whether we are good enough to be saved.

Let's remember that even the greatest prophets and apostles committed sin. We have only to be sure that we are being honest with God and ourselves about our relationship with Him, and let God take care of the rest. He will continue to make us holy, making us more and more like His Son. He has promised, and I have faith that He keeps His promise and is doing the same for you.

Once we come in full faith to Christ, we should be far less worried about what God thinks of us and much more concerned about what we think of God and of His Son. Jim

[jasd]

Jn 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

…text does not read -- that he may or may not bear fruit; rather, it is, declaratively, appositional... in that one ‘abiding in Christ/Gd bears fruit’. Now, that does not necessarily imply the fruit(s) of evangelism, for we are all mindful that many of us are unsuited; rather, it is the culture of one’s spirit that is spoken..., its care, its toillette or toiletry, as one wills. That it be properly attended is doable by all.

Faith is an action word.

3982 peitho; a primary verb: Its cognate -- 4102 pistis; faith,

It might be better said that one, rather than having faith in Him – faiths in Him; but, even that requires ‘the drawing’ by Gd.

Jn 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:

The question then obtains… does the Father ‘draw’ one and all? if so, when do the many who are never ‘drawn’ to Jesus the Christ in their lifetime (having never been exposed to the word, as in – “Faith cometh by hearing…”) – receive their opportunity to be drawn? or is there another mechanism or tangential (a means merely contiguous) – for salvation? as implied by…

Jn 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.

Was Christ, in the most obvious sense of passage, “lifted up from the earth”? moreover, what is the meaning of all? and, when are all men drawn unto Christ? or is the sense of passage simply meant to be numinously esoteric?

1Cor 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

>>What's my chances?<<

Well, Dr Ben, you’d better ‘make it’ or, comparatively, the chances are… per the following:

1Cor 15:23 But every man in his own order:

that I won’t even be in the tier group who are raised to everlasting … shame, and contempt. Not cool!

Ummm, well, it seems I’ve used Holy Writ; but then, without Writ one conjectures…, doesn’t one? which, of course, is a thing foreign to me

By the way, what’s “everlasting”?

Per a thing of small moment: Noah, regards his ‘calling to perfection’…

Gen 6:9 …Noah was … perfect in his generations,

[archierieus]

Quote:

---

John317 said:

Our actions will certainly show whose side we are on, but we are not judged by the occasional misdeed or even by the occasional good deed, but rather by the general tendency of our lives . . . We have only to be sure that we are being honest with God and ourselves about our relationship with Him, and let God take care of the rest. He will continue to make us holy, making us more and more like His Son. He has promised, and I have faith that He keeps His promise and is doing the same for you.

---

That analysis sounds very attractive. However, I submit that there are holes in it. Firstly, on a personal level. If we truly love God, we will hate sin. The more we love God, the more we will hate sin. The closer we come to God, the farther we will turn away from sin. Right now, without a doubt, most, if not all of us, still carry on a love affair with sin. That means our loyalties are divided, and our hearts are divided. Such an attitude can never enter heaven. God is waiting for us to finally decide to whom we will be loyal, and whom we choose to serve. Indeed, just before the end, each one living will receive a mark of loyalty ("charagma") either to God, in the forehead, or to the beast. Each one will, by that time, have finally decided whom s/he chooses to serve.

The reference in Steps to Christ about the occasional deed or misdeed is often taken out of context. It is often used to provide comfort and assurance to people who are unwilling to deny self and renounce sin. That is not the way the author used the statement. Our safety in the final time of testing will be found in wholly serving God. Jesus said, "The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me." That will be the testimony about those who stand for God in that time. No chinks in their armor. No occasional lapses, no love affairs with sin. This is not the time to say soothing words to make us feel comfortable. This is the time to call people to a decision, before the great day of the Lord comes. Hear God's appeal to His people: "How long halt ye between two opinions?" Let us renounce sin, and make a decision to give all of the heart to Jesus, and follow the Lamb wherever He leads.

Regards, Dave

[Planey]

Thanks, Dave.

I was just feeling encouraged after reading an uplifting quote from EGW which Robert posted. It was one of the few times lately I have felt even remotely cheerful )There was one other note of encouragement in a PM from Joy, as well.) Now you have absolutely convinced me that I was right all along. I will never get to heaven. Why bother to try at all?

As it turns out, I would not fit in there anyway with all you perfect people. So you can enjoy yourselves looking through my life record and nodding your heads sagely, "See? I told you so."

Graeme

[Robert]

Quote:

---

The closer we come to God, the farther we will turn away from sin.

---

• The clearer their views of the greatness, glory, and perfection of Christ, the more vividly will they see their own weakness and imperfection. They will have no disposition to claim a sinless character; that which has appeared right and comely in themselves will, in contrast with Christ's purity and glory, appear only as unworthy and corruptible. It is when men are separated from God, when they have very indistinct views of Christ, that they say, "I am sinless; I am sanctified." [RC 90]

Dave...I edited out quite a bit. I was giving you a hard time, but then on another posting I found this:

Quote:

---

"Not the labors of my hands can fulfill Thy law's demands; Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone."

---

So I'll give you a break, today....

Rob

[Robert]

Quote:

---

Will we ever be free of this principle [self-seeking] this side of eternity?

---

Let's see what Mrs. Ellen G. White has to say:

• "The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary..."

Are these "true believers" measuring up?

• "but passing through the corrupt channels of humanity they are so defiled that unless purified by blood, they can never be of value with God."

Wait just a mintue, Ellen! Are you saying that my prayers, my praise and confession of sin are so defiled that Christ has to purify these things with His own righteousness?

• "They ascend not in spotless purity, and unless the Intercessor, who is at God’s right hand, [:"red"]presents and purifies all by His righteousness[:"black"], it is not acceptable to God."

Yes...you are saying that!

• "All incense from earthly tabernacles [i.e., true believers] must be moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ [i.e., His righteousness]. He holds before the Father the censer of His own merits, [:"red"]in which there is no taint of earthly corruption [self-seeking?][:"black"]. He gathers into this censer the prayers, the praise, and the confessions of His people, and with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the merits of Christ’s propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. Then gracious answers are returned."

Well...let's get real...Ellen is only writing about a "religious service" - you know - prayers, praise, the confession of sin. Surely she doesn't have our law keeping in mind?

• "Oh, that all may see that everything [:"red"]in obedience[/], in penitence, in praise and thanksgiving, must be placed upon the glowing fire of the righteousness of Christ. The fragrance of this righteousness ascends like a cloud around the mercy seat." [1SM 344]

No...not my "obedience"! It can't be! Do you mean, Ellen, that the Apostle Paul is actually right when he says, "All have sinned [:"red"]AND FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD"?[:"black"] Tell me you are kidding!

Rob

[Robert]

Doc Ben,

Did you see that quote above from the pen of Ellen White found in Selected Messages page 344? What do you think of it?

Rob

[archierieus]

Quote:

---

Planey said:

Now you have absolutely convinced me that I was right all along. I will

never

get to heaven. Why bother to try at all?

Graeme

---

Consider an example from the medical field. (Although I am no physician) Let's see that a person has cancer. A necessary step in dealing with the cancer, is to identify it and acknowledge that it is there. Without that, how will it be taken care of? Secondly, then, a person must take action. Surgery is required, to cut it out before it spreads. Prevention is too late, now. Surgery is required. But, a person may fool himself, and say, well, its not as bad as the doc says. So long as I do things right, eat right, live right, the cancer will stop spreading. Is that right? I don't think so.

Spiritually, a necessary step for us is to recognize our sinfulness. As we do so, we may very feel overwhelmed, and recognize that we can't do anything about it. That is where well-meaning souls come along and tell us soothing things to make us feel better. But, that doesn't take care of the cancer.

We can't cure it. We have no hope, if we try to deal with it, try to fix it, if we depend on ourselves. But, Jesus is able. He can heal us. He can cure us. The solution is simple, and a guaranteed solution--unlike physical cancer, which may or may not be stopped by surgery. As we give our lives to Jesus, turn over to Him the concern and the burden of our going to heaven, He WILL take care of it. So long as we stay with Jesus, He will do whatever is needed in our case. He is in the business of saving people, and He wants to save you and me. We can trust Him.

The key is surrender and acceptance, and, with God's help, to cling to Jesus, no matter what the devil may throw our way. He is faithful, and He will bring it to pass. He will give you the desire and the strength to do right, and He will bring you off as victorious. Look away from self, and turn your eyes upon Jesus.

Regards, Dave

[Robert]

Quote:

---

archierieus said:

Let's say that a person has cancer. A necessary step in dealing with the cancer, is to identify it and acknowledge that it is there. Without that, how will it be taken care of?

---

Cancer = sin?

Okay, one needs to "acknowledge" his disease and his need of a Physcian. No problem....I buy this....

Quote:

---

Secondly, then, a person must

take action

. Surgery is required, to cut it out before it spreads. Prevention is too late, now.

---

Surgery to cure the cancer, right? Yes...and that surgery took place when Christ assumed "our cancer" when He assumed us some 2000 years ago.

For 30 something years our Physician lived a perfect life in our cancer-ridden bodies. And on the cross our old, diseased life died forever.

Sunday morning God raised Him with a glorified, cancer free humanity. That humanity resides "in Christ" right now in the heavenly places....We receive that cancer free life at the resurrection!

Until then you might be able to slow the process of the cancer down, but guess what...you are going die! Why? You and I are sinners and the wages [results of sin/cancer] is death.

But thanks to Christ, the Master Physician, you'll get a brand new, cancer free life when He returns.

No worries,

Rob

[Yong T Tay]

Robert,

I buy your logic.

yongttay

[archierieus]

Quote:

---

Robert said:

Surgery to cure the cancer, right? Yes...and that surgery took place when Christ assumed "our cancer" when He assumed us some 2000 years ago.

---

That, indeed, is a very important part of the 'evanggelion'. However, it is not the whole message. The power of the gospel was not limited to that event, 2,000 years ago. The power of the gospel is here and now, manifested in our lives, making us a "new creation in Christ Jesus." Anything short of that is legalism, keeping God at a comfortable distance, just like the Jews did at Sinai.

Regards, Dave

[archierieus]

Upon reflection, Robert, I think you may be reading more into my medical illustration than I intended. No, my intent was not to define sin as cancer. The point I was illustrating was that an important step in dealing with a problem, is acknowledging that there is a problem.

Regards, Dave

[Gerr]

Cancer-free life by & by, while rotting in cancer right now? The Great Physician unable to do anything about my cancer right now? Is He a quack or what? If He can't do anything about it right now, what makes you think that this quack soul doctor of yours can do anything about it by & by?

God's new creation starts here & now (2 Cor 5:17, Jn 3:5-7), which is crowned with glory at the Second Coming.

Gerry

[Norman Byers, N.D.]

Hi Dr. Ben

Look at these responses to your post! Everyone who has posted and read this loves you, we are showing it by our replies. I know that if I were receiving these I'd be in tears because of the interest. (I'm sure this has moved you as well)

I say that to tell you that God is saying the same thing only He has more ways of saying it than we do. In my short life (compared to yours ) I have found the greatest blessing and spiritual highs come when I realize what God has done for me.

God has told me and you that our names are written in heaven and that is to be our source of joy, not what we do. Then I must quote Peter speaking of Christian characteristics, 2Pe 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

To forget the love of God is to loose our way and many of us have fallen into this. Without that we are just playing games. Dwell on how much God loves you and I still say that to share this with others will help assure our hearts. The more I have told people that God loves me and has saved me in Christ, the more it registers in my soul.

Love,

In Christ,

Norman