Thanks Mike. I probably over repost your work. But you do articulate well the points that if I were a better witness I would make. And it makes for thoughtful reflection and dialogue. I only wish I could persuade others to follow.
We all fall short of what Peter encourages. It’s a common Strawman argument today to ignore doctrine and focus on one aspect of the Bible’s teaching. It’s rare and hardwork to pursue all it’s teachings.
Some four thousand years ago we read about that in Judges.
“In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6)
But it didn’t begin there. But we have to try…
Jesus said:
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)
A more complete knowledge and understanding is critical.
2Pe 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
2Pe 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
2Pe 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
by Mike Ratliff
10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 2 Peter 1:10 (NASB)
Some “evangelical leaders” in our time will tell you that transformation is actually part of the gospel and that the evidence of salvation is how busy a person is in “working in church ministry.” No where in God’s Word is transformation given as part of the Gospel. The Gospel is based in who Jesus Christ is and what He has done to be the propitiation for the elect. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, including the elect. No one is able to do any work of any kind to deserve or earn salvation, that is, justification. However in Ephesians 1:3-23; Ephesians 2:1-10, the Apostle Paul gives us God’s solution…
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Rainbow Trout 