dberrie2020
Well-known member
berrie2020 said:
I'm going to ask you what link you are attempting to make in those points--and the testimony linking walking in the light--with His Blood unto the forgiveness of sins?
1 John 1:7---King James Version
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
How do you feel it contradicts the scripture above? (if you do) What is your reasoning for those points?(I think they are good questions--I just don't see what your point is--please explain that for us, because I want to focus in on the point where the scripture links walking in the light with His Blood--and how it fits Lutheran theology)
Bonnie said:
Why won't you answer my simple questions about Eph. 2?
There seems to be a tendency of those who debate the scriptures--whenever one scripture is posted--- to show a correlation, or non-correlation-- between one's theology, and the posted scripture--the interlocker then posts an opposing scripture.( I do it also).
For me--that not only does not make one's point, in and by itself--it renders the Biblical text a very unreliable source of truth.
One must have a way of collating the scriptures--or admit they are unreliable. (I believe the scriptures are reliable)
So--let's start here--with the above two scriptures.(and, BTW--I think it goes deeper than that--but let's start there)
When Paul uses the term "works"(Eph2 as an example)--that is often a reference to certain rituals under the Mosaic Law--not a reference to walking in the light, keeping the commandments, or taking care of the poor.
IOW--some scholars have recognized the problem presented in throwing scriptures against one another, particularly Paul's words--and have come to this conclusion:
"New Perspective on Paul—

New Perspective on Paul - Wikipedia
The new perspective on Paul represents a significant shift in the way some scholars, especially Protestant scholars, interpret the writings of the Apostle Paul.
Paul, especially in his epistle to the Romans, advocates justification through faith in Jesus Christ over justification through works of the Law. In the historic Lutheran and Reformed perspective, known as sola fide, theologians understood Paul as arguing that Christians' good works would not factor into their salvation - only their faith would count. But according to the "new" perspective, Paul was questioning only observances such as circumcision, dietary laws, and Sabbath laws (these were the 'boundary markers that set the Jews apart from the other nations), not good works in general. "
I believe that is a very good explanation--and one I have taken for some time--and offers one explanation as to how one can comport Paul with not only the 1John1:7 testimony(as an example)--but Paul's own testimony:
1 Corinthians 7:19---King James Version
19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
So--how do Lutherans collate the numerous witnesses of the Biblical text, confirming the connection of works--and His grace unto life--with their claim one obtains eternal life to the exclusion of all works--and the scriptures which they believe supports such a view?
IOW--Paul connects His Kingdom--with this:
Romans 6:22---King James Version
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
How do Lutherans collate the numerous witnesses in the Biblical text--connecting our actions with His grace unto life--as a personal reception--with the scriptures they feel does not support that witness?(1John1:7 might be another--and the long list goes on--but more on that later)