Comments on: Prelude

By: Dan L

Dan L — Tue, 10 May 2005 01:37:51 +0000

I think what it all comes down to is definition and interpretation of the scripture. I know full well as I’ve already said that it’s only through Jesus that we are made righteous – not of our own accord. Almost the entire book of 1 John speaks about this one theme. The finer details of whether the core of our hearts (who we actually are at the center of our being) has truely been changed may have to remain a difference of opinion. That’s cool though In the end, we all still follow the same God who by his grace allows us to enter into his kingdom despite our short-comings!

By: kristan

kristan — Sun, 08 May 2005 00:23:17 +0000

Hi guys,

You don’t know me (obviously) – but I know Tom who is a friend of my brother Kim… so there’s the link for you.

Anyways, thanks for your testimony Josh. Encouraging to see others who moved into the light.

Just to throw my thoughts into the mix, I think Dan L’s comments about 1 John are interesting in the light of the rest of the book of 1 John. ‘Walking in the light’ – which the book basically begins with – is symbolic of living in honesty before God about who we are – sinners -and who God is – holy and pure.

Walking in the light is not us being righteous by ourselves. We need Jesus for that. John counters the claims of others in 1:6-10 where he makes very clear that we are sinners still. Thank God that we have our advocate who purifies and keeps on cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

I too stand with you Josh as a beggar who has found the feast of eternal life – but remains a beggar in this life – bereft of any internal goodness.

By: Dan L

Dan L — Sat, 30 Apr 2005 04:55:19 +0000

I agree whole-heartedly. We are only made righteous through Christ. The point I’m making is that this “righeousness” isn’t just a sheath or image that is assigned to us or put over us. It is what we a made to be. I’ll be keen to hear any more comments after you’ve read those first two scriptures I mentioned above…

By: Dan B

Dan B — Fri, 29 Apr 2005 07:22:23 +0000

Thanks Dan, I’ll look those up. I don’t deny the fact that God speaks of us as righteous, but I just don’t think we are inherently so. There is the good old verse that Jesus himself spoke: “Why do you call me good? Only God is good! [Do you know what you're calling me?] For it is written, none are righteous except the Lord.” You see, I reckon we are made righteous through Christ who makes us live again. Anyway, I’ll check out your references. THanks again.

By: Dan L

Dan L — Wed, 27 Apr 2005 01:05:06 +0000

References coming up…
For the sake of time and not writing a huge posting, I’ll only give the references but I implore that you look them up, and where necessary research them further using commentaries if need be to help understand them properly. These scriptures are absolute gems and if taken on board can help rewrite the way our mind views people, God and life in general.

1 John 3:7-9
2 Cor 5:17,21

Those 2 scriptures explain the reason for my perspective (along with many others I haven’t included). Two other references below simply remind us that God speaks of us as righteous.

Matt 25:46
Prov 12:10

Happy reading!