Well, if I could convince folks that I was the same as the greatest Marine of all time, I could then water down the standard and declare millions or billions "Marines" and think how wildly popular I'd be. I mean, the millions or billions would PAY me part of their salary for such a "freebie."
I never saw it. This is what the Apostles did. They changed Jesus standard of "lay down your life for your brother," etc. to "Profess Jesus as your lord and savior," and other such murderous drivel.
I accuse them of no malice. In fact I've easily lived the trap, their trap, since rediscovering Jesus 10 years ago.
But in this single act they set in motion the real Crucification of Jesus and it has continued for 1900 years.
As you said a couple posts ago, Jesus died to save us from the wages of our sin. The Law couldn't do that. The Law wasn't changed; it was fulfilled. (Matt. 5:17). Jesus proclaimed Himself the (sole) Savior, and said proof of loving Him was obedience, and living for others -- loving others as oneself.
ReplyDeleteThe Old Testament made provision for the poor; this did not change in the NT, although the means did.
Many do not understand Jesus' call, this is true, including the disciples at first. But they got it in time, and many do today -- we just don't hear about them, for the most part.
Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful to hear from you!
I think we agree on what matters - loving others as oneself - is the whole deal!!!!!
And yes, the Apostles lived this. But the text of the NT suggests that the taught that other stuff counts too - speaking in tongues, professing Jesus as Lord and Saviour.... No, EXCEPT if and when they are the best way at the moment to LOVE-YOUR-NEIGHBOR-AS-YOURSELF.
And yes, there are hundreds or thousands today doing this! BUT THERE ARE OVER A BILLION THAT HAVE BEEN DEALT THE DEATH-BLOW-LIE that they are "Christian" and therefore saved - AND THEY ARE NOT LOVING-THEIR-BROTHER-AS-THEMSELVES. This is the sin that Jesus said was unforgivable - the lie they have been told - the Sin against the Holy Spirit - the Truth... because it is UNRECOVERABLE! How can you seek Salvation if the Way of Salvation you've been offered is a LIE? You can't.