I agree, because the truth is that were all simultaneously saints and sinners-even hypocrisy will strive to survive in some form- and until we finally, thoroughly, unwaveringly love God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves we’re still not fully just, we’re still apparently attracted by things other than God first above all else. And for me this means that we can’t know, with perfect certainty, just who the true sheep are and who they aren’t, which is exactly why Trent calls on us to refrain from over-confidence. And this renders the question of who the true sheep are-who the elect are-an academic one, with perfect assurance only achievable in the end.
The analogy you agree with seems to lend itself to my understanding of RC theology. As a baptized RC, you work to become more pure and store up merit. The goal? You die in a state of grace, which means you have some level of sanctifying grace at your death, and you go to purgatory (almost certainly) to complete the purification process (refinement where all venial sins are washed away) so you can go to heaven as a pure vessel. In heaven you receive glorification based upon your level of merit stored up when you were alive.
What I have described is a “nutshell” version of a much more expounded upon RC theology of the afterlife of a Christian, but I believe it describes the basic framework. But is it biblical? I think not, as will be explained below.
And at the end of the day Protestantism, generally speaking, isn’t without this tension/anticipation either. If a believer insists that his faith/trust in Jesus is solely what saves him, while still acknowledging that fruits must be present in order for that faith to be the kind that saves, then he’s still faced with the question, ‘Have I really done enough, have I truly or sufficiently done Gods’ will, was my faith really the right kind?’ Am I right in my self-assessment or ‘self-checks’? And I think that’s just an honest understanding of our human nature and situation here on earth, as well as a biblical one.
Well, “Protestantism” usually says “sola fide” or faith alone saves. Forget works – they clearly are not necessary to be “born again” (Titus 3:5, in context 3:1-11). God justifies the ungodly (Rom 4:5). You ask about self-checks. Yes, we are to examine ourselves (2 Cor 13:5). We DO NOT want to hear Jesus say, “I never knew you” (per Matt 7:21-23). 2 Cor 13:5 is the focal point of a list I gave earlier of our actions that can result in REAL biblical assurance (Evidence List 2, post #72). We really can have a peace that passes all understanding (Php 4:4-7 wonderful verses) and assurance (1 John 5:13) since Christ is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2).
Let’s do a quick biblical analysis of who we are from God’s vantage point. The verses I give are systematic theology – a cohesion of biblical verses regarding the salvation of a true Christian.
What we are is clear. We are sinners with no interest in righteousness or desire to know the true God (Rom 3:10-20, 23). As sinners, we have the free will to sin however we want to, but we know we won’t do anything righteous because we cannot. We do not have that ability. That is biblical, and that is the human dilemma. We are in desperate need of a Savior and under the wrath of a Holy God. Yet, we are completely incapable of doing ANYTHING about it because we are dead in sins (Eph 2:1), and even slaves to sin (Rom 6:17, context 6:15-23, and we’re thankful God changes our heart). Is God in any way happy with us? No (Ps 5:5-6; 7:11; Rom 1:18). So the natural man, the walking dead (Rom 5:12), will never, on his own, realize his standing before his creator/sustainer. He simply does not have Christ and is under God’s righteous and holy wrath (John 3:18, 36; 1 John 5:12).
What about the “elect” of God? Chosen long ago (Eph 1:4, context Eph 1:3-14), Christians (the elect) are sinners saved by faith in Jesus Christ, and this faith is a gift from God (Eph 2:8-9). They are born of God (John 1:13), justified by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Rom 5:1, full context is Rom 5:1-11). Christ is the author and finisher (or perfecter) of this faith (Heb 12:2), which is why He has His sheep from the Father (John 6:37-40, 44), and they will NEVER perish (John 10:28, full context as I emphasized earlier is John 9:35 to 10:30). Jesus is the Good Shepherd who doesn’t lose any sheep. They have eternal life, a gift of God (Rom 6:23). It is not about human free will. It IS about God’s sovereign choice and God’s ability to “save His people from their sins” (Matt 1:21).
Was that done? Yes. Jesus cried, “It is finished” (John 19:30). His work accomplished it all. Notice a very important section of Scripture that pertains to this, Romans 8. Camp there for awhile since it is such a powerful theological statement. Paul tells us Christians are already glorified in God’s sight. In Rom 8:30, “these He also glorified,” we see Paul uses the past tense for a future event with the Greek. Note how it is stated in the amplified Bible, “And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being].”
The Christian has moved from death to life, meaning he has, past tense, eternal life never to be under condemnation (John 5:24; Rom 8:1; Col 1:13) and has the righteousness of Christ (Php 3:9) and is therefore, glorified (Rom 8:30). How can we not celebrate and look forward for our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13)?
What a wonderful assurance we have!
Sincerely, OldProf
If the RCC is the true church, I want in. But if it needed reform back to a biblical foundation for correct doctrine (i.e. eternal security, assurance of salvation), then the Holy Spirit has already told me some of the doctrines I need to embrace.
:banghead:
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