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Ruth said:
Joe k,

Before you reveal your conclusions, please reread the entire thread, with an open mind. No one has said that faith causes justification! The Word says that we must believe to be justified,

John 6:29 "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."


Romans 4:3-6 "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,".

Nor has anyone said that faith is a "condition" of justification, it is element that the Lord has proscribed with which we are to apprehend the justification that He is imputing to us. For if we are justified in eternity, why would we need to repent? Why are we called "children of wrath"?

Mark 1:15 "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

John 1:12 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"


Again, please do more study of the Word before you come to any "conclusion". <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bingo.gif" alt="" />

In His Hands,

Ruthcauses

Ruth an issue of such importance as justification needs to be addressed carefully and prayerfully. I will show you what i am speaking of when I have more time. Again, I stand corrected and will say that I am not at all comfortable about eternal justification as I once was. Nor am I comfortable with the traditional understanding of justifed by faith as prescribed by many.

I agree and have reread the thread. What continues to bother me is saying it is not caused or conditioned by faith, but God waits for our exercising of faith then justifies us. I sincerely believe that we are justified prior to faith or repentance. And I believe a correct interpretation of scripture will show this.


And Ruth, Do not forget verse 13 in John 1. This preceedes verse 12.

Joe

Last edited by Joe k; Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:20 PM.
There never was a sinner half as big as Christ is as a Savior.