muchforgiven,

1) Well, there is this thing called "Internet Protocol" that says using ALL CAPS is akin to SHOUTING! [Linked Image] Who dreamed this up is unknown to me and of course, it is all arbitrary. But, it and many other things like this have become an accepted standard, much like Emily Post's "Rules of Etiquette". <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/giggle.gif" alt="" /> In these things we often have to learn as we go. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

2) It is surely true that everyone without exception can to some degree obey OUTWARDLY the law of God and of man. The "rich young ruler" is a prime example of someone who strove to conform his life to God's law in this manner, cf. Matt 19:20; Mk 20:20; Lk 18:21 and especially here:

Quote
Romans 2:14-15 (KJV) "For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)"
Even the apostle Paul himself once thought this outward conformity to the law was sufficient in itself, cf. Rom 7:7ff. However, when the "spirit" of the law, i.e., the immeasurable depth of the law of God is made known, either through the preaching, teaching or reading of God's Word it becomes immediately evident that no one can keep it perfectly; nor even have a perfect desire to do so. For a true believer, when the Holy Spirit brings true conviction upon the heart, that person is thrust wholly upon the Lord Jesus Christ and His all-sufficient atoning work for them. For it was His perfect active obedience that is imputed to the believer for righteousness, 2Cor 5:21. Yet, the heart is also moved with desire to do all the works of righteousness and holiness which God requires so as to please Him (cf. Eph 4:24), even knowing that even the best of efforts will fall short, yet... without condemnation. (cf. Psa 119:165; Jh 14:15; 15:10; 1Jh 2:3-5; 5:2, 3; Rom 5:1; 8:1, 2).

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day,

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simul iustus et peccator

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