The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum "Experimental Salvation" by A.W. Pink

Robin, thanks for accepting my apology, I was embarrassed because of my error. I was thinking of what I stated in this discussion and can't see it any other way. J.I. Packer wrote a book a while back called "Rediscovering Holiness". I really liked it, because it spoke of how the way down is the way toward holiness. True humility. I can't see any humility in the idea of doing anything out of our own willpower or strength that is of any good.

Now, if because I saw the obligations of the Christian in scripture and decided to do them because I was instructed to do so and because I truly love Him, I have reason to boast. However, if I see my duty in scripture and acknowledge I can't do it in my strength, but to ask God to enable me, then I have reason to boast in Him. That is true humility, understanding the truth about ourselves, and the truth is, we CAN'T do anything good other than ask Him to work through us, "present your bodies a living sacrifice".

Just because scripture talks about our working etc. it does not mean we do those things in our own power and strength because we were instructed to do them, if that were true then even our decision for Christ could be attributed to our own power. As I said, we see in scripture Christ and as we see Him we are being transformed more and more into His image. Changed internally which is evidenced outward.

1 Jn. 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. NASB

The more we see Christ here on planet earth, the more we become like Him, and we see Him in scripture. My strength and my obedience are only in relation to my time spent with Him and the brethren. The things of this world do not benefit me spiritually in any way, Note: I can't even benefit myself, other than humbling myself before God calling on Him and seeking His face. Its a process too, we aren't perfected here, but we press on. Now don't accuse me of going Monastic either, we are called out of the world to glorify Him. We even show His glory to the heavenly host who desire to look into these things. Side note: I wonder how shocked the heavenly host must be with the christian's continuous rebellion, arrogance and unthankfulness? As Isa. 29:13-14 says: The people honor Me with their lips but their hearts are far from Me.

Everyone must be convinced in their own minds, but I hope that whatever view we hold, that ALL the glory goes to God and not to ourselves which would be great sin. I know whose I am, and if all were to disagree, I cannot deny Him as long as His strength resides in me.

In His Strength,
Hisalone