Since Romans 7 comes between chapter 6 and 8 it would be hard to see how this fits with a pre-conversion testimony of Paul. That is an argument of the Arminians and the perfectionists, imo.

Frankly, the whole "Lordship salvation" think smacks of Arminianism and perfectionism. Arminianism must lower the demands of God's moral law so that it can appear more holy than it actually is. But the standard God requires is one that is impossible to meet.

That's why sanctification could never be the basis for salvation or justification. That is not to say that sanctification is optional. It isn't. Those who are in open sin should be disciplined by the church. Those who are secretly in sin will be disciplined by God if they are truly elect. And those who never repent and die in that condition reveal themselves as reprobates.

But the bottom line here is that the worst Christian is saved while the most holy Muslim, Buddhist or Catholic is lost. That's because only the cross of Christ can justify anyone and faith is the only means of applying that objective basis for salvation.

Romans 4:1-8

Charlie

For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16 NKJ)