Free Grace Theology

Nor do I. I'm convinced the spiritual side of salvation is instantaneous. It's the practical, visible evidence that takes time to emerge.

That's where we agree to disagree. If salvation is based on a relationship with God made possible by the sacrifice of Christ, then free will is always a factor. Free will made the relationship possible, and free will can end it. The Bible (even Christ Himself) warns believers of the danger of walking away from the relationship. Hebrews, in particular, is rather harsh about it (Hebrews 10:26-31).

 

I have always heard that passage interpreted to be a warning against rejecting Christ, not after you have accepted him but before.

I am not sure I have known anyone who accepted Christ and then later completely rejected him. Many people fail to live in a Christ-like manner but if you ask them they still believe and plan to do better. Maybe that is just a function of living in backwoods North Carolina.....

 

I tend to agree with you on this subject, Thelt. Too often, modern christianity focuses on morality or actions as signs of salvation than faith or even leaning towards a commandment type of religion rather than one of grace. It is true a fruit tree can't go back to being a thorn. However, we must heed the warning of Jesus too.

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit.

Fruit is often mistaken for works, acts, social or religious morality. I do agree with you that the work of the Spirit starts at salvation, but is an ongoing work which should not be judged by human conventions.

 

Grace through faith. works have nothing to do with the actual salvation. works need to be part of the reslults of salvation.

 

Agreesome.

 

If that is so, can you define "works" or explain what these works "need" to be?

 

My understanding of "works" is basically living out Jesus' teaching and examples. Take care of each other. Love each other. Tell the world about Him. Show those who don't know Him what He's like and how much He loves them.

 

The concept of original sin boggles my mind. I mean, my daughter and son, when the breathed their first breath, were sinners? I find that hard to believe.

 

Maybe the problem lies in the perception of what "sin" is. The common understanding of sin is a list of bad, evil, or harmful acts. Applied to a newborn, that makes no sense at all.

But a more accurate definitition of sin is the state of being separated from God. Sin is a Latin word that literally means "without". Ask a child if he or she knows God, and most likely the answer is going to be "no". Hence the state of sin.

 

Still not of the child's own thinking/fault.

I tag original sin along the same lines as muslim's claims that all humans are born muslim but many "wonder from the path" due to baptism, or other religious decisions later in life.