He Rules the Nations with a Rod of Iron

I encourage you to read Michael Barone's column, on the coming of the Obama Thugocracy. You can find the column at townhall-columnists.

We are at war. We have been at war for quite some time now. The stuff mentioned in Barone's column has been going on for years - and I believe - in preparation for this election. I hate saying this, but I think the election is all but over. Take care, my friend.

Ed, thanks for the reference. Mr. Barone's column and the one by Sandy Rios motivated this article.

The rule of law is what separates the Obamaites from the communists. They think the same. If they are given power the rule of law will continue to be disregarded and the pretences will be gone.

The rule of law is only as good as it applies to the least citizen and the most despised. If they will abuse the liberty of some, then what is to stop them from abusing the liberty of all?

Thanks for commenting. When time allows please let me know how you are doing. Good to hear from you.

My good and dear Friend. Thank you so much for caring so much. I've been following with interest your dialogue with Chiefest, another dear Friend, regarding things like unity, and Gov. Palin.

Because of the unity question, regarding where I come from, I have been doing much reading. Especially Romans and James. A few readings of both. Had been warned by Protestants many times (friendly, I'm sure) to stay away from Romans (it's from these pages that Luther launched the Reformation). Yes, but it's also from those pages, I think, where Augustine was converted. Anyway Valiant, I still think the arguments are stupid, man-made, phony arguments.

Do we have differences? Yes. Are they serious differences? Definitely. Will there be unity? Yes, when God tires of this silliness and raises up good men and women on both sides of the issues. Until then, the fighting will go on.

While reading James, I came upon a stunning verse which I never remember seeing before (James 1 : 19-20. Okay, and v.21). Have to believe the Holy Spirit put those words in just for me. Take care my Friend. I visit often.

What a joy to hear of your study in the Scriptures. Thanks for sharing what treasures you are finding there. Dear brother that passage in James has much wider application than you think, the miracle of grace is that the Spirit is able to apply it directly to each of us.

For reference Luther credits Romans 1:16-17 and Augustine Romans 13:14 as used of the Spirit to teach them the truth.

Please help me understand your meaning, ‘I still think the arguments are stupid, man-made, phony arguments’. Are you referring to the Reformation? I promise there will be no fighting here, since we both can relate to the words of James.

Our unity is in Christ and His work on the cross for our benefit. This is the first thing. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace because He is able to tear down whatever walls separate men.

Valiant, I'm going to try to explain why I think many (not all) of the arguments regarding things like Faith, Justification, Works (and more) are man made arguments.

I just can't see where people say that Paul and James are in conflict, although I admit that it appears that way on the surface. It appears to be the argument of Faith vs Works, but is it really that?

I've been finding (maybe I'm wrong) that often when both sides start arguing they are talking about different things. An argument breaks out on "Faith" and some people have one definition of what faith means to them while others have a different definition of what faith means to them.

As a catholic I have to admit that I'm very ignorant as to the meaning of words like Justification and Sanctification. We don't use those words (and I'm finding it's our loss). I'm pretty certain that we tend to substitute Salvation in place of those words.

We also (I think) have different meanings on Works. People argue over Works but seldom clarify what kinds of works they are talking about (moral, ceremonial works of law, combinations of both).

Wow, have I done a lousy job here!

No, Valiant, I am absolutely-not referring to the Reformers when I say things like "silly", "stupid", "man-made". I'm referring to things that have happened since then, on both sides of the argument.

Good men and women from both sides must first define what they mean by all those hot-button words so everyone knows what the other person is talking about. I think that has to be the starting point.

Valiant, I really butchered that attempt at an answer. Please allow me to relate a couple examples from my own experiences.

I never understood what "saved by faith alone" meant. I had some really crazy ideas. "SOME" Protestants (NOT ALL) had me thinking that : Jesus died for them, they are forgiven, the commandments are the law and the law does not count anymore, they don't have to pray, they don't have to go to church, they can do whatever they want, and they are saved.

Some catholics have given some Protestants this impression : the more good works we do the better will be our seat in heaven, if we go to mass every Sunday we are saved, we don't need the Bible because we have sacraments.

These are the things that some people think when they don't have a clearer understanding of what the other side is saying, or what they think the other side preaches.

Paul preaches Christ Crucified, and thats why I said a while back that I'm saved by the Blood of Christ. I'm saved by the Mercy of God. I can earn nothing. Nothing!

Ed, your statements are like gold. This is why I asked you awhile back to put your thoughts into writing so that I can learn from you.

From my perspective I can relate to what you say about ‘faith and works’ and about the doctrines of Justification and Sanctification. These things are definitely related, and I agree that there is misunderstanding based on the meaning of these words even among true believers. We must define our terms according to the Scriptures.

But as you point out there are errors on all sides of this issue. Antinomianism emphasizes grace and faith to the exclusion of good works. Legalism on the other hand emphasizes good works over grace and faith. The distinction between Justification and Sanctification must be maintained in order to sort through these things.

You confess that the mercy of God saved you and then declare your inability to earn favor with God. I say Amen because to me it means you know in your heart that grace apart from works is the first cause of your salvation. The willingness of God to save is grace and extending grace to actually save is mercy. This has to do with Justification, being declared righteous based on the righteousness of Christ and our faith in Him.

So where does good works come in? Are we not saved unto good works; that is for good works? Yes, according to Ephesians 2:10, these works were prepared for us before the foundation of the world that we should walk in them.

What is critical here is the thing that James tells us. Good works are the evidence of a heart that knows grace.

Please be at liberty to express your perspectives.

'Good works are the evidence of a heart that knows grace'.

Dynamite! Absolutely dynamite! Wow!

Yes, sir. God knows the heart. He knows our heart when we do things. He knows if we do for show. And He knows when we try to help people for His honor and glory (not ours).

An honest question, Valiant. I'd really be interested in hearing your thoughts on : can we ever reach a point where we, ourselves, with grace, actually perform a good work from a pure heart through love of God and neighbor?

Ed, you ask a question that concerns every believer. I consider the following quote to be pure gold (to continue our use of gold), because it continues to be a great encouragement. A dear pastor gave this to me 25 years ago. The quote has to do with the Christian’s freedom from the demands and curse of the law. It has helped me to get a glimpse of why the word ‘gospel’ is used to describe the words of Jesus Christ. I think it has application to your question. Let me know what you think. Behold the good news…


The True Bounds of Christian Freedom by Samuel Bolton(under the paragraph labeled ‘freedom from the rigour of the law’)

http://www.thehighway.com/truefreedom_Bolton.html

[T]he rigour of the law, [requires] universal and actual, as well as personal, obedience, yea, and with such a degree of rigour that if a man failed in one tittle he was lost for ever: ‘Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the law to do them’ (Gal. 3.10). Here was the call for an obedience, personal, universal, actual, constant and perpetual, failure in which in respect of any tittle at any time, brought a man under the curse of the law. All his desires, all his endeavours, would not serve the turn. If he failed in the least tittle, he was undone for ever. No repentance, no tears, no prayers, no future amends would make up for the failure. The Gospel admits of repentance, but the law will not own it. The law looks for exact obedience in every jot and tittle.

From this rigid obedience has God freed the believer. Instead of universal actual obedience, God is pleased to accept of universal habitual obedience, as we find it written: ‘Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments’ (Ps. 119.6). Though there may be failing in action, yet where there is truth of affection, God can own it. In the Gospel God accepts affections for actions, endeavours for performance, desire for ability. A Christian is made up of desires, of mournings, thirstings and bewailings: O that my ways were directed! O miserable man that I am! Here is Gospel perfection.

Thank you, my dear friend, for answering my question. and thank you for the 'link'.

I just visited the site. It's going to take a slow-read, and I'm about to get ready to go to work, so I'll check it out either tonight or tomorrow. Thanks again, Valiant.

Thank you, my dear friend, for answering my question. and thank you for the 'link'.

I just visited the site. It's going to take a slow-read, and I'm about to get ready to go to work, so I'll check it out either tonight or tomorrow. Thanks again, Valiant.

I hope you don't mind me butting in here, Ed; Valiant is probably about fed up with me, but I would just like to encourage you on your journey and add a few thoughts.

"I'd really be interested in hearing your thoughts on : can we ever reach a point where we, ourselves, with grace, actually perform a good work from a pure heart through love of God and neighbor?" was your question to our Brother Valiant.

I may be stating the obvious, I don't know, but good works are what we were created for (Eph 2:10), in Christ Jesus (of course). All things are possible through Christ(Phil 4:13), which means that if its Christ who lives in us, it is actually God (John 14:10-12)that is doing the work (John 14:10). Logically then, if we do no good works (James 2:18), then the Father must not be in us, and the tree is evil (Matt 7:17,18).Don't be afraid to do the works; Jesus left us instructions (be anonymous): Matt 6:1-6.


I would like to direct you to one of my favorite scriptures:

Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Noah believed God, therefore he moved with fear (did the work)and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Finally have faith that God (Rom 14:4)will make you stand and remember:

Jude-

24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Nothing you have written has changed my opinion of you. I cannot fault a man for passion towards the Word of God. My prayer is for more men like you. I appreciate your efforts to hold me accountable to the truth and love you all the more for it. Love rejoices in the truth.

I have been considering your comments on feminism and a reply from Proverbs 31.

It seems some people search scriptures to validate themselves. This is the wrong reason.

Here is a good premise I have for wanting to read the scriptures as Jesus said:
"For what so ever you do, for the least of your brothers, so do you do unto me."

Another inspiration to me is the Parable of the Sower. I have it memorized, not word for word but the meaning of the parable is what is to be understood.

The Russians were memorizing the entire Bible during the Bolshevik revolution and the book burnings.

Thanks for your input (always welcome as far as I'm concerned).

I really don't want to embarrass Valiant with nice words, so let me put it this way : he could've, and probably should've, flagged me a long time ago. He didn't, and I'm grateful.

I've watched your dialogue with Valiant and it's really been of interest to me. To be honest, some of the things that you and Valiant discuss have never-ever crossed my mind. Therefore, I'm keeping my mouth shut. Take care, my friend.

Sorry for the double-post, above. Not sure how that happened.

Visited that site. Read the piece in it's entirety. Pretty good stuff, Valiant. I can see why it's important to you.

I hope you don't mind the contents of the post to Chiefest...if you do...we can argue about it later (tongue in cheek).