@Titus
Being born again was never passive for any new testament convert.
We play a role in our salvation and that does not logically result in merit.
One can have responsibility to be saved and it be by grace.
Since one obeys the gospel to be regenerated this proves human response is required.
That response precedes regeneration therefore salvation cannot be passive.
You ain't talking to a works based salvationist.
Really? Then
you do not truly understand the difference between works and grace, Mr. Blowhard. Listen carefully to Paul's definition of pure grace, which
salvation from sin and condemnation is by God's grace through the redemptions that is in Christ Jesus, without
any works, in which man has an
active part in, for once man has an active part in salvation from sin and condemnation,
then it ceases to be by grace, by
God's definition, not Titus'
.
Romans 11:5,6
“Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to
the election of grace. And
if by grace, then
is it "
no more" of works:
otherwise grace is no more grace. But if
it be of works, then is it
no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
And if by grace
It is by grace, demerited favor, but the apostle wisely chose to proceed in a definitional argument. Their salvation, and our salvation, is by grace, but it is helpful to define and analyze grace in detail.
Then is it no more of works.
If it is by grace, then works cannot at all be involved, for the definition of grace is unmerited favor. Paul had taught earlier in this section about Israel that God’s mercy was by
His will only (9:15,16).
Otherwise grace is no more grace.
If works were involved, then it could not be by grace, for God's definition of grace excludes works. Titus, if you think the language here to be tautology or trite, you do not appreciate grace against works.
But if it be of works.
It is not by works, earned wages, but Paul simply chose to proceed in his definitional argument. Their salvation, and our salvation, is not by works, but it is helpful to define and reject works.
Then is it no more grace.
If it is by works,
then grace cannot be involved, for the definition of work
is to earn by debt. Works and grace are
completely and entirely antithetical, as Paul had earlier taught (4:4).
Otherwise work is no more work.
If grace were involved, then it could not be by works, for God's definition of works excludes grace. Thus the apostle (not me) gives us one of the clearest examples of grace and works to found anywhere.
Titus, do you agree with Paul?
Romans 6:17-18 ; 7,
- but God be thanked that ye were servants of sin, but ye have obeyed that pattern of doctrine which was delivered you
- being then made free from sin ye became the servants of righteousness
Titus, God
first regenerates his elect apart from all means whatsoever,
then they have the power/right/authority to see, hear, and believe, and yes,
obey once they hear the gospel preached. But spiritual LIFE must be imparted by the power of God quickening them to life,
before the gospel becomes a message they are willing and able to hear ~ if not, then the gospel is foolishness to all of Adam's children. Their natural flesh is at enmity against the word of God.
Romans 8:7
“Because the carnal mind
is enmity against God: for
it is not subject to the law of God,
neither indeed can be.”
You and Paul do not have very much in common ~ actually not one thing, when it comes to Biblical Theology concerning Soteriology.
The scriptures teach they obeyed the gospel then were freed, justified, born again, made righteous.
Wow, what a mess up understanding of salvation from sin and condemnation! Obeying
before one is born again! You have a gospel that exalts man, rather than Jesus' faith and obedience for man's
free justification.
Romans 4:25
“Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again
for our justification.”
Justification is used in different senses in the word of God, than only in one sense....... can you name them? I can, test me.
Are you seeing the light yet?
