<center>[color:red]This post was moved from:</font color=red> the Theology Forum - Pilgrim</center><br><br>Hi everyone-<br><br>I've been helping someone understand Reformed thought on ecumenicalism, the bases of sanctification and justification, Arminianism, denominationalism within a "catholic" church, and evangelicalism (of the ECA type). There's a lot of ground to cover! The resources of The Highway have helped both of us immensely.<br><br>We've had some discussions about Ephesians 1 and 2, and portions of I John (mostly chapter 2).<br>Independently of all this I have continued studying into I John 3:1-10.<br><br>Early in my childhood I was always shamed into weekly "repentance, confession and salvation." Salvation was dependent on my choosing to allow it, and its continuing effectiveness was based on works. I could lose salvation anytime I relapsed into sin. I've carried all manner of guilty feelings into adulthood over what I have been assured is a lawless condition that will persist until I die. <br><br>Reformed thought and behavior only entered my life after many years of searching and listening. Today the Advocate sends great reassurances and resources my way when I am most consumed in my old misunderstandings, and I cease continuing in this disagreeable wallowing- once more I am a new man and can accept a humble place at the feet of Christ and know His forgiveness in deep and wonderful ways.<br><br>Today I am once more nagged by the feeling that I can never attain what this particular scripture sets before me. I try to tell myself that God understands my inability outside His power to be any different, and that it's His provision alone that saves me in spite of my human efforts and understanding. I completely understand Paul's frustrations about knowing and wanting to do the right thing but the flesh being unwilling. My head asks why God seems to ask me to do something He knows I am entirely incapable of doing?<br><br>I get defensive in my feelings and thoughts (and that's certainly not acceptable!) My wont to sin in the way of perfectionism (just a more palatable term for "pride," is it not?!) is wreaking havoc with my spiritual walk. When I read this passage of Scripture I become more frustrated than before because I want to conform to it and apparently cannot.<br><br>I don't want to fall back into my past ways of thinking about God, but I feel trapped. Can someone help me understand the context and content of this and related passages?<br><br>Hope this isn't too heavy a request at the end of the week!<br>I thank my Father for what He is about to reveal through someone here, and for imparting them the wisdom and willingness to share it.<br><br>Grateful Thanks!!<br>Cecil<br>

Last edited by Pilgrim; Fri May 02, 2003 7:01 AM.