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Chosen said:
As Reformed believers, if we truly are, then it is not the outside of the cup but the inside that is underscrutiny, an it can only be cleansed by the washing of the water by the Word, not the word. It is sanctification by the Spirit. When we grasp the absoluteness of His foreordination in bringing into conformity our New Man with the image of Christ, we experience, yes even feel as David and all the saints of old the incredible freedom of the sons of God set free by the Son of God.
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First, re: "inside vs. outside the cup" . . . while it is true that the state of one's heart is more determinative of one's salvation, that which is "outside" is most always indicative of what resides on the "inside". Yet, neither that which is inside nor outside is actually that which secures salvation but rather an "alien righteousness", i.e., the imputed righteousness of Christ which evokes God's judicial declaration of "not guilty" upon a sinner who has faith. (cf. Luther's marvelous summary in: simul iustus et peccator). Sanctification is the application and continual working of the indwelt Spirit of God of one's justification. (cf. Rom 6; James 2:20ff) Salvation is ALL of grace for God has foreordained both the means as well as the end of all those whom He has predestinated to salvation in Christ. (cf. Rom 8:29, 30; Eph 1:4-13)

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Chosen then said:
If I understood Pilgrim correctly, it is we who choose whether or not we remain in the vine. I think not. We who have been grafted in remain because it is he who works in us both to will and to do. Whether or not sin is present is not the measure of our salvation, but the word of Christ. Even as the Scriptures tell us that if we deny Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us, because He cannot deny Himself.
Methinks you have indeed misunderstood my position. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Salvation, from beginning to end is all of grace; i.e., God's work. But this should not be reduced and errantly so to the popular notion of "Let go and let God!", which bifurcates and even in some circles denies man's responsibility to persevere in the faith, to work out one's salvation with fear and trembling. This "working out" is made possible because of the Spirit "Who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure." (Phil 2:13) But it isn't God who repents, believes nor works. The individual is an active participant in sanctification and is also responsible to do so. Failure to persevere would be an indication that the Spirit is not present; i.e., regeneration, conversion and justification has not occurred.

I hope this makes things clearer for you at least as to what my position is. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bigglasses.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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