Wayne,

Methinks you have simply iterated what you have been trying to advocate here from day one... "love" trumps all and is not inextricably bound to the intellect or will. This is where we differ and are miles apart in our understanding of Scripture and more specifically to the doctrine of sanctification and possibly the entire doctrine of salvation.

1. I contend that Scripture (God) teaches that true faith, that faith which is wrought in the soul by the Spirit in regeneration is 'fiducia', i.e., a faith that has true knowledge, a genuine heart-felt desire/affection for God and all that is good, and the ability/will to do what is required to live a life of holiness before God. In short, the intellect, the affections and the will are inseparably bound together albeit they don't always appear compatible due to the remaining sin nature of a true Christian.

2. To truly 'love' God is to obey Him; the keeping of His commandments (Jh 14:15,21; 15:10; 1Jh 15:2-4). One cannot claim to 'love' God and not strive after holiness. And one cannot 'love' God in ignorance of who God is and not desire to do that which is most pleasing to Him (Ps 1:2; 40:8; 119; Prov 18:2; Isa 55:1-13; Jer 9:24; Rom 7:22).

3. Man is to 'love' as God has revealed His love; what He desired is that is what He determined to do (Jh 3:16; Rom 8:29,30; Eph 2:4,5; 2Thess 2:13-17; 1Jh 4:10,11; Rev 1:5). Throughout the OT, the prophets continually reminded the Israelites of God's love and mercy toward them by iterating all that God had done for them. It wasn't that God simply had an alleged affection for them yet did nothing for or to them. No, God's love is and must be expressed else it cannot be called true love. Likewise, one cannot claim to have a love (desire/affection) for God and not express that love through obedience and an increasing of knowledge of God (Eph 1:15-23; Col 1:9,10). Those who profess to 'love' God and yet do not learn what it is what God requires and do it will not inherit eternal life (Matt 7:21-23; 25:1-11; Lk 6:43-49).

Lastly, I really feel compelled to remind you that "love" is NOT the primary nor predominate attribute of God, albeit statements which clearly say "God is love". If it is proper to segregate and prioritize God's attributes, then without any question, HOLINESS is the overwhelming attribute of God. All one needs to do is consult a concordance and see the sheer number of times "holy" appears in relation to God vs. "love. If a man truly loves God, then he will desire, seek after holiness (Heb 12:14). It was Jesus' prayer that His own, those for whom He would sacrifice His life, that the Father would sanctify them in love:

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John 17:17-26 (ASV) "Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me. And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we [are] one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that thou didst send me, and lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me. Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world knew thee not, but I knew thee; and these knew that thou didst send me; and I made known unto them thy name, and will make it known; that the love wherewith thou lovedst me may be in them, and I in them."

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simul iustus et peccator

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