I’ve re-thought this entire issue and want to propose that “Faith Guarantees Works” is only valid as a hypothetical construct.  In other words, I don’t think practically we can look at anyone’s works and tell anything about their own eternal destiny.  I’ll walk through the logic and the scripture, but what do you think?  Why is it important to hold onto this theological assumption?  What happens if works isn’t connected to faith?  Where is the harm?  What could be the good?

Fred Lybrand

Here’s where the GES Gospel discussion is:

http://fredlybrand.blogspot.com/2009/04/fga-ges-gospel-statement.html

Here’s where Fred Lybrand’s Open Letter on the GES Gospel may be found:

http://docyouments.googlepages.com/GESGospel.LybrandOpenLetter.04-14-09.pdf

I gave up on Blogspot (it wouldn’t let me post comments…only initial posts: see http://fredlybrand.blogspot.com/), so I’m reloading my last question.  I will be in the mountains with my sons until Thursday, so have at it!

My bottom line is that one can walk according to the flesh (2 Cor 10:2; Gal 5), and though one is a  true brother in Christ, can live as mere men (1 Cor 3:1-4).  ‘Can’ does not me ‘will or should’—so, I say carnality is simply the reality that Christians can sin; and that for extended periods of time.  Some deny even this…but I think most who bray at ‘carnality’ or worried that it gives one freedom to sin / ignore God / assume they are in good standing, etc.  The REAL debate is actually around two things:

1.  Can a Christian resist the Spirit and live ‘according to the flesh’ indefinitely (i.e. doesn’t the Spirit have to change their life)?

2.  How long can a Christian sin before it proves he isn’t really a Christian?

So, there you go…if you don’t like my formulation of the question, then help me out!.  Again, I’ll be gone for a few days…so be kind!!!

Grace and Peace,

Fred Lybrand