dermdoc said:CrackerJackAg said:
That's not scriptural. It's a nice feel good story but plenty of Paul's writings say otherwise. Repentance is required for forgiveness.
Honest question, how do you know someone has truly repented? And is there a work or task they have to do?
You know the answer to that. There is no list of works that must be done. Good actions (works??) come from having the right perspective and relationship with God. In The Church we rely on confession and conversations with a Priest to gauge where a person is at in there pursuit with forgiveness and repentance THROUGH GOD and any other congregant they have sinned against.
HYPOTHETICAL I:
You don't get to attend singles night at the Church if you are still claiming that your infidelity was perhaps justified because your wife/fellow congregant is a prudish *****. Man continues to go to bars and has one night stands occasionally . You have to accept your sin and repent it fully.
HYPOTHETICAL II:
Man cheats on Wife and has porn addiction. Wife divorces husband. Husband over the next year or two goes to counseling full repentance and has lived a celebrate life outside of marriage to prepare himself to be a better husband.
Man number to gets to go to singles night at the church.
It's not about the works. It is about the mindset of the individual. The works stem from the mindset.
I don't really see what this is a difficult concept.
I feel like I've UNINTENTIONALLY touched a nerve and you're being obtuse because I've upset you. I know you to be a pretty good reasonable guy, so I guess this would be my final answer.
It's OK if we disagree on the nature of "works" as protestants see it. I believe that "works" are the result of a good loving relationship with God. Much like a husband who truly adores his wife may dote on her, write poetry and sing songs to her and provide her special privileges and moments that are exclusive to her practically enslaving himself. These actions come out of the man's mind, out of love for the woman. It's good fruit not mandated works.
PM me. I'm in College Station a couple nights a week. Good drink and dinner on me at the Republic or Christopher's or anywhere else you like.