Sanctification by Works

[MikhaelDavid]

Dr. StrangeLove asked me to supply all the scripture that says we are sanctified by the law.. And what I mean by Sanctification by Works is Synergistic, Both the work of God in man; enabling us to obey, and man's active obedience to His revealed will. So man can not actively obey without the work of God through Justification and initially and progressively through the Sanctification process but with that man has a role in the active obedience to God's Holy Law as a rule of life.. For God said, Be Holy, For I AM Holy.

I thought the best way to do this would be to supply what Godly men have said in one of the highest standard confessions of the past which were written by the Puritans which consisted of Presbyterian, Baptist, Anglican and Congregationalist parties. I am sure more scripture can be shown but these quotes will I believe with the proof text be enough to show not only biblical evidence of this belief but also historical precedence for this belief in orthodox Christianity...


In the Westminster Confession of Faith, in the chapter titled, "Of the Law of God" said,

The moral law doth forever bind all, as well justified persons as others, to the obedience thereof;a and that not only in regard of the matter contained in it, but also in respect of the authority of God the Creator who gave it.b Neither doth Christ in the gospel any way dissolve, but much strengthen, this obligation.c
a. Rom 13:8-10; Eph 6:2; 1 John 2:3-4, 7-8. • b. James 2:10-11. • c. Mat 5:17-19; Rom 3:31; James 2:8.

Although true believers be not under the law as a covenant of works, to be thereby justified or condemned;a yet is it of great use to them, as well as to others; in that, as a rule of life, informing them of the will of God and their duty, it directs and binds them to walk accordingly;b discovering also the sinful pollutions of their nature, hearts, and lives;c so as, examining themselves thereby, they may come to further conviction of, humiliation for, and hatred against sin;d together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and the perfection of his obedience.e It is likewise of use to the regenerate, to restrain their corruptions, in that it forbids sin;f and the threatenings of it serve to show what even their sins deserve, and what afflictions in this life they may expect for them, although freed from the curse thereof threatened in the law.g The promises of it, in like manner, show them God's approbation of obedience, and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof;h although not as due to them by the law as a covenant of works:i so as a man's doing good, and refraining from evil, because the law encourageth to the one, and deterreth from the other, is no evidence of his being under the law, and not under grace.k
a. Acts 13:39; Rom 6:14; 8:1; Gal 2:16; 3:13; 4:4-5. • b. Psa 119:4-6; Rom 7:12, 22, 25; 1 Cor 7:19; Gal 5:14, 16, 18-23. • c. Rom 3:20; 7:7. • d. Rom 7:9, 14, 24; James 1:23-25. • e. Rom 7:24-25; 8:3-4; Gal 3:24. • f. Psa 119:101, 104, 128; James 2:11. • g. Ezra 9:13-14; Psa 89:30-34. • h. Lev 26:1, 10; 26:14 with 2 Cor 6:16; Psa 19:11; 37:11 with Mat 5:5; Eph 6:2-3. • i. Luke 17:10; Gal 2:16. • k. Rom 6:12, 14; Heb 12:28-29; 1 Pet 3:8-12 with Psa 34:12-16.

Neither are the forementioned uses of the law contrary to the grace of the gospel, but do sweetly comply with it:a the Spirit of Christ subduing and enabling the will of man to do that freely and cheerfully which the will of God, revealed in the law, requireth to be done.b
a. Gal 3:21. • b. Ezek 36:27; Heb 8:10 with Jer 31:33.


In the Westminster Shorter Catechism for Children the following is asked and answered,




Q. 39. What is the duty which God requireth of man?
A. The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will [a].
[a]. Deut. 29:29; Mic. 6:8; I John 5:2-3

Q. 40. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?
A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the moral law [a].
[a]. Rom. 2:14-15; 10:5

Q. 41. Wherein is the moral law summarily comprehended?
A. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments [a].
[a]. Deut. 4:13; Matt. 19:17-19


In the Westminster Larger Catechism for Adults, asked and answered the following,

Q91: What is the duty which God requireth of man?
A91: The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will.[1]

1. Rom. 12:1-2; Micah 6:8; I Sam. 15:22

Q92: What did God at first reveal unto man as the rule of his obedience?
A92: The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the estate of innocence, and to all mankind in him, besides a special command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, was the moral law.[1]

1. Gen. 1:26-27; 2:17; Rom. 2:14-15; 10:5

Q93: What is the moral law?
A93: The moral law is the declaration of the will of God to mankind, directing and binding everyone to personal, perfect, and perpetual conformity and obedience thereunto, in the frame and disposition of the whole man, soul and body,[1] and in performance of all those duties of holiness and righteousness which he oweth to God and man:[2] promising life upon the fulfilling, and threatening death upon the breach of it.[3]

1. Deut. 5:1-3, 31, 33; Luke 10:26-27; Gal. 3:10; I Thess. 5:23
2. Luke 1:75; Acts 14:16
3. Rom. 10:5; Gal. 3:10, 12

Q94: Is there any use of the moral law to man since the fall?
A94: Although no man, since the fall, can attain to righteousness and life by the moral law;[1] yet there is great use thereof, as well common to all men, as peculiar either to the unregenerate, or the regenerate.[2]

1. Rom. 8:3; Gal. 2:16
2. I Tim. 1:8​

Q95: Of what use is the moral law to all men?
A95: The moral law is of use to all men, to inform them of the holy nature and will of God,[1] and of their duty, binding them to walk accordingly;[2] to convince them of their disability to keep it, and of the sinful pollution of their nature, hearts, and lives;[3] to humble them in the sense of their sin and misery,[4] and thereby help them to a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ,[5] and of the perfection of his obedience.[6]

1. Lev. 11:44-45; 20:7-8; Rom. 7:12
2. Micah 6:8; James 2:10-11
3. Psa. 19:11-12; Rom. 3:20; 7:7
4. Rom. 3:9, 23
5. Gal. 3:21-22
6. Rom. 10:4

Q96: What particular use is there of the moral law to unregenerate men?
A96: The moral law is of use to unregenerate men, to awaken their consciences to flee from wrath to come,[1] and to drive them to Christ;[2] or, upon their continuance in the estate and way of sin, to leave them inexcusable,[3] and under the curse thereof.[4]

1. I Tim. 1:9-10
2. Gal. 3:24
3. Rom. 1:20; 2:15
4. Gal. 3:10

Q97: What special use is there of the moral law to the regenerate?
A97: Although they that are regenerate, and believe in Christ, be delivered from the moral law as a covenant of works,[1] so as thereby they are neither justified [2] nor condemned;[3] yet, besides the general uses thereof common to them with all men, it is of special use, to show them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it, and enduring the curse thereof in their stead, and for their good;[4] and thereby to provoke them to more thankfulness,[5] and to express the same in their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience.[6]

1. Rom. 6:14; 7:4, 6; Gal. 4:4-5
2. Rom. 3:20
3. Gal. 5:23; Rom. 8:1
4. Rom. 7:24-25; 8:3-4; Gal. 3:13-14
5. Luke 1:68-69, 74-75; Col. 1:12-14
6. Rom. 7:22; 12:2; Titus 2:11-14 ​

Q98: Where is the moral law summarily comprehended?
A98: The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments, which were delivered by the voice of God upon mount Sinai, and written by him in two tables of stone;[1] and are recorded in the twentieth chapter of Exodus. The four first commandments containing our duty to God, and the other six our duty to man.[2]

1. Deut. 10:4; Exod. 34:1-4
2. Matt. 22:37-38, 40

Q99: What rules are to be observed for the right understanding of the ten commandments?
A99: For the right understanding of the ten commandments, these rules are to be observed:



1. That the law is perfect, and bindeth everyone to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof, and unto entire obedience forever; so as to require the utmost perfection of every duty, and to forbid the least degree of every sin.[1]
2. That it is spiritual, and so reaches the understanding, will, affections, and all other powers of the soul; as well as words, works, and gestures.[2]
3. That one and the same thing, in divers respects, is required or forbidden in several commandments.[3]
4. That as, where a duty is commanded, the contrary sin is forbidden;[4] and, where a sin is forbidden, the contrary duty is commanded:[5] so, where a promise is annexed, the contrary threatening is included;[6] and, where a threatening is annexed, the contrary promise is included.[7]
5. That what God forbids, is at no time to be done;[8] What he commands, is always our duty;[9] and yet every particular duty is not to be done at all times.[10]
6. That under one sin or duty, all of the same kind are forbidden or commanded; together with all the causes, means, occasions, and appearances thereof, and provocations thereunto.[11]
7. That what is forbidden or commanded to ourselves, we are bound, according to our places, to endeavor that it may be avoided or performed by others, according to the duty of their places.[12]
8. That in what is commanded to others, we are bound, according to our places and callings, to be helpful to them;[13] and to take heed of partaking with others in: What is forbidden them.[14]

1. Psa. 19:7; James 2:10; Matt. 5:21-22
2. Rom. 7:14; Deut. 6:5; Matt. 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-34, 37-39, 43-44; 22:37-39
3. Col. 3:5; Amos 8:5; Prov. 1:19; I Tim. 6:10
4. Isa. 58:13; Deut. 6:13; Matt. 4:9-10; 15:4-6
5. Matt. 5:21-25; Eph. 4:28
6. Exod. 20:12; Prov. 30:17
7. Jer. 18:7-8; Exod. 20:7; Psa. 15:1, 4-5; 24:4-5
8. Job. 13:7; 36:21; Rom. 3:8; Heb. 11:25
9. Deut. 4:8-9
10. Matt. 12:7
11. Matt. 5:21-22, 27-28; 15:4-6; Heb. 10:24-25; I Thess. 5:22-23; Gal. 5:26; Col. 3:21
12. Exod. 20:10; Lev. 19:17; Gen. 18:19; Josh. 24:15; Deut. 6:6-7
13. II Cor. 1:24
14. I Tim. 5:22​

Dr. StrangeLove said,

Now can you show me all the scripture that says we are ... sanctified by the law? Thanks.

 

[MikhaelDavid]

For Anybody that does not know anything about the Westminster Confession of Faith, Westminster Shorter and Larger Catechism and the rest of the Westminster Standards they were written in the Westminster Assembly in 1643-1647ish with the Confession written in 1646. The Assembly were made up of Puritans from all three major branches, Reformed (Presbyterian), Anglican and Congregationalist though at that time the Baptist were barred from attending.. But the Baptist conferred and accepted everything in the Westminster Standards except baptism and church government and by their agreement wrote a duplicate Westminster Confession of Faith but changed just two chapters which were baptism and church government and they called that confession the London Baptist Confession of 1689.. In every other point they agreed with the Westminster Standards and especially on the issue of Sanctification by the Law..

Michael

 

[ghost of winter]

interesting stuff. this is a question ive been asking myself a lot recently ie should gentile believers keep the law? the answer would seem to be a resounding yes.

 

[David Ben Yosef]

I would agree that the sanctification process includes "works." What Christians would refer to as "works of the Law." What we at this forum refer to as "Torah observance." So yes, sanctification does indeed come by works.



Shalom

 

[visionary]

I would agree that the sanctification process includes "works." What Christians would refer to as "works of the Law." What we at this forum refer to as "Torah observance." So yes, sanctification does indeed come by works.



Shalom

.. That includes that which exceeds the works of the letter of the law too... things like ... Gal 5:22 the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

 

[David Ben Yosef]

.. That includes that which exceeds the works of the letter of the law too... things like ... Gal 5:22 the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Precisely. Although I believe all of those things mentioned in Gal 5:22 are in the Torah as well. So I don't see them as "exceeding" Torah observance. I don't believe there is such a thing as "exceeding the Torah" as far as observance is concerned. But I'm a real stickler for Scriptural accuracy.

I also happen to believe that there is a general misunderstanding concerning "the letter of the Law" and "the spirit of the Law." For me, the spirit of the Law is contained in the letter of the law. They are not opposed to one another like the replacement theology concept of Law vs. Grace. They work together instead.



Shalom

 

[Lulav]

Where does the term 'Covenant of Works' come from?

 

[visionary]

Precisely. Although I believe all of those things mentioned in Gal 5:22 are in the Torah as well. So I don't see them as "exceeding" Torah observance. I don't believe there is such a thing as "exceeding the Torah" as far as observance is concerned. But I'm a real stickler for Scriptural accuracy.

I also happen to believe that there is a general misunderstanding concerning "the letter of the Law" and "the spirit of the Law." For me, the spirit of the Law is contained in the letter of the law. They are not opposed to one another like the replacement theology concept of Law vs. Grace. They work together instead.



Shalom

As Yeshua pointed out there are things that exceed the pharisee thinking in righteousness.. which is for us to achieve... not only that.. there are weightier matters of the law.. and the proper discernment as to which can only be inspired by Yeshua to give .. like when weighing in on the balances of life, does one do this or that..

if two righteous laws seem to be in conflict and only one can be performed at that moment..

Does one heal today or wait til tomorrow..
does one forgive or declare only God can forgive..
is it easier to say I forgive you or pray for healing..

just some examples the Lord dealt with.

 

[Lulav]

Precisely. Although I believe all of those things mentioned in Gal 5:22 are in the Torah as well. So I don't see them as "exceeding" Torah observance. I don't believe there is such a thing as "exceeding the Torah" as far as observance is concerned. But I'm a real stickler for Scriptural accuracy.

I also happen to believe that there is a general misunderstanding concerning "the letter of the Law" and "the spirit of the Law." For me, the spirit of the Law is contained in the letter of the law. They are not opposed to one another like the replacement theology concept of Law vs. Grace. They work together instead.



Shalom

David, where does that teaching come from about the 'letter of the law' and 'spirit of the law'?

I think that the word law is much abused. Torah means instructions for life. We all need guidance, it must be written down, that is a Righteous G-d that does that.

 

[David Ben Yosef]

As Yeshua pointed out there are things that exceed the pharisee thinking in righteousness.. which is for us to achieve...

Correct. Yeshua is talking about exceeding self righteousness, not exceeding the Torah. The weightier matters of the Law are right there in the letter of the Torah. It is impossible to exceed the goal of righteousness contained within the Torah. It's all right there in it. The Torah is the very essence of the nature of HaShem. There is no way to exceed that, Vis. None. How can you possibly exceed the essence of HaShem's nature?



Shalom

 

[MikhaelDavid]

Lulav,

The covenant of works was made in the Garden of Eden between God and Adam who represented all mankind as a federal head. (Romans 5:12-21) It promised life for obedience and death for disobedience. Adam, and all mankind in Adam, broke the covenant, thus standing condemned. The covenant of works continues to function after the fall as the moral law.


Though it is not explicitly called a covenant in the opening chapters of Genesis, the comparison of the representative headship of Christ and Adam, as well as passages like Hosea 6:7 to prove the point of the Covenant of Works. It has also been noted that Jeremiah 33:20-26 (cf. 31:35-36) compares the covenant with David to God's covenant with the day and the night and the statutes of heaven and earth which God laid down at creation.


It is also sometimes called the Adamic Covenant.


Upon Adam's failure, God established the covenant of grace in the promised seed Genesis 3:15, and shows his redeeming care in clothing Adam and Eve in garments of skin perhaps picturing the first instance of animal sacrifice. The specific covenants after the fall of Adam are seen as administered under the overarching theological covenant of grace.




Michael

Where does the term 'Covenant of Works' come from?

 

[David Ben Yosef]

David, where does that teaching come from about the 'letter of the law' and 'spirit of the law'?

From the epistles of Sha'ul. If you would like me to be more specific, I can look up some passages for an example(s), if you like?



Shalom

 

[Lulav]

From the epistles of Sha'ul. If you would like me to be more specific, I can look up some passages for an example(s), if you like?



Shalom

No, it's as I thought, a doctrine of Paul only.

 

[David Ben Yosef]

No, it's as I thought, a doctrine of Paul only.

A much misunderstood teaching of Sha'ul. His words have been twisted by Christian apologists to mean the exact opposite of what he's actually saying. This happens a lot. But I know how you feel about "Paul" so I'll just stop right there. I can understand your position too. At one time I considered abandoning his writings all together. But when I began to study the Talmud, the more familiar I became with Pharasaic thought, and could then understand Sha'ul MUCH better. His writings are actually very complex in many instances, and the beginning Bible student should avoid them entirely. Of course, you won't hear this within Christianity, because they fail to understand him too....LOL



Shalom

 

[Lulav]

Lulav,

The covenant of works was made in the Garden of Eden between God and Adam who represented all mankind as a federal head. (Romans 5:12-21) It promised life for obedience and death for disobedience. Adam, and all mankind in Adam, broke the covenant, thus standing condemned. The covenant of works continues to function after the fall as the moral law.

That is only if you believe in 'original sin'. I don't believe that I am doomed, nor will have to pay for what someone else did thousands of years ago. What in the world is a 'federal head'?

If this is true then why did G-d say: everyone shall die for his own sin. Each man who eats sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge.

Though it is not explicitly called a covenant in the opening chapters of Genesis, the comparison of the representative headship of Christ and Adam, as well as passages like Hosea 6:7 to prove the point of the Covenant of Works.

I don't see how this proves this?

Hosea 6:7 But they like men have transgressed the covenant; there have they dealt treacherously against Me.

It has also been noted that Jeremiah 33:20-26 (cf. 31:35-36) compares the covenant with David to God's covenant with the day and the night and the statutes of heaven and earth which God laid down at creation.

And how does that have to do with a 'works covenant'?

It is also sometimes called the Adamic Covenant.

The first Brit, or Covenant mentioned in the Bible is the Noachide Covenant.

Upon Adam's failure, God established the covenant of grace in the promised seed Genesis 3:15, and shows his redeeming care in clothing Adam and Eve in garments of skin perhaps picturing the first instance of animal sacrifice. The specific covenants after the fall of Adam are seen as administered under the overarching theological covenant of grace.
Michael

If this covenant was established as you say in Gen 3:15 then why was the Torah given?

I think you are understanding this from too much of a Christian viewpoint instead of a Hebrew perspective. The Torah is the ketubah between G-d and his people.

It sounds to me as if you just used this site to define this.

The second, called the Covenant of Works, was made in the Garden of Eden between God and Adam and promised life for obedience and death for disobedience. Adam disobeyed God and broke the covenant, and so the third covenant was made between God and all of mankind, who also fell with Adam according to Romans 5:12-21.

This is according to one man only, this was not taught by Yeshua nor his disciples as this is not a Jewish belief.

Even after reading that site I still do not understand this 'covenant of works'. The definition of a covenant is an agreement between two parties. Each needs to be accepting of the terms.

I.E. [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]And Moses wrote down all the words of the L-RD. Then he arose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.... Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people: and they said. ‘All that Adonai has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient! Ex 24

This book of the covenant was placed with the Ark of the covenant. There is only one.

[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]"Then Adonai said to Moses, ‘Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.’"[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica] Ex 34[/FONT]

 

[ContraMundum]

I believe sanctification is by faith, not by works. Works are faith in action. Works acceptable to God only arise out of true faith. They give our faith life, teach us spiritual discipline, but only by faith can God cleanse the heart of all sin.

Act 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Only after we confess our sins are we cleansed of them, and this readies us for Heaven.

1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Then we can keep His commandments and allow His love in us to be perfected. The keeping of the word is the evidence of faith, not the means of grace.

1Jn 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

If we do not have true faith (which is an act of God on the heart) we are not fit to have any acceptable works before Him (Eph 2:8-10)

1) Faith is the gracious gift of God.
2) Sanctification is the gracious gift of God.
3) Works are acceptable to God only through faith. (Heb. 11:6)
4) God's grace ordinarily comes through His ordained means.

Faith from the beginning through to the end, by God's grace, for His glory.

I will do a little more later.

 

[Heber]

A much misunderstood teaching of Sha'ul. His words have been twisted by Christian apologists to mean the exact opposite of what he's actually saying. This happens a lot. But I know how you feel about "Paul" so I'll just stop right there. I can understand your position too. At one time I considered abandoning his writings all together. But when I began to study the Talmud, the more familiar I became with Pharasaic thought, and could then understand Sha'ul MUCH better. His writings are actually very complex in many instances, and the beginning Bible student should avoid them entirely. Of course, you won't hear this within Christianity, because they fail to understand him too....LOL

Shalom

I do wish people would not generalise on what Christians think or say - many I know would agree with the comment about Paul's complex mind and writings in getting his message across.

Far more acceptable to say that you won't hear this from the average Christian.

 

[Dr.Strangelove]

So.....with all that posting....you havn't actually shown ANY scripture that shows that believers in Christ are sanctified by their observance of torah law...

Nothing.

2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of
the truth:

And what is the truth?? Read on:

2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gospel is the truth. Belief and the obtaining of ther Glory of Christ! Just to know that is enough. It will change you!

2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

Hold fast in the legalism of the old covenant that we have been told to CAST AWAY!? I dont think so!

2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

GRACE!

2:17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Wow look at that! By believing in the truth of the Gospels and the Glory of Christ Jesus we attain the GRACE that stablishes us in good word and work. No need to target those good works by observance of the law, we are STABLISHED in it by Grace!

Hooray!​

 

[Dr.Strangelove]

The first Brit, or Covenant mentioned in the Bible is the Noachide Covenant

Oh I've heard of that covenant. Thats the one where God promises never to destroy all life on Earth with a flood again.

Short and sweet that one.

Hope He keeps to that one as I live near the beach!

 

[ContraMundum]

So.....with all that posting....you havn't actually shown ANY scripture that shows that believers in Christ are sanctified by their observance of torah law...

Nothing.

...and they never, ever, ever, ever will.

It's a heart thing.

Grace is too hard for the flesh to accept. The flesh always tries to work its own way to purity or heaven, depending on which man-made religion you follow.

In other words, real Christianity is too hard to accept for some people. It requires the humility to say "I can't do it" and the Olivet commandments of Jesus are too tough to follow for someone who would rather they be cleansed of their sins by following the Law of Moses.

The more people try to add their efforts to grace, the more they annul it and the more they rely on their own works to make themselves fit for a Heaven that only God can fit a man for.

Gal 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

You have to remember that large number of posters on this forum are not actually born again, Spirit filled, Bible believing Christians in good standing with the Church, which is the Body of Christ and the pillar and ground of the truth. A lot of posters here reject 1900+ years of Christian thought and exegesis of the NT, preferring themselves as sole infallible authority over the inspired word. Hence the heresy.

Carry on.