Hi David. Gary. I wouldn't qualify as a scholar. By choice, no letters to follow my name. I'm a student in all of this and hope to remain so. Seminary trained in Greek exegesis, some Hebrew, but very practiced in Greek. Was around the scholarly realm for some time. Most of what I read is exegetical works by scholars and others. I understand their language. When I purchased some of the software systems years ago, I purchased the Scholar's Library and exegetical oriented systems with original languages materials. I mainly work in the Greek text. Also, an ordained Pastor-Teacher in the non-denominational arena. Taught for many years, but never took the formal Pastor role as it is normally practiced. Thanks for your words and your input to this medium. I enjoy reading your work and thinking. I've noted that you and SabbathBlessings both identify as SDA.
I don't know if you listened to that interview I linked, but in his book, he spends 2-thirds of it dealing with the thinking of Judaism pre-Paul and in his era. So, what was Paul exposed to in the advanced training he had been schooled under and how did the Jews speak in regard to some of the terminology Paul uses? From this, the author determined that some of Paul's terminology we wrestle with and still debate today, he says was just Paul speaking like the Jewish [scholar] of that time and some of the meanings are to be found in such studies. It was an interesting read and the "judgment according to deeds" the book was written about, turns into being something in-line with what we're discussing here. IOW, all is not concluded in this salvation by grace matter until the Judge renders His verdicts.
BTW, I pointed you to another thread earlier and I'm going to do it again for an interesting post pertaining to what we've been discussing here:
Faith, Grace, Works, and Law | Christian Forums
Thanks again, David.
G.