| Author | Message | ||
| 8thday Registered user Username: 8thday Post Number: 804 Registered: 11-2007  |
As to the subject of human perfection... "For this God gave us a guidebook to show us the way, a divinely authored work, to be a guide towards spiritual perfection. Our Creator, who alone understands the true inner workings of a a human, gave us a methodology whereby a person can reach spiritual heights. It is the science and art behind the perfection of the human... the stakes of life are very high; at game is human perfection and eternity. God gave us a program to follow, the greatest system for self perfection. It is our charge to study the Torah (Law)and learn its ways, then apply it to our lives." Rabbi B. Shafier "The most painful moment in a person's life is after they leave this earth; when the heavenly tribunal holds up a picture for them to look at; a picture of a truly exceptional individual. A person of sterling character traits,who shows intelligence, kindliness, and humility - a person of true greatness; a person who brought outstanding goodness to the world and changed the very world in which they lived. Then they say to me.. why didn't you do what he did? I ask how could I have done those types of things? They answer one telling and most troubling line: That picture is you... That is you had you followed the path for which you were born." - Vilna Gaon, one of the great teachers of 17th century Judaism. Now aren't you encouraged?? ha. This is exactly the burden I felt I was under while growing up in Adventism. I am so amazed how many similarities I find with Judaism - but I guess that shouldn't be a surprise. The similar "spirit" here was just uncanny to me. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 6696 Registered: 3-2004  |
That does sound familiar. I am so glad that I follow Jesus and have the Holy Spirit to teach me and be my Comforter and Counselor. Diana L | ||
| Indy4now Registered user Username: Indy4now Post Number: 453 Registered: 2-2008 |
wow... that is "uncanny" how similar that is to a "prophet" that I know of! I got that same revolting nausea that I've gotten when I hear "Jesus lived a perfect life to show us that we could live a perfect one also." Just reading that makes me tired and want to give up. I praise and thank God everyday for the joy and peace He gives to me. His rest is so awesome... much better than any rest I've tried to do on my own... trying to "perfect" myself. Thanks for posting that Sondra... another reason why we need to have our heads immersed in God's Word. People are trying to find truth everywhere BUT in His Word. When we come to Him, we have rest. ~vivian | ||
| Animal Registered user Username: Animal Post Number: 410 Registered: 7-2008  |
Christ did say that we are to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect. So.... for a child of God that dwells in a sinful body....how do we define perfection ?? What ever the definition...Christ must be the foundation of that definition. Just an observation.....Animal | ||
| Asurprise Registered user Username: Asurprise Post Number: 710 Registered: 7-2007 |
I'm not sure how well this goes with this thread, but that reminds me of the Sabbath which Adventists believe will somehow be stuck to the foreheads of all God's people in the last days. I've pointed out Ephesians 1:13,14 to one of my SDA sisters; which shows that a believer is sealed WITH the Holy Spirit, Who is the Seal and the guarantee of our salvation. She countered by pointing out that Ephesians 4:30 says that we're sealed BY the Holy Spirit. (So I guess she believes that the Holy Spirit sticks the Sabbath to people's foreheads?) I've pointed out that nowhere in the New Testament is the Sabbath even commanded, but it doesn't seem to matter what I point out, she doesn't seem to "see" it. Perhaps I ought to open the discussion on this subject again with her, because there are MORE verses which say that the Holy Spirit is the GUARANTEE of our salvation. For an Adventist there is no guarantee. The fact that the Holy Spirit is the Guarantee shows that He is the Seal! Both 2nd Corinthians 1:22 and 2nd Corinthians 5:5 (as well as Eph. 1:13,14) say He's the Guarantee. If Adventists think they have to have the Sabbath stuck to their foreheads in order to be saved in the end, what about these verses? God's people already HAVE the guarantee of salvation! (Also Romans 8:9 makes it clear that if a person doesn't have the Holy Spirit, then they AREN'T saved. And 1st John 3:24 and 1st John 4:13 indicate that "we know we that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.") It's wonderful to rely on the Lord and REST IN HIM! I've found that He is a wonderful, patient, forgiving God and a kind Teacher and tender Parent. He is not the cold, distant God of Adventism. | ||
| 8thday Registered user Username: 8thday Post Number: 808 Registered: 11-2007 |
Yes I'm so thankful to be free from this heavy cloud of hopelessness. I am reading the above material in order to be able to discuss and contrast that to Christianity with a good friend of mine. Animal, I know what verse you are talking about - when Jesus said be perfect it was in the passage where he said to love your enemies, and be kind to them. I think perfection in love is the only thing we can hope to attain - and only as Christ loves through us. I don't know how it compares to God's perfection - but I have been wondering if it's possible to love perfectly. I know I can't do anything else perfectly, but maybe that. Reading so many stories of the supernatural love God gives to those who are being physcially mistreated for the ones who are persecuting them. One story I read said a communist was ridiculuing a Christian while they were being tortured and asked him, "Where is your God??! Why doesn't he come and save you. Give me proof that He exists. Show me a miracle." The man replied. "You are looking at one and you can't even realize it. You are seeking to hurt me, but instead of hating you back, I love you. This only comes from God." Those are not exact words, but in that sense, I would say the Christian was indeed perfect. It's the only way I can understand what Jesus is saying there, and the only example I've seen of any type of human perfection. It's my theory. Not sure it's right. Sondra |
