@AndrewHoll41164@grunk876 The comments were ridiculous. Way too many accusations of being “judgmental” for wondering why some saints disregard the word of wisdom
I’ve never said Christ’s work isn’t enough. I believe it’s completely sufficient. I’m talking about how grace transforms us, not how we earn it. Cause we can’t earn it.
If my wording suggested otherwise, that wasn’t my intent.
I think we agree more than we disagree here, and I’ve enjoyed the conversation. God bless
I agree with that.
I’m not arguing that works earn or merit salvation. I see them as the fruit of living faith, i.e., “walking the walk,” not just “talking the talk.”
Scripture presents faith as something embodied and lived, not just mental assent, like you said, active trust and loyalty. It’s a verb, not just a noun.
I think we’re closer here than it seemed earlier.
@CalRizzerected@LizzieMarbach I think we’re basically agreeing on the core: Christ is the sole source of salvation. Where we differ is that I’m not reducing “exclusively” to “no human response matters at all,” because Scripture holds grace, faith, and obedience together
@CalRizzerected@LizzieMarbach In practice, LDS members cycle through their standard works. We study one major book per year: OT, NT, BofM, D&C. So it’s not “two at once = less reading.” It’s structured study.
Also, we’re interlocutors...where’s the fun in instantly agreeing? 😂
I agree that works don’t “earn” salvation. I just think Scripture presents them as more than external proof...they’re part of a living, obedient response to grace.
We’re saved by Christ alone, through faith, and that faith is meant to be lived out. That’s all I’ve been trying to say.
@CalRizzerected@LizzieMarbach “1 vs 2” isn’t evidence about reading behavior.
Pew shows Mormons score very high on Bible knowledge.
So “two books” doesn’t mean “less Bible.”
I believe Christ is the sole source of salvation through His suffering, death, and resurrection. Paul teaches we are saved by grace through faith. James teaches that genuine faith is manifested in works. Scripture holds all three together. My faith is, and always will be, in Jesus Christ.
@CalRizzerected@LizzieMarbach Nobody said we can’t know anything. I said you don’t have enough evidence to justify that conclusion. Partial ignorance doesn’t turn guesses into facts.
“Exclusive” in your sentence doesn’t just mean “Christ is the source.” It means “no cooperation, no process, no participation in any sense.” That’s a specific theory of justification. That’s what you’re adding.
At this point, the personal attacks feel like bad faith. I’m not trying to fight you. I hope God grants you peace in your life, brother. Be blessed
@CalRizzerected@LizzieMarbach Two books existing doesn’t tell you how much of either someone actually reads. Plenty of Mormons read the Bible extensively. Plenty of Protestants barely read it.
You still have no data about Elijah's actual habits. Arithmetic isn’t evidence.
Because yours smuggles in a specific theory of forensic justification (“separate from any merit for any reason”).
Mine states the source of salvation: Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. See (1 Cor 15:3-4, Romans 5:10, 1 Pet 2:24)
The Source is not the same as the theory. You’re adding a framework.
That's not "mathematical probability." you haven't cited any data, just your random intuitions. Even if some Mormons read the Bible less than some Protestants, that still doesn't establish his upbringing.
you're inferring his life story from a weak stereotype. Even if your premises were true, they don't lead to your conclusion. That's the issue.
“Reading the Bible for the first time” can mean “for the first time seriously,” not “I’ve literally never touched it.” Tons of evangelicals say that after a conversion, recommitment, or rough patch.
Even if he hadn’t read much before, that still doesn’t prove Mormon upbringing.
You’re treating one vague comment like a smoking gun.
@CalRizzerected@LizzieMarbach homie, I'm describing what we actually confess about Christ.
You’re adding metaphysical and soteriological filters and using them to exclude.