Does 2 Peter 2's warning of false teachers describe Witness Lee?

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Peter Debelak

Sam,

I don't mean to be flippant (truly, I am in the midst of reading everything you're referencing), but here's how I read this:

Those enslaved by the LC background need to be liberated in order to be properly gripped by the fear of hell.

I am beginning to think that Lee was not as narrow as I once thought -- his teachings only condemned the whole of Christianity.

Based on bearbear's latest teaching, it seems impossible for any to enter into the kingdom of God in heaven. With all the demands and evidences of salvation placed upon mankind, none can be saved. It is only the hypocrite who believes that his life is somehow satisfactory.

Jesus has commanded us to "sell all and follow him." All we need to do is find just one item in a person's possession, and he is deemed disobedient and unfaithful, and is not worthy to enter into life.

[bearbear]

Originally Posted by Ohio

I am beginning to think that Lee was not as narrow as I once thought -- his teachings only condemned the whole of Christianity.

Based on bearbear's latest teaching, it seems impossible for any to enter into the kingdom of God in heaven. With all the demands and evidences of salvation placed upon mankind, none can be saved. It is only the hypocrite who believes that his life is somehow satisfactory.

Jesus has commanded us to "sell all and follow him." All we need to do is find just one item in a person's possession, and he is deemed disobedient and unfaithful, and is not worthy to enter into life.

He never placed that burden on us but only on the ruler who made material wealth his idol. We do however have to surrender everything to him from our heart. If God asks us to give, we have to give. Yet his yoke is easy and his burden is light. He will lead us to love him more and become less attached to the temporary possessions of our world as we build our faith and trust in him and thereby enter his rest.

The wisdom of God sounds like foolishness to men. That God can allow so few to be saved may be beyond our human wisdom but Jesus said what he said: few are saved. Yet God also gave us a lot of promises in his word we can hold on to. We just need to have Hebrews 11:1 faith in Christ Jesus.

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by bearbear

He never placed that burden on us but only on the ruler who made material wealth his idol. We do however have to surrender everything to him from our heart. If God asks us to give, we have to give. Yet his yoke is easy and his burden is light. He will lead us to love him more and become less attached to the temporary possessions of our world as we build our faith and trust in him and thereby enter his rest.

You are surmising that the rich young ruler made material wealth his idol. Jeus never said that. Compare that to people today. I seriously doubt that idolatry in this world has shrunk since Jesus first walked the earth. Are you trying to say that Jesus' command to "sell all" only applies to this one person? If that is true, then please tell me how many other verses only apply to the audience spoken to, and not to me?

I don't understand how you can say that Jesus never placed this burden on us. Even those hearing what Jesus said commented, "who then can be saved."

[bearbear]

Originally Posted by Ohio

You are surmising that the rich young ruler made material wealth his idol. Jeus never said that. Compare that to people today. I seriously doubt that idolatry in this world has shrunk since Jesus first walked the earth. Are you trying to say that Jesus' command to "sell all" only applies to this one person? If that is true, then please tell me how many other verses only apply to the audience spoken to, and not to me?

I don't understand how you can say that Jesus never placed this burden on us. Even those hearing what Jesus said commented, "who then can be saved."

This is a good discussion to have.

Jesus is concerned about our heart. He couldn't have that rich ruler follow him and still think about his possessions all the time. He would have backslidden eventually when Jesus went to the cross and it would be better for him to just enjoy his wealth. Jesus tells us to count the cost before we decide to follow him. We have to be willing to let go of everything when push comes to shove.

Also God desires obedience and not sacrifice. Ananias and Sapphira gave most of everything away but still got smited by God when they lied to the Holy Spirit. There were plenty of folks who didn't sell everything in the early church and did fine because they didn't lie. Practicing Lying is breaking the commandment, not giving away all your wealth isn't. Yet if we see a brother in need and do not give him anything when we have lots of stuff, we need to check our heart.