Four Areas where W. Lee was Flat Wrong

[Cal]

Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah

Hard head, me!? You're the one with the hard head.

OK, let me ask you a question. You described the process of transformation as hearing the Lord's speaking, obeying, being changed, loving the Lord more, which in turn causes you to fellowship more, causing a positive feedback to the cycle.

What about backsliders? Can they undo whatever changes that have taken place with their thoughts, likes, etc.

Let's say for example, you had a college student who is an unbeliever, living a typical life of an unregenerated college student. This person is genuinely saved, spends 4-5 years in genuine fellowship with Christians, pursuing the Lord, reading the Bible, praying, etc. But for whatever reason they are offended, stumbled, backslide and cut off all contact with Christians. Can they go back to their previous life without any trace of the changes that had taken place?

Obviously we can backslide. This has happened to everyone, at least in minor ways. Our thoughts and feelings can be influenced and changed, and our decisions can follow. Plus there is an enemy out there who seeks to deceive us. We can stumble. Circumstances can cause our faith and trust in God to flutter.

The mind is a funny thing. We can believe lies, even when we are saved and have some growth. We are living persons, not pieces of stone. Jewels are metaphors, we should not take the picture too far.

This is another reason I think the "Christ has moved into my soul" idea is bogus. If Christ has taken over part of someone's soul, how could he ever backslide? But we know people do backslide.

But I doubt anyone can slough off the effects of any major experience they have had, let alone a genuine encounter with God. So, no, I don't think anyone can go back to exactly the way they were before.

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by Igzy

But I doubt anyone can slough off the effects of any major experience they have had, let alone a genuine encounter with God. So, no, I don't think anyone can go back to exactly the way they were before.

And that is where I think the distinction between the conforming of the world and the transformation is. Transformation is eternal, whereas conformation can be erased. I think this is supported by numerous NT verses. Salvation is eternal, and we need to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling" suggesting the salvation of the soul, not the salvation of the spirit.

I think if we agree on the parameters, then the terminology is less important.