Originally posted by @romans1009You have used the word "sincere" with regard to faith many. many times. What is the link between how "sincere" the faith of a Christian and the impact of that faith on the 'good works' they do? More "sincere", more 'good works'; less "sincere", less 'good works'?
I don’t think sincere is the right adjective for what you’re getting at. “Committed” sounds like it makes more sense.
Every Christian’s faith has peaks and valleys and many, including Mother Teresa, suffered crisises of their faith. That doesn’t mean their faith is insincere - faith is fluid and dynamic; it’s not static.
I suppose the sincerity of ...[text shortened]... on it in the face of difficulties and hardships, but I’m not sure that’s what you’re getting at.
Originally posted by @fmfMy references to sincere have been in the acceptance and belief in Jesus Christ and His Resurrection.
You have used the word "sincere" with regard to faith many. many times. What is the link between how "sincere" the faith of a Christian and the impact of that faith on the 'good works' they do? More "sincere", more 'good works'; less "sincere", less 'good works'?
The point I’ve made is sincere and genuine acceptance and belief of Christ and His Resurrection leads to the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit and salvation.
The indwelt Holy Spirit works to change a new believer’s heart, and, consequently, his or her behavior, which manifests itself in good works and an aversion to sin.
With that as a recap, where does your question about sincerity come into play?
Originally posted by @romans1009Well, it comes into play in so far as it remains unanswered. But you don't have to answer it if you don't want to.
With that as a recap, where does your question about sincerity come into play?
Originally posted by @fmfI don’t understand what you’re getting at.
Well, it comes into play in so far as it remains unanswered. But you don't have to answer it if you don't want to.
The more a Christian is reading the Bible and praying (i.e. strengthening and deepening his or her relationship with God,) the more they will be led by the Holy Spirit and be within God’s will, which would manifest itself in good works and an aversion to sin.
But everyone’s faith has peaks and valleys, and the valleys can be brought on by both bad times and good times. I wouldn’t say the valleys mean their faith is insincere.
Originally posted by @romans1009If it doesn't "manifest itself in good works", then what?
The more a Christian is reading the Bible and praying (i.e. strengthening and deepening his or her relationship with God,) the more they will be led by the Holy Spirit and be within God’s will, which would manifest itself in good works and an aversion to sin.
Originally posted by @romans1009Are "reading the Bible and praying" 'good works'?
The more a Christian is reading the Bible and praying (i.e. strengthening and deepening his or her relationship with God,) the more they will be led by the Holy Spirit and be within God’s will, which would manifest itself in good works and an aversion to sin.
Originally posted by @romans1009It really couldn't be plainer. What is the link between how "sincere" the faith of a Christian and the impact of that faith on the 'good works' they do? More "sincere", more 'good works'; less "sincere", less 'good works'? That's about as crystal clear as it can be.
I don’t understand what you’re getting at.
Originally posted by @romans1009What 'good works'?
I wouldn’t classify them as “good works.” I’d classify them as developing a relationship with God. In the context of good works, I suppose they would naturally lead to good works as one would be within God’s will.
Originally posted by @romans1009You give the examples. It's your religion, not mine.
I guess you ought to define or give examples of “good works.” My contention is those activities could not not lead to good works.
Originally posted by @fmfI think I’ve answered that, but if you don’t think so, give me an idea of what you mean by “good works.”
It really couldn't be plainer. What is the link between how "sincere" the faith of a Christian and the impact of that faith on the 'good works' they do? More "sincere", more 'good works'; less "sincere", less 'good works'? That's about as crystal clear as it can be.
I don’t think a Christian’s faith journey is a competition to accumulate good works - if Tom has 100 good works then he’s better than Bill who has 85. It’s also nonsensical to view good works quantitatively and not qualitatively and to not consider how broken/damaged someone was when they became a Christian.
I think you’re trying to be formulaic about something that cannot be reduced and simplified to the measuring stick that you’re using.
Originally posted by @romans1009The doing of so-called 'good works' is part of your theology. And you have mentioned the term literally hundreds of times. It is you who has to explain what you mean by it.
You’ve been consistently using the term. Do you not know what you meant when you used it?