Is responding in large letters a form of yelling?
It wasn't my intention. I simply copied it from a file which I had saved. The text was large and easier to read with my old eyes.
When I wrote "We will be judged according to what we have done for the purpose of receiving rewards" the "we" was intended to be a reference to those in Christ only; they are those who face no condemnation.
The passage I quoted indicates that that EVERYONE (a little yell) will be judged according to his works. No special dispensation is given for "those in Christ."
Please give us your view of how judgment by works will be done.
I don't hold any view as to the logistics. I go by what Paul said in the passage I quoted.
Do you believe that by performing to a certain level puts God in our debt and that He will "owe" eternal life to some?
That is a strange concept. I don't believe that God owes anyone anything. Paul states only what God will do, by rewarding those who do will, and by exercising wrath and fury toward those who don't (which as I see it from other scriptures is for the purpose of reformation).
Do you believe that if our good outweighs our bad we will receive eternal life?
I see nothing in the scriptures about that. I think in the passage quoted, Paul refers to the general life style. If it's a life style of well-doing, seeking glory, honour, and immortality from God, then he will attain life. If not he will endure a difficult correction.
On "doing our best" (which none, with one exception, has ever done).
I'm not convinced of that.
How do you see judgment being done?
Again, I know not the logistics. I don't think it has been revealed.
What does Paul's affirmation that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus mean to you regarding all who die in Christ?
As you know the words in Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus," is followed by the words "who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" in many manuscripts, and is found in the NKJV. That implies that they "persevere in well-doing" as Paul wrote in the passage I quoted.
Also to give this statement context, we should note that in Romans 7, Paul indicates that a person who is NOT in Christ may attempt to live righteously, but fails. He can serve God only in his mind, but "the law of sin" results in his inability to truly serve God. However, in Romans 8, Paul shows that "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" has made those in Christ "free from the law of sin and death." Those in Christ have the ability to work righteousness. If through faith they appropriate the enabling grace provided through Christ's sacrificial death, it will train them "to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives."
So Paul is consistent in all of his teaching concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus making available the ability to live righteous lives. If we appropriate this, we will "persevere in well-doing and receive eternal life" (Romans 2). If not, will will face the wrath of God for our correction, and that may be pretty uncomfortable!
