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| York scan from 1997 |
I met with a former pastor and pastor of mine, today. We agreed that within reasonable and true Christian theology, we know Christians are not always good (relative not absolute goodness)(examples Romans, Galatians), nor do Christians need to be good to be saved from sins and the penalty for sins.
We are saved by grace through faith for good works, not by good works (Ephesians 1-2). Through regeneration (John 3, Titus 3) those in the Church, in Jesus Christ are transformed, in process to and with a new nature that seeks goodness over evil and sin.
However. as this transformation is a process in sanctification until the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15), regenerated persons are not always good. Further, based on biblical, Reformed theology, person's remain tainted by sin, in body, until the resurrection. Perfect and pure goodness only belongs to...
In an infinite sense: God
In a finite sense: The angelic beings that stayed loyal to God.
In a finite sense: Resurrected, perfect humanity in Jesus Christ. (Future)
Contrary to the theology of some churches and religious movements, the claim one is saved if worthy, and/or worthy according to a church, is false.
One is saved based on the worthiness of God the Son, Jesus Christ and his atoning and resurrection work, imputed and applied to believers.
