Below is a Facebook post followed by a comment from “Bob”,  followed by a “rabbit trail” conversation between “Bob” and “John” (names have been changed to protect the guilty) starting with John’s reply to Bob.

I transcribed the conversation just to see where it might lead. It also seemed to be an example of a social media conversation that could serve as a sort of “digital” field training exercise (FTX) from which we might learn something.

Without further introduction, here’s the FB post, along with the aforementioned comment and conversation:

Comment from Bob:

“I would love to hear the explanation for the statement that Luther “invented” faith alone. IF you mean that Luther’s addition of the term “alone” to his translation of Rom 3:28 you might be correct. If you mean something deeper, like ‘justification’ or ‘salvation’ by faith alone we have to consider the whole of scripture, which teaches that both justification and salvation are clearly taught as “apart from works.””

John’s first reply to Bob:

“You purposely lied about what the Bible says. It doesn’t say “apart from works”. It says “apart from works OF THE LAW”. You intentionally tried to lie to people. Luckily most of us are smart enough not to fall for your B_… (expletive)”

And answer my question. Why did you intentionally try to deceive people in your first post? Do not lie and claim you didn’t.”

Bob:

1. I respectfully suggest that unless you are God, you have no idea what was in my heart.
2. Please consider the following:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“Rom 4:5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works.” Romans 4:5-6

“And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:6

2. I refuse to speculate why you made a false accusation. I don’t know your heart.

Have a blessed day!

John:

“I noticed you took Eph 2:8-9 out of context. We all know why you stopped at 2:9 instead of read the entire verse. Christ tells us over and over that works are required. I trust Christ over you.”

Bob:

“I’m not sure why you now claim that “we ALL know” why I omitted Eph 2:10 from my last response to you. It actually reinforces Paul’s previous statement about boasting in our own woks as if they contribute to our salvation. Paul merely stated in verse 10 that our salvation was a work of God and that God saved us FOR good works. Our faith walk should be marked by good works, but they didn’t save us:

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. ” (Verse 10)

I also suggest that Jesus never taught that works ‘save’ a person, but He consistently taught that works are the natural result of a transformed heart. True discipleship is marked by obedience, love, and righteous actions.

Then you repeat the accusation that “intentionally” deceived people. Since my intentions are a heart matter, I’ll repeat the silly notion that only God knows the heart of any man.

One other thing, Sir. You tell us: “Christ tells us over and over that works are required,” but you didn’t tell us what Jesus taught about works in the life of a believer.

I could offer suggestions, but it would probably be more helpful to you if you search for those passages yourself, my friend.

I also owe an apology to the author of the original post for this little rabbit hole. I do however stand my original response to the author’s claim that Luther “invented” the doctrine of faith alone.

And again, have a blessed Day!”

John:

“I see you are too cowardly to answer my question. Typical Scientologist”

Bob:

“Your question was: “Why did you intentionally try to deceive people in your first post? Do not lie and claim you didn’t.”

I was following your instructions. If I had answered with the truth, you would have called me a liar, so what would have been the point? Besides, smart folks don’t answer “When did you stop beating your wife?” types of questions.

Do Scientologists deceive people? I know their version of salvation differs quite a bit from Christianity, but you already know I believe we are saved by faith (Eph 2:8-9) Your turn to answer a question. Why did you suggest that I resemble a Scientologist?

This sort of conversation might go better over coffee or something face-to-face. That probably cannot happen since there is nothing in your profile to suggest you are even a real person.”

John:

“still too cowardly to answer me. Typical and expected”

Bob:
”I answered you, Sir, just not the way you wanted me to. We both know that I think. At least I hope so. I don’t want to engage in a useless argument or non-profitable discussion. Name calling will be treated like water on a duck’s back. I won’t let it bother me. :).

Have a blessed day!”

Lessons learned:

1. Be careful what you post.

2. Don’t claim to know someone else’s heart.

3. Respond politely and gracefully.

NOTE: There might be more “Lessons from Social Media”, or maybe not. Do you think it’s useful for readers?

Be Blessed!