The Error of Federal Vision

I looked at this when it was first released but never commented unless my memory is wrong. But I just read the Federal Vision joint statement again. I find things I can agree with other times wondering if their words aren't meant to hide thier true thoughts. But then I got to the section of Assurance for Salvation and read this quote:

We affirm also that though salvation is granted through the
instrument of faith alone, those who have been justified will live progressively more and more sanctified lives until they go to be with God. Those believers for whom this is true look to Christ for their assurance—in the Word, in the sacraments, in their fellow believers, and in their own participation in that life by faith

Sounds good. Except...

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Everyone sins every day by the Sermon on the Mount. Not doing something is not enough. We have to not want to do something and then when we do it confess our guilt in prayer and ask for forgiveness. Have you looked at a beautiful person of the opposite sex and not been attracted? Not thought s/he looked hot? Wished s/he would notice you? Have you not seen and wanted the newest fad? Wanted something because "everyone" else has it? Have you ever taken advantage of driving over the speed limit because you know you can get away with it? Thought about it? Then you are guilty. Not following the just laws of men is also sin. So all sin and all fall short of the glory of God.

The difference is in your reaction to your sin. If you think your sins are nothing, then you really are not part of the elect. If you however, feel guilty and try not to repeat them then God is merciful to those that believe in him.

This is why continuing to live in sin and justifying it eliminates a person from ministry. They do not look for Christ to free them from sin but continue to live and relish it. One cannot live contrary to scripture and continue to do so unrepentantly and preach.

I think wanting to live a certain way is an important distiction from not caring. Those that live in sin and don't care but proclaim they believe are not of the elect. Those that want to live a certain way but fail but believe are part of the elect.

Romans 3:23 says that all fall short and I believe that it is impossible to live up to the demands of the Sermon of the Mount. But that doesn't mean some haven't tried. Those that try and believe are the elect.

If anyone of the Federal Vision advocates believe they have lived up to the Sermon of the Mount, I hope they will eventually explain how they do so in their literature. Until then, I think they have confused the modern world, with the world to come after the second coming.