"Actually, it is obvious to the most casual observer that there is no reference to soul in James 5:14-16."
To have our sins forgiven is to heal our souls, no claim was made to James in that regard. Scripture speaks of "by His stripes we are healed", if one wants to see such a thought of healing and the health of our souls in His work on our behalf. Confession is to turn to God, as we are instructed, that He may turn to us. When we confess our sins He is quick to forgive them, indeed "70 times 70 times" as long as we continue to turn to Him in confession and repentance.
"Bottomline: You remain without the Holy Spirit. Indeed, it is written that only those who have received Christ's baptism receive the Holy Spirit. Moreover, it is not clear to me that you are even Christian. I sense that you are not sure either.
Still praying for you, dear catholic neighbor."
Smile, trying to change the subject is a common ploy for those building on shifting sand. Baptism and reception of the Holy Spirit were years past in my walk on this earth.
Your evocation of the taoist "life force energy", "chi", by using the short hand of "Holy Spirit" and claiming to therefore hold magical powers of perception at a distance fail. You diagnos the condition of my soul, something left only to God to know, and of my denomination for which you continue to fail to guess correctly.
Just as your invented false doctrines were tested against orthodox doctrine and found falling short, your claim to some kind of absolute infallible discernment is thus also tested and equally found falling short. I'm reminded of the parable told of the pharisee who pointed a finger at another in the temple at prayer and proclaimed that he thanked God that he was not a sinner like the other. The other whose prayer was "God be merciful to me a sinner". Which of these did our Lord say found favor?
Let me offer you my other cheek, and please do take my coat as well.
Consulting a spiritual advisor guards against the errors of self reference only errors of doctrine and interpretation as it opens one to orthodox doctrine and teaching held these 2000 years. Thanking you as always for your prayers on my behalf, God's blessing and protection and peace upon you, God forgive me a sinner.
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