Can a Sinner Free Himself From Sin?

1stcenturylady · Jun 20, 2017

Brian Mc said:
I have never considered what you state ... I have never read that in the Bible ...Say, If, for the 1st time I meet you in the street & after chatting with you, I ask "remember me in your prayers", to my thinking, it doesn't mean that I have been baptised & a follower of Jesus .... I have had "troubled" people ask me as they are going, to "include me in your prayers".

I take it that Jesus replied as He did, because the thief maybe realised, while on the cross, after seeing the darkening clouds, & his followers below, that yes! This is the Son of God! (He believed)

It is just my reasoning. Where did he hear of the kingdom?

What I hate is people using the thief on the cross as an excuse NOT to be baptized. He obviously (to me anyway) had been baptized as he had the Holy Spirit speaking through him.

Also, there is nothing in the Bible that tells us he never had been a believer prior to his arrest. So conjectures are our own. Mine is based on the astounding statement he made.

Shempster · Jun 20, 2017

I copied and pasted my response in a similar threat entitles "being perfect"....it fits:

I'll agree it would be impossible to meet up to the standards that church leaders give us. This is probably why they came up with the term "sinning saints" You know, we are perfect in God's eyes even though we are actually quite rotten. That whole idea is so strange to me. Its rather delusional. It is eerily similar to the set of rules the Pharisees laid on the people. Feelings of condemnation for sin continued even though the teachers told them that they are now clean since they performed the required sacrifice.
We all know they were scamming the people but are we not scamming ourselves with this idea that we are sinners saved by grace.
As a side note, we do all sin...yes. But the sins we encounter should have been a moment of weakness or maybe just a mistake that went wrong. But it seems to me that people who use that term have regular sin that they do. They know they do it and just keep it going, planning it all along.

The whole thing is very confusing until you take a closer look at what makes you not perfect. If you think that disobeying rules from the teachers is sin, then you will never be perfect. You can get accountability partners that try and help and maybe you have a strong willpower and do rather well....that's great but many folks just don't have that kind of discipline.
No, we should look at the commandments of Christ and be perfect in them. They are all about LOVE.
Loving God and your neighbor is the whole of the law. Can we be perfect at that...? Yes. It's not all that hard if you can manage to climb out of your ego suit. Just never do, say or think anything evil of another.
Never cheat them or lie to them. Never hurt anyone's feelings or say anything negative about them.
Never lust after another if you are married. Never look down on someone as less than you if they are poorer, weaker or belong to what you might call a false religion.

If you can do that - then you can be perfect.

Brian Mc · Jun 21, 2017

1stcenturylady said:
It is just my reasoning. Where did he hear of the kingdom?

What I hate is people using the thief on the cross as an excuse NOT to be baptized. He obviously (to me anyway) had been baptized as he had the Holy Spirit speaking through him.

Also, there is nothing in the Bible that tells us he never had been a believer prior to his arrest. So conjectures are our own. Mine is based on the astounding statement he made.

Brian Mc · Jun 21, 2017

This is all theorising, but he could have been listening to "believers" & their mention of "the kingdom".

He had been convicted of theft ... is this something a Spirit Filled man would do?

The main thing is, Christ Jesus knew His heart & that he conveyed belief in accepting that Christ Jesus was the Son of God.

John 3:16 For God so greatly loved {and} dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

1stcenturylady · Jun 21, 2017

Brian Mc said:
This is all theorising, but he could have been listening to "believers" & their mention of "the kingdom".

He had been convicted of theft ... is this something a Spirit Filled man would do?

The main thing is, Christ Jesus knew His heart & that he conveyed belief in accepting that Christ Jesus was the Son of God.

John 3:16 For God so greatly loved {and} dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

Good grief, he could have been a thief before he came to Christ, been baptized, and then got arrested. You can have your own conjectures, why can't I have mine without some clown trying to be sarcastic about it. What scriptural foundation do either of us have - silence. So why do people try to use the thief on the cross as an excuse not to get baptized. It is a weak foundation to disobey Christ. Mark 16:16. Just remember my scenario the next time you hear that excuse being preached.

macek · Jun 21, 2017

jimmyjimmy said:
You said below, which means that you are completely free and able to choose not to sin. I just wondered, if that is the case, then why do you sin? You are able to not sin, and "lead a holy life" so why not just do that?

Brother, you are putting words in my mouth that i never uttered. I never claimed completely free. That would eliminate temptation also. You do know that a sinner is also a slave to that sin? Anyway i have said what i mean to say on this topic. Peace be with you, brother in Jesus name.

jimmyjimmy · Jun 21, 2017

macek said:
Brother, you are putting words in my mouth that i never uttered. I never claimed completely free. That would eliminate temptation also. You do know that a sinner is also a slave to that sin? Anyway i have said what i mean to say on this topic. Peace be with you, brother in Jesus name.

Won't you back up what you've said? I quoted you. I didn't make it up.

Brian Mc · Jun 21, 2017

1stcenturylady said:
Good grief, he could have been a thief before he came to Christ, been baptized, and then got arrested. You can have your own conjectures, why can't I have mine without some clown trying to be sarcastic about it. What scriptural foundation do either of us have - silence. So why do people try to use the thief on the cross as an excuse not to get baptized. It is a weak foundation to disobey Christ. Mark 16:16. Just remember my scenario the next time you hear that excuse being preached.

Brian Mc · Jun 21, 2017

Dear 1st century lady, (?? why did you select that title?)

"Good grief", "hackles up", no one is preventing you having your conjectures, "sarcastic clown", I have never met anyone who uses the thief as an excuse not to get baptised.

I had not intent to get anyone upset

Love is .... (1 Cor 13)

Plus Father's golden rule .....
Matt 6:15 (Amp) But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and wilful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

Full immersion baptism (even under the shower) with a deep surrender to Father will permit the Holy Spirit to wash away "the old self" (as Jesus left behind the carpenter & came up the Christ) & become a new creation ....
2 Cor 5:17 (Amp)Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh {and} new has come!

I like the word "ingrafted" as it ties in with John 15 ... Father cuts off from the Adam vine those who He draws to Lord Jesus, prepares them (down to a small piece of branch), then cuts the True Vine & grafts the new piece of branch into Him, then binds the graft with His Holy Spirit .... then over time, receiving all that the Vine supplies .... moment by moment I receive life from above, moment by moment I am washed in His blood ... the new branch gets strong enough to bear the fruit of the Vine .....
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,
Gal 5:23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].
Gal 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites {and} desires.

I often give thanks, as a reminder of what He has done, when I am having my shower plus knowing the Holy Spirit is always ready ....

Rom 8:13 For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever.
Rom 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

1stcenturylady · Jun 21, 2017

Brian Mc said:
Dear 1st century lady, (?? why did you select that title?)

"Good grief", "hackles up", no one is preventing you having your conjectures, "sarcastic clown", I have never met anyone who uses the thief as an excuse not to get baptised.

I had not intent to get anyone upset

Love is .... (1 Cor 13)

Plus Father's golden rule .....
Matt 6:15 (Amp) But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and wilful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

Full immersion baptism (even under the shower) with a deep surrender to Father will permit the Holy Spirit to wash away "the old self" (as Jesus left behind the carpenter & came up the Christ) & become a new creation ....
2 Cor 5:17 (Amp)Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh {and} new has come!

I like the word "ingrafted" as it ties in with John 15 ... Father cuts off from the Adam vine those who He draws to Lord Jesus, prepares them (down to a small piece of branch), then cuts the True Vine & grafts the new piece of branch into Him, then binds the graft with His Holy Spirit .... then over time, receiving all that the Vine supplies .... moment by moment I receive life from above, moment by moment I am washed in His blood ... the new branch gets strong enough to bear the fruit of the Vine .....
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,
Gal 5:23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].
Gal 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites {and} desires.

I often give thanks, as a reminder of what He has done, when I am having my shower plus knowing the Holy Spirit is always ready ....

Rom 8:13 For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever.
Rom 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

"He had been convicted of theft ... is this something a Spirit Filled man would do?

Netgear · Apr 1, 2018

Sin can be very hard to move away from. It can be like a drug. Especially if it is a sin of the flesh.

Brian Mc · Apr 2, 2018

jimmyjimmy said:
Can he determine to turn over a new leaf and free himself from his sin?

How would you answer the question?

Brian Mc · Apr 2, 2018

Matt 18:3 And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].
Matt 6:15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

John 3:17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation {and} be made safe {and} sound through Him.
John 3:18 He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation--he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in {and} trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ's name.]

Plus, Father supplies His Spirit so we can be equipped as Christ Jesus was (when a believer complies with Christ Jesus' command of John 3:3 .... unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God. .... So, follow Jesus' example ... full immersion baptism ... leaving His old self (the carpenter) behind & as He came up out of the water Father anointed Him with the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:16) ..... thus,
1 John 4:16 And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells {and} continues in love dwells {and} continues in God, and God dwells {and} continues in him.
1 John 4:17 In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion {and} attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world.

Brian Mc · Apr 3, 2018

Yes, in Acts 2:41 Therefore those who accepted {and} welcomed his message were baptized, and there were added that day about 3,000 souls.

They took a step of faith & Father did the rest (by His Spirit) .... Zech 4:6 ..... it's not by might nor by power, BUT by My Spirit, says the Lord!

Brian Mc · Apr 3, 2018

jimmyjimmy said:
Obey the law, and be saved. Is that Christianity?

The "stone" was rolled away from Christ Jesus' tomb .... symbolic of the Law given to Moses being done away with (the Law was a tool to show man that he could never completely abide by the Law by self effort).

We are under the New Covenant .... Father sent His Holy Spirit ...
Rom 8:13 For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever.
Rom 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

See also Rom 8:2, 7, Gal 2:16

CHRISTIANITY = CHRIST -IN .....
John 15:5 I am the Vine; you are the branches (Him flowing into you moment by moment). Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] YOU CAN DO NOTHING (of Father's will)..... see also 1 John 4:17

Brian Mc · Apr 3, 2018

It is when a person is drawn to Lord Jesus (John 6:44) that he takes that step of faith & makes a commitment to Him (even as I did ... I reached a "point" where I was desperate ... & I simply surrendered myself, looked up & called out "Help me" ...I didn't consciously realise I was appealing to God ... but INSTANTLY He provided a solution to my dilemma (almost a cripple & in agony) ... I was completely free of pain within 3 days (against all medical expectations) .... & not even a twinge since 1989 ... God is sooooo God!
Lesson: When you are going through "trials", Father is seeking your attention .... turn to Him & ask, "Please help me!"

Brian Mc · Apr 3, 2018

jimmyjimmy said:
The great thing about your theory: No need for a messy cross.

Please read Gal 2:20 ..... all TRUE believers "have been (symbolically) crucified with Christ" note the word WITH ... so it is my belief that Father "chose/knew" who would surrender & He crucified all those "spiritually" WITH Christ Jesus ...... see Eph 6:18 ... we are commanded to intercede for ALL the saints (God's consecrated/set aside children) IN THE SPIRIT (so please ensure you have His armour (His Holy Spirit) on ... Eph 6:10-17 ... STANDING righteous before Him ..... as it IS NOT OUR FIGHT.

Brian Mc · Apr 3, 2018

macek said:
We are fallen and in this world enemy always preys upon us as a lion looking to devour. Because we are fallen we are tempted. Temptation is allowed so we may grow spiritually and accept Jesus as our saviour and learn humility and obedience.

Baptise yourself (full immersion ... as Jesus did) in a lake, a pond, a river ... or even under your shower, thus, as He did, leaving your "old self" behind ... He left the carpenter behind & ask Father to fill you with His Spirit (as Jesus was) .... therefore do not rely on self effort, but the Holy Spirit .....
Rom 8:13 For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever.
Rom 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Brian Mc · Apr 3, 2018

jimmyjimmy said:
Why don't people obey all of the time, if they are free to do so?

Baptise yourself (full immersion ... as Jesus did) in a lake, a pond, a river ... or even under your shower, thus, as He did, leaving your "old self" behind ... He left the carpenter behind & ask Father to fill you with His Spirit (as Jesus was) .... therefore do not rely on self effort, but the Holy Spirit .....
Rom 8:13 For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever.
Rom 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Brian Mc · Apr 3, 2018

jimmyjimmy said:
You have misunderstood this verse in a few ways. Here are two:

First, the word, "so" in acting as an adverb. What's meant here is that God loves the world in such a way, or in this manner.

Second, the word, "world" does not mean all men without exception. What world is defining here is the system - how things operate here. It has to do with the badness of the world, not the bigness of the world.

‘World’ in John refers more to badness than to bigness. . . . God’s sending love is to be admired not because it’s extended to so big a thing as the world, but to so bad a thing; not to so many people, but to such wicked people.

Does God Love Everyone the Same?

Hi Jimmy ... please note the word "Whoever" in John 3:16 ....... plus John 6:44 ... Father KNOWS who will respond to His drawing. So many people prefer to look at darkness & NOT the LIGHT (Which will reveal reality).... Christ Jesus announced from the Cross "It is finished!" ... He had achieved what He was sent to earth for (Which He stated in Luke 4:18-19 .... to free the captives .... THEY ARE FREE ... as soon as they believe! Most of the world are living in an imaginary prison!

So many in the world are looking to the "things" of this world .... thus what is said in
2 Thess 2:3 Let no one deceive {or} beguile you in any way, for that day will not come except the apostasy comes first [unless the predicted great falling away of those who have professed to be Christians has come], and the man of lawlessness (sin) is revealed, who is the son of doom (of perdition), ....... WILL HAPPEN ... & much sooner than most people think!

Can a Sinner Free Himself From Sin?

Can a Sinner Free Himself From Sin?

Of course he can! He simply makes the choice with his freewill to stop sinning

No. A sinner must be rescued from his sin. He cannot free himself.

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