Can a Sinner Free Himself From Sin?

[Brian Mc]

Two verses came into my thoughts ...
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.

John 14:23 Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him. ..... again, possible only by relying on the Holy Spirit Who father supplied.
John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever--

As Paul clearly states ... when we are born again (new creations ... parts of the Body of Christ ... with Him as the head ,,, we are to be dead to this world ... we have a NEW LIFE in us)
Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Gal 2:21 [Therefore, I do not treat God's gracious gift as something of minor importance and defeat its very purpose]; I do not set aside {and} invalidate {and} frustrate {and} nullify the grace (unmerited favor) of God. For if justification (righteousness, acquittal from guilt) comes through [observing the ritual of] the Law, then Christ (the Messiah) died groundlessly {and} to no purpose {and} in vain. [His death was then wholly superfluous.]

 

[WilliamBo]

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

How would you answer the question?

That's a good question, John the Baptist and Jesus both said to repent of your sins... but it seems that I can't repent without God's help and Him giving me the power to overcome my sin. I think sin comes from a sinful heart, and we need God to give us a new, circumcised ''heart of flesh'' in order to have the power to stop sinning... but then again there were righteous men in the old testament that did it without the Holy Spirit available so I'm not sure

 

[Brian Mc]

That's a good question, John the Baptist and Jesus both said to repent of your sins... but it seems that I can't repent without God's help. I think sin comes from a sinful heart, and we need God to give us a new, circumcised heart in order to have the power to stop sinning... but then again there were righteous men in the old testament that did it without the Holy Spirit available so I'm not sure

 

[Brian Mc]

There is no need to do it yourself ... Father has supplied an always present "helper" ... 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

& if you request Him to keep the shield of faith held high, plus the rest of the armour (the Holy Spirit Himself) in good order & in place (note the breastplate of righteousness is on ,,, so you are equipped to stand before Father).

Plus have Him constantly ask Him to keep you following all the teachings of Lord Jesus, therefore you are "as Christ Jesus was on earth" .... read 1 John 4:17 .... you are a child of God & your loving Father is watching carefully over you & supplying ALL your needs so His will can be done through you .... as it was with Jesus ..... which also, like He endured, some suffering .... to the extent that you can endure.

A quote by John G Lake is a good rule to live by ..."The success of your life, as a child of God, is in direct proportion to the consciousness of the Christ & power of God that is in your heart."

 

[WilliamBo]

A quote by John G Lake is a good rule to live by ..."The success of your life, as a child of God, is in direct proportion to the consciousness of the Christ & power of God that is in your heart."

I like that quote, that sounds right. I desire to have the ''rivers of living water'' that Jesus talked about and when I feel 'dry', like I am not pouring out God's love to those around me, I just feel like something is wrong... I love God but I just need to get myself out of the way

 

[Brian Mc]

I like that quote, that sounds right. I desire to have the ''rivers of living water'' that Jesus talked about and when I feel 'dry', like I am not pouring out God's love to those around me, I just feel like something is wrong... I love God but I just need to get myself out of the way

 

[Brian Mc]

It is not so much as pouring out God's love to those around you .... it is you, being a grafted in branch (Father cut a small piece off the old Adam vine, shaped you & then cut the True Vine, placed you in Him & then bound you with the Holy Spirit .. in time the new branch (you) bonds to the True Vine & moment by moment receives all that you need to bear His fruit .... that is the role of "branches" (parts of the Body of Christ).

People will see the fruit, maybe take a piece, taste it & say, "Wow, How can I grow fruit like that?" ..... Father is always ready to take the next step because ....
John 6:44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me attracts {and} draws him {and} gives him the desire to come to Me, and [then] I will raise him up [from the dead] at the last day.

Too many Christians think it is their "job" to run around witnessing to people ... no, just be a good healthy branch, resting in Him, bearing Lord Jesus' fruit (love, joy, peace, etc,) .... your role is a fruit bearer ... let Father, (as carer of the Vibe) by His Holy Spirit do His job.

Next time you are near a vineyard, stop & have a look at a mature grape vine ... you won't be able to tell where the grafted in branches start ... they have become just like an extension of the Vine ..... but Father prunes branches (any wild shoots "trying to do their own thing") so the branch is kept strong & able to bear BIG bunches of fruit .... Note: the seeds for each bunch travel from the Vine, along the branch & when the "season" is right, the sprout forms, then tiny grapes appear that will, in time, become a healthy bunch of tasty grapes.

After the harvest, the branches are pruned & rest, ready for new growth & fruit production next season.

Look around you at trees, shrubs, vines ... the branches simply rest in the main trunk "knowing" that all that is required WILL be supplied ... they believe in the Creator.

 

[WilliamBo]

It is not so much as pouring out God's love to those around you .... it is you, being a grafted in branch (Father cut a small piece off the old Adam vine, shaped you & then cut the True Vine, placed you in Him & then bound you with the Holy Spirit .. in time the new branch (you) bonds to the True Vine & moment by moment receives all that you need to bear His fruit .... that is the role of "branches" (parts of the Body of Christ).

Too many Christians think it is their "job" to run around witnessing to people ... no, just be a good healthy branch, resting in Him, bearing Lord Jesus' fruit (love, joy, peace, etc,) .... your role is a fruit bearer ... let Father, (as carer of the Vibe) by His Holy Spirit do His job.

Nice way of putting those things. That's what I'm learning to do, to be ''grounded'' in Him. It's taking some time for my spiritual eyes to open but yea I'm in the process of being grafted in. It's a brutal, painful process for me but I guess no pain no gain

 

[Brian Mc]

I know that Father doesn't simply make a choice, He sets rules & teaching & provides a teacher, helper, guide ... (His Holy Spirit). It is man that make the choice, to be dedicated to learning & submissive to be moulded & shaped (or pruned as a productive branch needs to be so more fruit can grow on a stronger branch.)
It says in
John 15:6 If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken-off] branch, and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and they are burned. ------ that is very explicit as to where it will be
John 15:7 If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you {and} continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. ------ that should be incentive for everyone
John 15:8 When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honoured {and} glorified, and you show {and} prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.
John 15:9 I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me]. ...... see Rom 8:39
John 15:10 If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love {and} live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father's commandments and live on in His love.
John 15:11 I have told you these things, that My joy {and} delight may be in you, and that your joy {and} gladness may be of full measure {and} complete {and} overflowing. ---- we all want to be joyful

 

[Brian Mc]

Nice way of putting those things. That's what I'm learning to do, to be ''grounded'' in Him. It's taking some time for my spiritual eyes to open but yea I'm in the process of being grafted in. It's a brutal, painful process for me but I guess no pain no gain

 

[jimmyjimmy]

I know that Father doesn't simply make a choice, He sets rules & teaching & provides a teacher, helper, guide ... (His Holy Spirit). It is man that make the choice, to be dedicated to learning & submissive to be moulded & shaped (or pruned as a productive branch needs to be so more fruit can grow on a stronger branch.)
It says in
John 15:6 If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken-off] branch, and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and they are burned. ------ that is very explicit as to where it will be
John 15:7 If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you {and} continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. ------ that should be incentive for everyone
John 15:8 When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honoured {and} glorified, and you show {and} prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.
John 15:9 I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me]. ...... see Rom 8:39
John 15:10 If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love {and} live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father's commandments and live on in His love.
John 15:11 I have told you these things, that My joy {and} delight may be in you, and that your joy {and} gladness may be of full measure {and} complete {and} overflowing. ---- we all want to be joyful

These things are all true of God's chosen people. "All that the Father gives me will come to me,"

 

[Brian Mc]

A suggestion. Rather than focus on the cutting & grafting, look ahead to simply resting in Him (the True Vine) then being cared for by Father (the Vinedresser/gardener), then, as you grow & get stronger, seeds for the growing of the grapes will be supplied to you from the Vine & THEN, a nice bunch of grapes form ... for the glory of Father, who harvests them & makes them available for the people He is drawing to the Vine.

When you were part of the Adam vine, it was spindly, attacked by pests & birds, etc, etc.

Read 29 above.

 

[macek]

Now that is an interesting question that shows the limitation of language.

A person in sin can choose not to sin by resisting temptations and leading a holy life, but to be freed from sin, that he cannot do that by himself, only God can free him from sin by Jesus's blood.. Else the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross would be unnecessary.

 

[Brian Mc]

Now that is an interesting question that shows the limitation of language.

A person in sin can choose not to sin by resisting temptations and leading a holy life, but to be freed from sin, that he cannot do that by himself, only God can free him from sin by Jesus's blood.. Else the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross would be unnecessary.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

A person in sin can choose not to sin by resisting temptations and leading a holy life,

Firstly, isn't that freeing oneself from sin? Secondly, if people have the ability to simply choose not to sin, why don't they? Why don't at least some people?

 

[Brian Mc]

It seems that different areas of the site, get similar answers ... Father sets the same rules/guidelines plus supplies the same Holy Spirit to provide all that is needed to reach Father's goal for all believers ...
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.

Jesus was sent to earth in the guise of a man knowing the massive, painful job He has ahead of Him. As soon as the "due time" came, He immediately went into the Jordan River & was fully immersed & coming up "left the old Jesus (the carpenter) behind" ... His new role needed Father's help every second of the day ... thus He was anointed with Father's Holy Spirit (the same Spirit that did all the work at creation as the Words of God was spoken). Jesus was there at creation (He was /is the Word of God) so He knew that He would achieve Father's will for mankind (or at least the ones that chose to believe) ....
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.
Jesus even stipulated to all what His goal was (read Luke 4:18-19) then with His dying breath on the cross announced, "It is finished!" ... He had achieved what He came to do (& knew all along that it would be achieved).

God (Father) offers every man the same guarantee ... accept the offer, believe, be anointed with My Spirit & I will work through you to achieve My will ... then you will spend eternity with me in paradise, together with all those who did as you did.

WOW ... eternity in the Kingdom of God ... love, joy, peace ..... How wonderful.

But from the evidence of the state of the world (plus the Word of God in the first part of Revelation), time is running out fast .... so Father wants all who are fully clad in His armour (His Holy Spirit) to join The Holy Spirit & Lord Jesus (see Rom 8:27, 34) to intercede for ALL the saints (who have yet to collect/find their armour & put it on & join in the intercession (See Eph 6:10-18).

The gate shuts for those not ready!

 

[macek]

Firstly, isn't that freeing oneself from sin? Secondly, if people have the ability to simply choose not to sin, why don't they? Why don't at least some people?

That why i said it shows the limitation of language. Everyone has free will to obey or to disobey. You can choose to sin or to resist. But once you have sinned you cant wipe that off your slate by yourself. Only Jesus can, by his blood. Our sins are washed away by His blood and every time we sin we add another nail to His body. That's why sin is so grave.

We are all sinners and all gulty of nailing Jesus to a cross. Because of our fallen nature. See when Lucifer started his rebellion, we, too rebelled. You know the story of Adam and Eve and the apple so i wont go into that.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

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.

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.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/does-god-love-everyone-the-same

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[jimmyjimmy]

Everyone has free will to obey or to disobey.

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

 

[macek]

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

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.