but only the wicked lost - "must sin" because they have no other option.
Romans 8:4-10
4
so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who are
according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For
the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because
the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for
it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 However,
you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.
I don't agree with this Bob. This notion that it is impossible for sinners to do anything but sin rings hollow because we all know and have seen sinners do things that are kind or good at some point.
Their "righteousness is as filthy rags" according to the Bible.
I too have known some polite atheists and non-Christians.
they do not choose to attack all of God's law - only select parts of it. But God says "he who is guilty of one is guilty of all" and in their case outward conformance on a few points does not indicate inward moral character like Christ. Paul is not saying in Romans 8 "all lost people choose to use God's name as a curse word" for example.
In Romans 2 we find that there is the new birth, new covenant work in those who are not Christian -- indicating that they are in fact New Covenant born-again saved saints.
Rom 2
13 for
it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the
doers of the Law will be justified. 14 For
when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, 15 in that they show
the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, 16 on the day
when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.
...
25 For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 So
if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter
of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the Law? 28
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.
Thanks for asking. I struggle with a sin yes. Have done most of my Christian life. But it's not only that. I haven't had true peace in my life for a long time. Why I'm not sure. When I think of Christ having forgiven every sin at the cross, I feel peace. I like it to be so, but don't know if it is.
I also have problems with understanding the correlation between works and faith.
God bless,
Peter
The way the Holy Spirit does that confirmation is via the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5) and the primary one being "peace" according to John 14.
John 14
21
He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) *said to Him, “Lord, what then has happened that You are going to disclose Yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “
If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. 24
He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me. 25 “These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. 26
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. 27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
1. if the Holy Spirit is not speaking peace to you it may be that He is trying to tell you something about the effect of rebellion or partly-converted half-converted risks. (James 4 -- "friendship with the world is hostility towards God" - set the Internet-surfing and TV aside)
2. If you are not taking the time to "listen" in prayer, Bible reading, meditation then even if you are saved - you won't have that assurance from the Holy Spirit that such is the case.
3. If you do spend time in prayer and are fully committed to following the Holy Spirit's leading - claiming the merits of Christ and keeping your eyes on Jesus... but don't have peace -- it could be that you are fixating on doubt rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to deal with it.
Whichever one of those 3 cases it is... recognize it and deal with it as God leads.
