Victory Over Sin

[*Light*]

Hello Family of God!

I will be discussing -- and how no one is sinless. This is obviously a "no-brainer" since ALL of you are still in a body made of flesh and bones (Grk. "sarx"). It is ONLY at *Glorification* that you BECOME sinless and are given a spiritual body incapable of committing sin; and designed to Worship, Praise, and Glorify God with all of your being. Can someone in the family of God here on Earth go through their day without committing sin even once? Sins in your life can originate from several sources. They can come from Satan and his minions if you leave your *door* wide open ; and thus "allowing" the enemy to infiltrate your tabernacle and rob you of your belongings Lk. 22:3). Sins can also, and most of the time, do come from your own carnal and fleshly desires. This occurs when you fail to *Walk in the Spirit* and to be *watchful* at all times (cf. Rom. 7:5; 13:12-14; 1 Cor. 3:3; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 2:3; James 1:12; 1 Jn. 2:16).

Example of sins originating from the enemy and his forces of darkness:

"Then ENTERED Satan INTO Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. (Like 22:3)"

Example of sins originating from your carnal and lustful desires of your own flesh:

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)"

For very good reason, scripture never puts things this way -- as if not sinning might be something equivalent to dieting or training for a race. You are NOT to sin . . . period. But you do sin, and when you do, you are to confess our sins (Lev. 5:5,17; Ps. 32:5; 38:18; 66:18; Prov. 28:13; cf. Matt. 3:6; Rom. 10:9-10; Jas. 5:16; 1 Jn. 1:9; 2:1). No one will sin less by "trying not to sin today"; such a thing will probably only lead to more sin. That is addressing things by means of the flesh, not by the Spirit, and Paul's description in Romans chapter seven tells us that this is futile (Rom. 7:14-25). On the other hand, if you are walking in the Spirit, you will not be carrying out the deeds of the flesh (Gal.5:16ff.). I am sure that it is possible to go a day and not commit an act of lying, e.g. Indeed, any Christian who is walking in Christ is accomplishing that every day (one hopes). And it may be possible to go a day and not commit a sin of action (if one stays home with the phone off of the hook and the shades drawn) -- but doubtful if a person has to commute in traffic. James tells us that controlling the tongue is near impossible (cf. Ps.39:1-6; 64:3-4; Jas. 1:19,26; 3:1-12) it might be possible to go a day without uttering a single careless word and only words that are edifying (Prov. 10:11, 20-21; 12:13-14; 13:3; 15:2; 16:21; 18:21; 21:23; 25:11-12; Isa. 50:4; Matt. 15:10-20; Eph. 4:29; Col.4:6, but just as with action, there are things that you should do as well as those you should not do.

Can you perfectly navigate a day and say everything you should while avoiding everything you should not say? I have my doubts. Most of your sins are sins of ignorance -- which is why most of the sacrifices of the Law were for sins of ignorance (cf. Lev. 4:2; 5:17,18; Hos. 4:6; Acts 17:30; Rom. 10:3; 1 Cor. 15:34; 1 Tim. 1:13; Eph. 4:18; 1 Pet. 1:14; execution was the standard for sins of arrogance -- but if it has been rigorously carried out the population would have soon disappeared). So it might be possible to go a day without doing or saying (or failing to do or say) anything by the commission or omission of which was sinful . . . AS FAR AS THE SINNER KNEW. But that is significantly different from not sinning in action and word. And that is why in the Lord's prayer you are directed to ask for forgiveness every single time you pray it (Ps. 32:1; 103:3; Prov. 28:13; 1 Jn. 1:9).

When it comes to sins of the heart (Gen. 6:5; cf. Job 36:13; Ps. 10:3; 41:6; 55:21; Prov. 6:18; Matt. 9:4; 15:18-19) that is a whole different subject. The human heart is "desperately wicked" and incapable of even being comprehended (Jer.17:9). The sin catalogs in the New Testament are "sins of the heart" heavy, and it was covetousness, the one mental sin, that doomed the apostle Paul in Romans chapter seven. Can you really go a day without a prideful thought? Without a jealous thought? Without getting upset, frustrated, angry? Without expressing the slightest doubt or fear or anxiety? One could go on at great length. And even if you THOUGHT you had done so, in truth no doubt you would only be expressing arrogance (cf. Prov. 8:13; Jer. 9:23-24; Rom. 11:20) in respect to the sins of ignorance you had committed.

Can a person go a day without a mental sin? Maybe if in a coma. In any case, this is the WRONG way entirely to think about things and to go about things. This is like playing chess by trying not to lose pieces, or like fighting a war but never going on the offense and expecting to win. The Christian way of life is both defensive and offensive; they complement each other (cf. Eph. 4:27; 6:12; 2 Cor. 10:4; 2 Tim. 2:3-4; 1 Thess. 5:22; 1 Jn. 4:1), but the purpose of defense is not to be perfect (which is impossible) but to make it possible to gain momentum in spiritual growth, progress and production -- something which being embroiled in sinful behavior -- especially sinful actions which are arrogant rather than ignorant. The latter is the first place Christians need to clean up their act and press forward with sanctification (Jn. 17:17; Rom. 8:5-14; 13:13; cf. 1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Cor. 7:1; Gal. 2:20; 1 Tim. 6:11-12; 2 Thess. 2:13; Tit. 3:4-7; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; 2:2-3; 5:8-9; 1 Jn. 2:15-17) in all other areas too. But this life is a fight to the end, and you have sin natures which make being perfect impossible.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)"

These *high places* are the realm of the space between this Earth and the 3rd Heaven (e.g., "the atmospheric realm, and the cosmos [stars, planets, solar systems, and galaxies] -- the cosmic realm where the angels and other celestial beings did their service before the fall of man.) The rebellion of Lucifer and his fallen emissaries resulting in a blacked out Universe with now uninhabitable planets.

How do you nip sin in the bud? As with all physical battles, your spiritual battles must be fought with a strategy; or else you will fail miserably and sink deeper into your lifestyle of sin. The *General* of your soul is to be none other than Jesus Christ Himself. He instructs and commands us through His *Living Word* on how we are to do battle with the enemy when engaged in spiritual warfare. It is through and by the *Word of the Living God* that we are to fight our battles with. Preparation is the first thing in which you must lay out in detail every day you get out of bed. A soldier does not engage in a battle without first having been *equipped* with an armor for protection, and weaponry to be on the offense.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not canral, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds Casting down imaginations, end every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)"

Let's begin with this question:

Do you see the enemy and his army advancing? How *far or near* is the enemy and his troops in proximity to your fortress? Or have you fallen asleep only to awaken to discover that your foes are approaching swiftly and near your encampment? This is why you need to keep awake at all costs; and to be *sober* and *vigilant* at all times (1 Pet. 5:8-9).

"For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Romans 6:10-13)"

Why wait until later to keep watch? Why not keep watch with all vigilance with one's eyes open rather having one's eyes being closed?

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:14-15)"

• 1. Enticed by one's own lust.
• 2. Conception of that lust resulting in sin.
• 3. Sin which brings forth death.

Sinful desires need to be immediately stopped *before* it reaches the *second* phase; which is *conception* of that sin or sins. Satan made an all out effort in attempting to have Jesus give in to his human desires; but Satan obviously failed miserably as Jesus was the God-Man and was incapable of sinning ("The Impeccability of Christ" or "posse non peccare et non posse peccare"). The point here is whether or not Jesus could have sinned; rather it needs to be emphasized that He overcame Satan at that moment in His ministry through the power of God using the Word of God as His defense and offense against the adversary.

In Closing:

War is messy. So is our warfare . . . unless and until you get your priorities straight. What is your attitude toward sin? Don't do it. What if you do? Confess it. What if you are not sure? There is prayer for confession in the Lord's prayer you pray daily or more often . . . and that ought to tell you something. Is this Christian life about sin? Not at all. It is about responding to the forgiveness of sin you have through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ your dear Lord and Savior. What does that mean? Doing what Jesus wants you to do. What does Jesus want you to do? He wants you to grow, progress and produce. He doesn't want you to sin -- obviously -- but His purpose for it is to glorify Him through earning eternal rewards; putting sin aside is a necessary part of that goal but it is not the objective itself, and if a person focuses on that as the objective, he/she will fail in the mission.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 1:1-2)"

God Bless!

 

[Lost4words]

Nice post

 

[Call me Nic]

Hello Family of God!

I will be discussing -- and how no one is sinless. This is obviously a "no-brainer" since ALL of you are still in a body made of flesh and bones (Grk. "sarx"). It is ONLY at *Glorification* that you BECOME sinless and are given a spiritual body incapable of committing sin; and designed to Worship, Praise, and Glorify God with all of your being. Can someone in the family of God here on Earth go through their day without committing sin even once? Sins in your life can originate from several sources. They can come from Satan and his minions if you leave your *door* wide open ; and thus "allowing" the enemy to infiltrate your tabernacle and rob you of your belongings Lk. 22:3). Sins can also, and most of the time, do come from your own carnal and fleshly desires. This occurs when you fail to *Walk in the Spirit* and to be *watchful* at all times (cf. Rom. 7:5; 13:12-14; 1 Cor. 3:3; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 2:3; James 1:12; 1 Jn. 2:16).

Example of sins originating from the enemy and his forces of darkness:

"Then ENTERED Satan INTO Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. (Like 22:3)"

Example of sins originating from your carnal and lustful desires of your own flesh:

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)"

For very good reason, scripture never puts things this way -- as if not sinning might be something equivalent to dieting or training for a race. You are NOT to sin . . . period. But you do sin, and when you do, you are to confess our sins (Lev. 5:5,17; Ps. 32:5; 38:18; 66:18; Prov. 28:13; cf. Matt. 3:6; Rom. 10:9-10; Jas. 5:16; 1 Jn. 1:9; 2:1). No one will sin less by "trying not to sin today"; such a thing will probably only lead to more sin. That is addressing things by means of the flesh, not by the Spirit, and Paul's description in Romans chapter seven tells us that this is futile (Rom. 7:14-25). On the other hand, if you are walking in the Spirit, you will not be carrying out the deeds of the flesh (Gal.5:16ff.). I am sure that it is possible to go a day and not commit an act of lying, e.g. Indeed, any Christian who is walking in Christ is accomplishing that every day (one hopes). And it may be possible to go a day and not commit a sin of action (if one stays home with the phone off of the hook and the shades drawn) -- but doubtful if a person has to commute in traffic. James tells us that controlling the tongue is near impossible (cf. Ps.39:1-6; 64:3-4; Jas. 1:19,26; 3:1-12) it might be possible to go a day without uttering a single careless word and only words that are edifying (Prov. 10:11, 20-21; 12:13-14; 13:3; 15:2; 16:21; 18:21; 21:23; 25:11-12; Isa. 50:4; Matt. 15:10-20; Eph. 4:29; Col.4:6, but just as with action, there are things that you should do as well as those you should not do.

Can you perfectly navigate a day and say everything you should while avoiding everything you should not say? I have my doubts. Most of your sins are sins of ignorance -- which is why most of the sacrifices of the Law were for sins of ignorance (cf. Lev. 4:2; 5:17,18; Hos. 4:6; Acts 17:30; Rom. 10:3; 1 Cor. 15:34; 1 Tim. 1:13; Eph. 4:18; 1 Pet. 1:14; execution was the standard for sins of arrogance -- but if it has been rigorously carried out the population would have soon disappeared). So it might be possible to go a day without doing or saying (or failing to do or say) anything by the commission or omission of which was sinful . . . AS FAR AS THE SINNER KNEW. But that is significantly different from not sinning in action and word. And that is why in the Lord's prayer you are directed to ask for forgiveness every single time you pray it (Ps. 32:1; 103:3; Prov. 28:13; 1 Jn. 1:9).

When it comes to sins of the heart (Gen. 6:5; cf. Job 36:13; Ps. 10:3; 41:6; 55:21; Prov. 6:18; Matt. 9:4; 15:18-19) that is a whole different subject. The human heart is "desperately wicked" and incapable of even being comprehended (Jer.17:9). The sin catalogs in the New Testament are "sins of the heart" heavy, and it was covetousness, the one mental sin, that doomed the apostle Paul in Romans chapter seven. Can you really go a day without a prideful thought? Without a jealous thought? Without getting upset, frustrated, angry? Without expressing the slightest doubt or fear or anxiety? One could go on at great length. And even if you THOUGHT you had done so, in truth no doubt you would only be expressing arrogance (cf. Prov. 8:13; Jer. 9:23-24; Rom. 11:20) in respect to the sins of ignorance you had committed.

Can a person go a day without a mental sin? Maybe if in a coma. In any case, this is the WRONG way entirely to think about things and to go about things. This is like playing chess by trying not to lose pieces, or like fighting a war but never going on the offense and expecting to win. The Christian way of life is both defensive and offensive; they complement each other (cf. Eph. 4:27; 6:12; 2 Cor. 10:4; 2 Tim. 2:3-4; 1 Thess. 5:22; 1 Jn. 4:1), but the purpose of defense is not to be perfect (which is impossible) but to make it possible to gain momentum in spiritual growth, progress and production -- something which being embroiled in sinful behavior -- especially sinful actions which are arrogant rather than ignorant. The latter is the first place Christians need to clean up their act and press forward with sanctification (Jn. 17:17; Rom. 8:5-14; 13:13; cf. 1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Cor. 7:1; Gal. 2:20; 1 Tim. 6:11-12; 2 Thess. 2:13; Tit. 3:4-7; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; 2:2-3; 5:8-9; 1 Jn. 2:15-17) in all other areas too. But this life is a fight to the end, and you have sin natures which make being perfect impossible.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)"

These *high places* are the realm of the space between this Earth and the 3rd Heaven (e.g., "the atmospheric realm, and the cosmos [stars, planets, solar systems, and galaxies] -- the cosmic realm where the angels and other celestial beings did their service before the fall of man.) The rebellion of Lucifer and his fallen emissaries resulting in a blacked out Universe with now uninhabitable planets.

How do you nip sin in the bud? As with all physical battles, your spiritual battles must be fought with a strategy; or else you will fail miserably and sink deeper into your lifestyle of sin. The *General* of your soul is to be none other than Jesus Christ Himself. He instructs and commands us through His *Living Word* on how we are to do battle with the enemy when engaged in spiritual warfare. It is through and by the *Word of the Living God* that we are to fight our battles with. Preparation is the first thing in which you must lay out in detail every day you get out of bed. A soldier does not engage in a battle without first having been *equipped* with an armor for protection, and weaponry to be on the offense.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not canral, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds Casting down imaginations, end every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)"

Let's begin with this question:

Do you see the enemy and his army advancing? How *far or near* is the enemy and his troops in proximity to your fortress? Or have you fallen asleep only to awaken to discover that your foes are approaching swiftly and near your encampment? This is why you need to keep awake at all costs; and to be *sober* and *vigilant* at all times (1 Pet. 5:8-9).

"For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Romans 6:10-13)"

Why wait until later to keep watch? Why not keep watch with all vigilance with one's eyes open rather having one's eyes being closed?

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:14-15)"

• 1. Enticed by one's own lust.
• 2. Conception of that lust resulting in sin.
• 3. Sin which brings forth death.

Sinful desires need to be immediately stopped *before* it reaches the *second* phase; which is *conception* of that sin or sins. Satan made an all out effort in attempting to have Jesus give in to his human desires; but Satan obviously failed miserably as Jesus was the God-Man and was incapable of sinning ("The Impeccability of Christ" or "posse non peccare et non posse peccare"). The point here is whether or not Jesus could have sinned; rather it needs to be emphasized that He overcame Satan at that moment in His ministry through the power of God using the Word of God as His defense and offense against the adversary.

In Closing:

War is messy. So is our warfare . . . unless and until you get your priorities straight. What is your attitude toward sin? Don't do it. What if you do? Confess it. What if you are not sure? There is prayer for confession in the Lord's prayer you pray daily or more often . . . and that ought to tell you something. Is this Christian life about sin? Not at all. It is about responding to the forgiveness of sin you have through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ your dear Lord and Savior. What does that mean? Doing what Jesus wants you to do. What does Jesus want you to do? He wants you to grow, progress and produce. He doesn't want you to sin -- obviously -- but His purpose for it is to glorify Him through earning eternal rewards; putting sin aside is a necessary part of that goal but it is not the objective itself, and if a person focuses on that as the objective, he/she will fail in the mission.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 1:1-2)"

God Bless!

Brilliant encouragement! Just what I needed to read today.

 

[JIMINZ]

You missed this verse.

Rom. 6:2
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?


You skimmed over these verses without explanation

Rom 6:10,11
10) For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

If you have been Baptized into Christ (Born Again) you are dead to sin.
The Flesh, The Old Man, the Body of Sin, is dead unto sin by Jesus Christ.

Even if you do not Reckon yourself to be dead to sin, you are indeed dead to sin by Jesus Christ.

And not only so, but sin in the Flesh has been Destroyed.

Rom 8:3,4
3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

So you see, it isn't a choice whether or not a Christian walks in the Flesh, or the Spirit, they have been Born Again by the Holy Spirit unto Newness of life.

John3:6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

We were by Nature born into the Flesh, and by reason of Baptism Born Again, into the Spirit.

 

[Call me Nic]

You missed this verse.

Rom. 6:2
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?


You skimmed over these verses without explanation

Rom 6:10,11
10) For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

If you have been Baptized into Christ (Born Again) you are dead to sin.
The Flesh, The Old Man, the Body of Sin, is dead unto sin by Jesus Christ.

Even if you do not Reckon yourself to be dead to sin, you are indeed dead to sin by Jesus Christ.

And not only so, but sin in the Flesh has been Destroyed.

Rom 8:3,4
3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

So you see, it isn't a choice whether or not a Christian walks in the Flesh, or the Spirit, they have been Born Again by the Holy Spirit unto Newness of life.

John3:6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

We were by Nature born into the Flesh, and by reason of Baptism Born Again, into the Spirit.

I think the OP's post was a practical way of looking at life in the Spirit, as opposed to being a carnal Christian. A person that is saved is indeed dead unto sin in the spirit because of the Holy Ghost like you pointed out, and they shouldn't walk in the lusts of the flesh any longer. However, salvation is a free gift, so many who become freely saved do not count the cost of sanctification, and live their lives without seeking spiritual growth. Their soul is renewed by the Spirit of God, but their flesh is what drives their desires. I'm not condoning it, but I'm just saying I've been there, and have seen many others in the same situation.

 

[JIMINZ]

I think the OP's post was a practical way of looking at life in the Spirit, as opposed to being a carnal Christian. A person that is saved is indeed dead unto sin in the spirit because of the Holy Ghost like you pointed out, and they shouldn't walk in the lusts of the flesh any longer. However, salvation is a free gift, so many who become freely saved do not count the cost of sanctification, and live their lives without seeking spiritual growth. Their soul is renewed by the Spirit of God, but their flesh is what drives their desires. I'm not condoning it, but I'm just saying I've been there, and have seen many others in the same situation.

My belief is that the OP was way off base,and just putting forth his agenda, (Doctrine).

He has it all worked out but there are verses such as the ones I posted which contradict his personal findings and beliefs.

When you say above, that when one is Saved, and dead to sin in the spirit, are you saying, this is a symbolic death because Saved people still sin?

I don't believe in the term Carnal Christian, unless it is used in connection with a NEW BELIEVER, because they are still in the beginnings of their New Birth (BABES), but someone who we would call a carnal Christian is nothing more than a sinner, sort of a Tare, so to speak.

1 Cor. 3:1
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

 

[Call me Nic]

My belief is that the OP was way off base,and just putting forth his agenda, (Doctrine).

He has it all worked out but there are verses such as the ones I posted which contradict his personal findings and beliefs.

When you say above, that when one is Saved, and dead to sin in the spirit, are you saying, this is a symbolic death because Saved people still sin?

I don't believe in the term Carnal Christian, unless it is used in connection with a NEW BELIEVER, because they are still in the beginnings of their New Birth (BABES), but someone who we would call a carnal Christian is nothing more than a sinner, sort of a Tare, so to speak.

1 Cor. 3:1
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

I’ll answer your question in depth when I get home from work tonight, friend.

 

[*Light*]

Hello Nicolaus, my Dear friend in Christ,

I just want to start out by saying that you have exhibited a TRUE Christian Spirit. I respect the way that you have responded to this person; and this is a sign of spiritual maturity for sure. I can CLEARLY see the fruits of the Spirit within you as a tree is known by its fruits. You are a VERY HUMBLE person, and I have great respect for you; for such is a rarity and extremely uncommon in Christendom today. Your humility is a great encouragement to me; for I hope to grow in that area. I know that my words may sound harsh at times; but it is only because I am very zealous regarding my ministry. That being said . . . this person has clearly FALSELY ACCUSED me of something which CLEARLY IS NOT true at all; and because of this very fact regarding this person -- it has been revealed that such a spirit of accusation cannot possibly be spoken from the Holy Spirit -- for the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of TRUTH. He accused me of "putting forth" my "agenda/doctrine", and that is completely false. This concerns me, because whenever someone "professes" to be Christian and flat out accuses someone falsely, it means that the source of their words are NOT from God; but rather from their own deceived hearts -- or from Satan Himself. I wrote my OP post because many Christians are struggling with sin today; and I have seen many of them fall by the wayside because of this. This saddens and grieves my heart because I care for my brothers and sisters in Christ; and I would hate it if they were to plunge into a Christless hell and Eternal Lake of Fire because they were DECEIVED into believing that they have been born-again -- but were NEVER truly born again to begin with.

Those who are of the Truth hear God's Words. You and I both know that nothing that I have wrote was unscriptural. He has taken isolated verses out of context using eisegesis, and used them in an attempt to refute what I have written. Paul spake about what the "body of death" referred to (see Rom. 7:24). Back in the times of the apostles, criminals were strapped to a "corpse" as a form of punishment. This "corpse" would continue to "rot and decay"; and its decaying and rotting matter would soon enough attach itself to the criminal. And as a result, that person would be consumed slowly with the decaying matter on their bodies as it would spread. I have also *discerned* that he made an all out effort in using the word BABE in Christ. I have seen this behavior among many professing Christians, and what I have discovered after dialoguing with them for a while is that this is a form of "spiritual pride". I have the gift of spiritual discernment, and I can even tell you EXACTLY the point in time when an evil spirit enters a person. And I can perceive when someone is truly walking in the spirit, or are simply here to exalt themselves. CAPITALIZING words such as BABE is very telling; it is most likely a sign that the one who does such things are attempting to exalt themselves as a "SUPER Christian". It is also a tell-tale sign of spiritual immaturity; or could be an indicator that such a person is not saved at all, and was never saved to begin with. I say this with deep concern, because most of my ministry deals with helping "false converts" to come to the realization that they may not be saved to begin with. And did you notice how this person underhandedly used the word "tare"? It is easily noticeable that this person was making an implication that someone who disagreed with his viewpoint were "tares" -- this is another accusation stemming from within his heart. This is also a great concern. I am grieved at how someone who has TRULY been regenerated by the Power of the Holy Spirit can speak such words. I am saying this out of love and concern.

The bible makes it CRYSTAL CLEAR that if ANYONE claims to have NO SIN in them (John uses the PRESENT TENSE) then they are a LIAR, and the Truth is NOT in them (see 1st John 1:8). This would mean that this person does NOT have the Truth within them if they reject these very words in Scripture which are "God-breathed" (Grk "theopneustos"). Btw, when someone speaks of a "carnal" Christian, what do they mean? Because if you ask several Christians about this word, you will get several different meanings. The fact that he failed to realize this and "zoned in" on ONLY one meaning of the word demonstrates a lack of scholarly research, and one who has NOT studied the doctrine of sin as well as they should have. Paul the apostle said that he is "carnal" -- sold under sin (Rom. 7:14). However, the word carnal (Grk. "sarkikos") simply means that he is in a *body* made of "flesh and bones* . . . NOT carnal in the sense of someone who is a habitual sinner. I am here to send a message to struggling Christians who TRULY do love the Lord, but fail to live in "sinless perfection". I also know that whenever I do so, there is always an *attack* on the Truth with falsity, deception, spiritual pride, false accusations, and lacking any *genuine* characteristics of a person who has TRULY been regenerated. Again, I say this with deep concern and because I TRULY do care for the lost -- and that includes those who may be deceived into believing they are *born-again* when they are not.

All I have seen in this man's post are isolated passages taken out of context. They are eisegesis rather than exegesis. Did you also discern that he said "personal" beliefs concerning what I had written? This is another FALSE accusation. I am stunned at how anyone could be so accusative and claim to "walk" in the light. This is NOT my personal beliefs -- this is Scripture. You know that what I have wrote IS the Truth, and I am not ALONE on this. So this is my PERSONAL doctrine? You and I can clearly see what is going on here. I have learned that there is no point in trying to convince someone of the Truth if their mind is already made-up; because their false doctrines have been deeply rooted in them, and the seeds of heresy has sprouted within the depths of their being. Time is short . . . we need to preach the Truth to those who have ears to hear, eyes to see, and a heart to understand -- not someone who has exhibited spiritual pride and has their mind made up. I wish you well in your endeavors. I am CONFIDENT that you can easily defend what this man has been falsely teaching.

A stern warning to EVERY MAN OR WOMAN who fails to take heed in examining themselves to see whether they are truly born-again:

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23)"

With much love, and yours in Christ,

 

[*Light*]

You missed this verse.

Rom. 6:2
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?


You skimmed over these verses without explanation

Rom 6:10,11
10) For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

If you have been Baptized into Christ (Born Again) you are dead to sin.
The Flesh, The Old Man, the Body of Sin, is dead unto sin by Jesus Christ.

Even if you do not Reckon yourself to be dead to sin, you are indeed dead to sin by Jesus Christ.

And not only so, but sin in the Flesh has been Destroyed.

Rom 8:3,4
3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

So you see, it isn't a choice whether or not a Christian walks in the Flesh, or the Spirit, they have been Born Again by the Holy Spirit unto Newness of life.

John3:6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

We were by Nature born into the Flesh, and by reason of Baptism Born Again, into the Spirit.

To JIMINZ:

I'm fairly certain that you will not humbly admit to your erroneous teachings on sin even when clearly presented with irrefutable exegesis and hermeneutics. Let us see how this goes; because this will determine whether you will humbly submit to the authoritative and infallible Words of God Himself -- or continue to deceive yourself with your own opinion. I have never seen scripture perverted and twisted out of context as this before -- this is unprecedented.

It is typical of those who use the Bible to support what they want to say -- instead of going TO the Bible to see what IT has to say -- to jump any manner of logical steps so as to turn verses and doctrines on their head if need be to back up their false points. You wrote: "So you see, it isn't a choice whether or not a Christian walks in the flesh, or the Spirit".

Where is THAT in the Bible? Nowhere! Here is what I read:

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)"

"Walk!" This is a command: whenever we are given a command we ought to follow it. Sadly, some often do not (cf. Adam and Eve). But the fact that we are told to do things, whether or not we do them, shows that this is all about choice: will we obey or not? There is no question that we are wrong not to obey. But saying we will do so automatically is clearly wrong and contrary to all human experience -- not to mention also is clear conflict with the Bible. And I can't speak for all Charismatics; but I have several friends who are "Charismatics"; and they believe that if you "sin" a certain amount of times -- your Salvation can be Lost. Now this is CLEARLY NOT taught in Scripture. When one has a faulty and POOR understanding of the doctrine of "sin" -- then it will naturally follow that such leaven will leaven the whole lump.

In Christ,
*Light*

 

[JIMINZ]

You wrote: "So you see, it isn't a choice whether or not a Christian walks in the flesh, or the Spirit".

Where is THAT in the Bible? Nowhere! Here is what I read:

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)"

"Walk!" This is a command: whenever we are given a command we ought to follow it.

But the fact that we are told to do things, whether or not we do them, shows that this is all about choice: will we obey or not?

There is no question that we are wrong not to obey. But saying we will do so automatically is clearly wrong and contrary to all human experience -- not to mention also is clear conflict with the Bible.

And I can't speak for all Charismatics; but I have several friends who are "Charismatics"; and they believe that if you "sin" a certain amount of times -- your Salvation can be Lost. Now this is CLEARLY NOT taught in Scripture. When one has a faulty and POOR understanding of the doctrine of "sin"

Light

No, I'm sorry, it isn't a matter of choice, or free will, but it is.

Rom 6:4-7
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7) For he that is dead is freed from sin.

When we are Born Again of the Spirit, unto Newness of life, it is at this point we begin walking in the Spirit, and always will, until the day we die physically.

There isn't any vacillating back and forth, or walking in the Spirit today, but walking in the flesh for the next three days.

This is an understanding that every Christian should have, we are in Christ, and therefore ALWAYS Walk in the Spirit which resides within us because, we are Born Again, Not of the Flesh, but of the Spirit of God.

Gal. 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Well, I cant speak for any Charismatics, and neither would I attempt to.

If a Christian sins they are sinners, and never had Salvation to begin with.

 

[*Light*]

Dear JIMINZ:

I am VERY concerned about your current spiritual condition, and I mean this with all sincerity and honesty. My ministry deals with Heralding the Second Coming of Christ for His Bride; and to *warn* EVERY "professing" Christian to *examine* themselves to see if they are TRULY in the Faith (cf. Job 13:23; 1 Cor. 11:27-31; 2 Cor. 13:5). The unchanging Word of God explicitly states that if ANYONE claims to be "without" sin, then the TRUTH is NOT in them. This means that the one who claims to walk in "sinless perfection" as a human being is living in *habitual* sin. Not only that, but this person makes God a LIAR.

"If we say that WE HAVE (Grk. "echo"; present tense, active voice, indicative mood) no sin (Grk. "hamartia"), we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10)"

The context here in the above passage is John who had dealt with "false teachers" who denied the existence of sin in their lives, and yet were walking in "darkness" (i.e., "living in sin" v.6). The Apostle John includes HIMSELF in this passage as one who admits that he is not one who is WITHOUT sin. Are you "holier" than John? You are treading on VERY dangerous ground here; because you are in reality (inadvertently or not) condemning *every* single Christian who commits a *single act* of sin as "unsaved" -- and therefore in danger of Eternal Damnation. This is a VERY serious accusation! This is an accusation in which the LORD God Almighty does not let such a one who makes such a condemning remark as excusable in any way. I can assure you that a fire is kindled in the anger of the LORD; and that you MUST repent of this behavior and its false teaching. I have warned many in the past who "profess" to be Christian of such egregious and detrimental behavior, and the Eternal ramifications that follow those who refuse to repent. Sadly, most of them have passed on to the abode of the damned because of this. I MUST be *stern* regarding these sort of accusations because life and death are weighed in its balance.

"If any man see his brother (Grk. "adelphos") sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. (1 John 5:16)"

The word "brother" can have several meanings based upon its context. It can refer to a brother in relation to the same ancestry, parents; or among the *brethren* in Christ. Any biblical scholar will tell you that context is KING when defining the interpretation of a certain passage in Scripture. John here is using the Greek noun "brother" as referring to a "brother in Christ" -- or one who has been justified through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here John is speaking of a *brother in Christ* who may be sinning, and how we are to go about handling such situations when we are confronted with them. You are espousing a doctrine that is completely antithetical to what the bible teaches. I am quite certain that this false doctrine was disseminated by someone who has NOT studied their bible at all; perhaps your "Pastor" or bible "teacher" who have been led by their emotions rather than the Truth of God's Word -- or perhaps doctrines of demons (cf. 1 Tim. 4:1).

"And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of [the mouth] of the dragon, and out of [the mouth] of the beast, and out of [the mouth] of the false prophet. These are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (Revelation 16:13-14)"

This may seem like a bizarre passage in scripture to invite into this conversation; but it is extremely *vital* that you *take heed* to its implications. This passage describes the power and influence of speech. What that passage is describing is the oratorical mastery and charisma used to influence the entire deceived world through the words of these devils. Just as there are MANY men around the world in political office who are demon-possessed to the toenails, and used as human agents through the working of ancient evil spirits who have been influencing mankind since the beginning of the creation of man. I have seen the cunning and guile of many Pastors who will take scripture out of its context and insert their own interpretation into it; and then pass on their "teachings" to their congregation.

You have done EXACTLY just that with Romans 6 and other texts in which you have cited. It is a PERFECT example of eisegesis, and you could not have provided a *more* perfect example of my case in point. NOTHING in that passage says ANYTHING about walking in "sinless perfection"; you have clearly "inserted" your personal interpretation into that passage. You are not in a "Glorified" state yet, and the very fact that every single human being will DIE is clear proof that sin still remains in them. For the wages of sin is DEATH. You would NEVER die if you were not capable of sinnning; neither would you age. Once again, you are COMMANDED to *walk* in the *newness of life*; and if a Christian were incapable of sinning, then you might as well throw out all of the *commands* in scripture *instructing* Christians how to live in a godless and corrupt world. We are to *walk* in the *newness of life* because we are "buried" with Him and united with Him in His resurrection (cf. Ezek. 36:26; Rom. 7:6; 8:7; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20; 3:27; 6:15; Eph. 4:24; 1 Pet. 2:1-25) -- none of this would matter if you no longer have the ability to sin. Do you see the problem here? And how a little leaven leavens the whole lump? The false teaching of sinless perfection DOES AWAY with the majority of Scripture, and nullifies it to where *spiritual growth* is diminished greatly.

In Closing:

The Eternal Truth of God's Word explicitly states that if ANYNONE claims to be "sinless", then they do NOT have the Truth dwelling in them (1 Jn. 1:8-10). And if they do NOT have the Truth dwelling within them, then they do NOT *possess* the *Spirit of Truth* (i.e., The Holy Spirit). The Holy Spirit is evidence that one has been *justified* by the precious blood of Jesus Christ; and TRULY been *regenerated*. Anyone who does NOT *possess* the Holy Spirit CANNOT *understand* the precious Truth's contained within Scripture; and therefore are "walking in darkness" even though they claim to *walk in the light* (cf. Mic. 4:12; Matt. 22:29; Jn. 1:5; Acts 7:25; Jude 19; 1 Cor. 2:14-16). Furthermore, denying that one cannot commit an act of sin is tantamount to calling God a LIAR -- and this is a VERY DANGEROUS accusation whether one is intentionally doing this or not. One is NOT to lie to the Holy Spirit, because He is the Spirit of TRUTH; and the results of doing so and refusing to submit to His Divine Authority, and refusing to REPENT from such actions will result in Eternal Punishment. Professing to walk in "sinless perfection" and thus making EVERY Christians who is capable of sinning damned to an Eternal Lake of Fire because they are NOT saved, is in actuality making the one claiming to walk in "sinless perfection" a "habitual sinner". Do you see the irony? There is nothing more I can say to you if you fail to take heed to this. It is my desire that you see the Truth and TRULY walk in its light. I must move on; for time is short. HOPE this helps!

God Bless!

 

[mark kennedy]

Hello Family of God!

I will be discussing -- and how no one is sinless. This is obviously a "no-brainer" since ALL of you are still in a body made of flesh and bones (Grk. "sarx"). It is ONLY at *Glorification* that you BECOME sinless and are given a spiritual body incapable of committing sin; and designed to Worship, Praise, and Glorify God with all of your being. Can someone in the family of God here on Earth go through their day without committing sin even once? Sins in your life can originate from several sources. They can come from Satan and his minions if you leave your *door* wide open ; and thus "allowing" the enemy to infiltrate your tabernacle and rob you of your belongings Lk. 22:3). Sins can also, and most of the time, do come from your own carnal and fleshly desires. This occurs when you fail to *Walk in the Spirit* and to be *watchful* at all times (cf. Rom. 7:5; 13:12-14; 1 Cor. 3:3; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 2:3; James 1:12; 1 Jn. 2:16).

Example of sins originating from the enemy and his forces of darkness:

"Then ENTERED Satan INTO Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. (Like 22:3)"

Example of sins originating from your carnal and lustful desires of your own flesh:

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)"

For very good reason, scripture never puts things this way -- as if not sinning might be something equivalent to dieting or training for a race. You are NOT to sin . . . period. But you do sin, and when you do, you are to confess our sins (Lev. 5:5,17; Ps. 32:5; 38:18; 66:18; Prov. 28:13; cf. Matt. 3:6; Rom. 10:9-10; Jas. 5:16; 1 Jn. 1:9; 2:1). No one will sin less by "trying not to sin today"; such a thing will probably only lead to more sin. That is addressing things by means of the flesh, not by the Spirit, and Paul's description in Romans chapter seven tells us that this is futile (Rom. 7:14-25). On the other hand, if you are walking in the Spirit, you will not be carrying out the deeds of the flesh (Gal.5:16ff.). I am sure that it is possible to go a day and not commit an act of lying, e.g. Indeed, any Christian who is walking in Christ is accomplishing that every day (one hopes). And it may be possible to go a day and not commit a sin of action (if one stays home with the phone off of the hook and the shades drawn) -- but doubtful if a person has to commute in traffic. James tells us that controlling the tongue is near impossible (cf. Ps.39:1-6; 64:3-4; Jas. 1:19,26; 3:1-12) it might be possible to go a day without uttering a single careless word and only words that are edifying (Prov. 10:11, 20-21; 12:13-14; 13:3; 15:2; 16:21; 18:21; 21:23; 25:11-12; Isa. 50:4; Matt. 15:10-20; Eph. 4:29; Col.4:6, but just as with action, there are things that you should do as well as those you should not do.

Can you perfectly navigate a day and say everything you should while avoiding everything you should not say? I have my doubts. Most of your sins are sins of ignorance -- which is why most of the sacrifices of the Law were for sins of ignorance (cf. Lev. 4:2; 5:17,18; Hos. 4:6; Acts 17:30; Rom. 10:3; 1 Cor. 15:34; 1 Tim. 1:13; Eph. 4:18; 1 Pet. 1:14; execution was the standard for sins of arrogance -- but if it has been rigorously carried out the population would have soon disappeared). So it might be possible to go a day without doing or saying (or failing to do or say) anything by the commission or omission of which was sinful . . . AS FAR AS THE SINNER KNEW. But that is significantly different from not sinning in action and word. And that is why in the Lord's prayer you are directed to ask for forgiveness every single time you pray it (Ps. 32:1; 103:3; Prov. 28:13; 1 Jn. 1:9).

When it comes to sins of the heart (Gen. 6:5; cf. Job 36:13; Ps. 10:3; 41:6; 55:21; Prov. 6:18; Matt. 9:4; 15:18-19) that is a whole different subject. The human heart is "desperately wicked" and incapable of even being comprehended (Jer.17:9). The sin catalogs in the New Testament are "sins of the heart" heavy, and it was covetousness, the one mental sin, that doomed the apostle Paul in Romans chapter seven. Can you really go a day without a prideful thought? Without a jealous thought? Without getting upset, frustrated, angry? Without expressing the slightest doubt or fear or anxiety? One could go on at great length. And even if you THOUGHT you had done so, in truth no doubt you would only be expressing arrogance (cf. Prov. 8:13; Jer. 9:23-24; Rom. 11:20) in respect to the sins of ignorance you had committed.

Can a person go a day without a mental sin? Maybe if in a coma. In any case, this is the WRONG way entirely to think about things and to go about things. This is like playing chess by trying not to lose pieces, or like fighting a war but never going on the offense and expecting to win. The Christian way of life is both defensive and offensive; they complement each other (cf. Eph. 4:27; 6:12; 2 Cor. 10:4; 2 Tim. 2:3-4; 1 Thess. 5:22; 1 Jn. 4:1), but the purpose of defense is not to be perfect (which is impossible) but to make it possible to gain momentum in spiritual growth, progress and production -- something which being embroiled in sinful behavior -- especially sinful actions which are arrogant rather than ignorant. The latter is the first place Christians need to clean up their act and press forward with sanctification (Jn. 17:17; Rom. 8:5-14; 13:13; cf. 1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Cor. 7:1; Gal. 2:20; 1 Tim. 6:11-12; 2 Thess. 2:13; Tit. 3:4-7; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; 2:2-3; 5:8-9; 1 Jn. 2:15-17) in all other areas too. But this life is a fight to the end, and you have sin natures which make being perfect impossible.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)"

These *high places* are the realm of the space between this Earth and the 3rd Heaven (e.g., "the atmospheric realm, and the cosmos [stars, planets, solar systems, and galaxies] -- the cosmic realm where the angels and other celestial beings did their service before the fall of man.) The rebellion of Lucifer and his fallen emissaries resulting in a blacked out Universe with now uninhabitable planets.

How do you nip sin in the bud? As with all physical battles, your spiritual battles must be fought with a strategy; or else you will fail miserably and sink deeper into your lifestyle of sin. The *General* of your soul is to be none other than Jesus Christ Himself. He instructs and commands us through His *Living Word* on how we are to do battle with the enemy when engaged in spiritual warfare. It is through and by the *Word of the Living God* that we are to fight our battles with. Preparation is the first thing in which you must lay out in detail every day you get out of bed. A soldier does not engage in a battle without first having been *equipped* with an armor for protection, and weaponry to be on the offense.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not canral, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds Casting down imaginations, end every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)"

Let's begin with this question:

Do you see the enemy and his army advancing? How *far or near* is the enemy and his troops in proximity to your fortress? Or have you fallen asleep only to awaken to discover that your foes are approaching swiftly and near your encampment? This is why you need to keep awake at all costs; and to be *sober* and *vigilant* at all times (1 Pet. 5:8-9).

"For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Romans 6:10-13)"

Why wait until later to keep watch? Why not keep watch with all vigilance with one's eyes open rather having one's eyes being closed?

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:14-15)"

• 1. Enticed by one's own lust.
• 2. Conception of that lust resulting in sin.
• 3. Sin which brings forth death.

Sinful desires need to be immediately stopped *before* it reaches the *second* phase; which is *conception* of that sin or sins. Satan made an all out effort in attempting to have Jesus give in to his human desires; but Satan obviously failed miserably as Jesus was the God-Man and was incapable of sinning ("The Impeccability of Christ" or "posse non peccare et non posse peccare"). The point here is whether or not Jesus could have sinned; rather it needs to be emphasized that He overcame Satan at that moment in His ministry through the power of God using the Word of God as His defense and offense against the adversary.

In Closing:

War is messy. So is our warfare . . . unless and until you get your priorities straight. What is your attitude toward sin? Don't do it. What if you do? Confess it. What if you are not sure? There is prayer for confession in the Lord's prayer you pray daily or more often . . . and that ought to tell you something. Is this Christian life about sin? Not at all. It is about responding to the forgiveness of sin you have through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ your dear Lord and Savior. What does that mean? Doing what Jesus wants you to do. What does Jesus want you to do? He wants you to grow, progress and produce. He doesn't want you to sin -- obviously -- but His purpose for it is to glorify Him through earning eternal rewards; putting sin aside is a necessary part of that goal but it is not the objective itself, and if a person focuses on that as the objective, he/she will fail in the mission.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 1:1-2)"

God Bless!

That was beautiful, so refreshing to see the gospel maintained while encouraging complete repentance. We can't be entirely sinnless but we can be blameless and upright.

 

[JIMINZ]

Dear JIMINZ:

I am VERY concerned about your current spiritual condition, and I mean this with all sincerity and honesty. My ministry deals with Heralding the Second Coming of Christ for His Bride; and to *warn* EVERY "professing" Christian to *examine* themselves to see if they are TRULY in the Faith (cf. Job 13:23; 1 Cor. 11:27-31; 2 Cor. 13:5). The unchanging Word of God explicitly states that if ANYONE claims to be "without" sin, then the TRUTH is NOT in them. This means that the one who claims to walk in "sinless perfection" as a human being is living in *habitual* sin. Not only that, but this person makes God a LIAR.

"If we say that WE HAVE (Grk. "echo"; present tense, active voice, indicative mood) no sin (Grk. "hamartia"), we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10)"

The context here in the above passage is John who had dealt with "false teachers" who denied the existence of sin in their lives, and yet were walking in "darkness" (i.e., "living in sin" v.6). The Apostle John includes HIMSELF in this passage as one who admits that he is not one who is WITHOUT sin. Are you "holier" than John? You are treading on VERY dangerous ground here; because you are in reality (inadvertently or not) condemning *every* single Christian who commits a *single act* of sin as "unsaved" -- and therefore in danger of Eternal Damnation. This is a VERY serious accusation! This is an accusation in which the LORD God Almighty does not let such a one who makes such a condemning remark as excusable in any way. I can assure you that a fire is kindled in the anger of the LORD; and that you MUST repent of this behavior and its false teaching. I have warned many in the past who "profess" to be Christian of such egregious and detrimental behavior, and the Eternal ramifications that follow those who refuse to repent. Sadly, most of them have passed on to the abode of the damned because of this. I MUST be *stern* regarding these sort of accusations because life and death are weighed in its balance.

"If any man see his brother (Grk. "adelphos") sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. (1 John 5:16)"

The word "brother" can have several meanings based upon its context. It can refer to a brother in relation to the same ancestry, parents; or among the *brethren* in Christ. Any biblical scholar will tell you that context is KING when defining the interpretation of a certain passage in Scripture. John here is using the Greek noun "brother" as referring to a "brother in Christ" -- or one who has been justified through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here John is speaking of a *brother in Christ* who may be sinning, and how we are to go about handling such situations when we are confronted with them. You are espousing a doctrine that is completely antithetical to what the bible teaches. I am quite certain that this false doctrine was disseminated by someone who has NOT studied their bible at all; perhaps your "Pastor" or bible "teacher" who have been led by their emotions rather than the Truth of God's Word -- or perhaps doctrines of demons (cf. 1 Tim. 4:1).

"And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of [the mouth] of the dragon, and out of [the mouth] of the beast, and out of [the mouth] of the false prophet. These are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (Revelation 16:13-14)"

This may seem like a bizarre passage in scripture to invite into this conversation; but it is extremely *vital* that you *take heed* to its implications. This passage describes the power and influence of speech. What that passage is describing is the oratorical mastery and charisma used to influence the entire deceived world through the words of these devils. Just as there are MANY men around the world in political office who are demon-possessed to the toenails, and used as human agents through the working of ancient evil spirits who have been influencing mankind since the beginning of the creation of man. I have seen the cunning and guile of many Pastors who will take scripture out of its context and insert their own interpretation into it; and then pass on their "teachings" to their congregation.

You have done EXACTLY just that with Romans 6 and other texts in which you have cited. It is a PERFECT example of eisegesis, and you could not have provided a *more* perfect example of my case in point. NOTHING in that passage says ANYTHING about walking in "sinless perfection"; you have clearly "inserted" your personal interpretation into that passage. You are not in a "Glorified" state yet, and the very fact that every single human being will DIE is clear proof that sin still remains in them. For the wages of sin is DEATH. You would NEVER die if you were not capable of sinnning; neither would you age. Once again, you are COMMANDED to *walk* in the *newness of life*; and if a Christian were incapable of sinning, then you might as well throw out all of the *commands* in scripture *instructing* Christians how to live in a godless and corrupt world. We are to *walk* in the *newness of life* because we are "buried" with Him and united with Him in His resurrection (cf. Ezek. 36:26; Rom. 7:6; 8:7; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20; 3:27; 6:15; Eph. 4:24; 1 Pet. 2:1-25) -- none of this would matter if you no longer have the ability to sin. Do you see the problem here? And how a little leaven leavens the whole lump? The false teaching of sinless perfection DOES AWAY with the majority of Scripture, and nullifies it to where *spiritual growth* is diminished greatly.

In Closing:

The Eternal Truth of God's Word explicitly states that if ANYNONE claims to be "sinless", then they do NOT have the Truth dwelling in them (1 Jn. 1:8-10). And if they do NOT have the Truth dwelling within them, then they do NOT *possess* the *Spirit of Truth* (i.e., The Holy Spirit). The Holy Spirit is evidence that one has been *justified* by the precious blood of Jesus Christ; and TRULY been *regenerated*. Anyone who does NOT *possess* the Holy Spirit CANNOT *understand* the precious Truth's contained within Scripture; and therefore are "walking in darkness" even though they claim to *walk in the light* (cf. Mic. 4:12; Matt. 22:29; Jn. 1:5; Acts 7:25; Jude 19; 1 Cor. 2:14-16). Furthermore, denying that one cannot commit an act of sin is tantamount to calling God a LIAR -- and this is a VERY DANGEROUS accusation whether one is intentionally doing this or not. One is NOT to lie to the Holy Spirit, because He is the Spirit of TRUTH; and the results of doing so and refusing to submit to His Divine Authority, and refusing to REPENT from such actions will result in Eternal Punishment. Professing to walk in "sinless perfection" and thus making EVERY Christians who is capable of sinning damned to an Eternal Lake of Fire because they are NOT saved, is in actuality making the one claiming to walk in "sinless perfection" a "habitual sinner". Do you see the irony? There is nothing more I can say to you if you fail to take heed to this. It is my desire that you see the Truth and TRULY walk in its light. I must move on; for time is short. HOPE this helps!

God Bless!

Mr. Light

I have asked numerous times before, but no one has answered.

Therefore owing to the fact you are such a knowledgeable person, I would be remiss if I failed to ask you as well.

1) Knowing a Christian is Dead to the FLESH, how then does that Christian Sin?

2) Knowing a Christian is Dead to the LAW, how then does that Christian Sin?

3) Knowing a Christian is Dead to SIN, how then does a Christian Sin?

Be Blessed

 

[Call me Nic]

Mr. Light

I have asked numerous times before, but no one has answered.

Therefore owing to the fact you are such a knowledgeable person, I would be remiss if I failed to ask you as well.

1) Knowing a Christian is Dead to the FLESH, how then does that Christian Sin?

There is no such scripture that states a Christian is "dead to the flesh," as if the Christian can overcome and resist sin perfectly. Romans 3:10 "There is none righteous, no, not one." Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Do you not know that there is not a just man upon the earth that doeth good, and sinneth not? (Ecclesiastes 7:20).

2) Knowing a Christian is Dead to the LAW, how then does that Christian Sin?

The law does nothing for us but gives us the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20); we are dead to the law by the body of Christ, which died upon the cross; but by the grace of God Christ rose from the dead, therefore causing all who believe on him to be under grace, not the law. The law was what showed us our need for a Saviour, because the law cannot be kept perfectly by any man (except for Jesus, of course), not even by a Christian with the holy Spirit. David is the example of this, so is Solomon. Remember, there is not a just man upon the earth that doeth good, and sinneth not (Ecclesiastes 7:20).

3) Knowing a Christian is Dead to SIN, how then does a Christian Sin?

We're dead to sin by the body of Christ; Christ died for us as an atoning death, but rose again for our justification. All who believe on him are promised by God to receive the same blessing through Jesus, as an eternal inheritance (Titus 1:2); a promise by God to us (the elect) that one day, on the day of redemption, we will be raised in like manner as the Son and conformed to his image, and death shall be swallowed up in victory. Then, and ONLY THEN, when we have our spiritual bodies, will we be without sin. This current body is mortal, and will die someday, and remember that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23); when a person believes on Christ Jesus, their mortal body is not saved, but rather, their spirit, their soul is born again (renewed, regenerated) by the power of the Holy Spirit, and is sealed until the day when we receive our glorified bodies (Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30). This is a seal that no one can break but God, because God is the one who made the seal in the first place by his Spirit. Consider this fact: if this current body we live in could be sinless, we wouldn't need a resurrection, friend. Remember, there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good, and sinneth not (Ecclesiastes 7:20).

 

[JIMINZ]

There is no such scripture that states a Christian is "dead to the flesh," as if the Christian can overcome and resist sin perfectly. Romans 3:10 "There is none righteous, no, not one." Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Do you not know that there is not a just man upon the earth that doeth good, and sinneth not? (Ecclesiastes 7:20).

The law does nothing for us but gives us the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20); we are dead to the law by the body of Christ, which died upon the cross; but by the grace of God Christ rose from the dead, therefore causing all who believe on him to be under grace, not the law. The law was what showed us our need for a Saviour, because the law cannot be kept perfectly by any man (except for Jesus, of course), not even by a Christian with the holy Spirit. David is the example of this, so is Solomon. Remember, there is not a just man upon the earth that doeth good, and sinneth not (Ecclesiastes 7:20).
We're dead to sin by the body of Christ; Christ died for us as an atoning death, but rose again for our justification. All who believe on him are promised by God to receive the same blessing through Jesus, as an eternal inheritance (Titus 1:2); a promise by God to us (the elect) that one day, on the day of redemption, we will be raised in like manner as the Son and conformed to his image, and death shall be swallowed up in victory. Then, and ONLY THEN, when we have our spiritual bodies, will we be without sin. This current body is mortal, and will die someday, and remember that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23); when a person believes on Christ Jesus, their mortal body is not saved, but rather, their spirit, their soul is born again (renewed, regenerated) by the power of the Holy Spirit, and is sealed until the day when we receive our glorified bodies (Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30). This is a seal that no one can break but God, because God is the one who made the seal in the first place by his Spirit. Consider this fact: if this current body we live in could be sinless, we wouldn't need a resurrection, friend. Remember, there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good, and sinneth not (Ecclesiastes 7:20).

Rom. 8:4
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Do you not understand the difference between the flesh spoken of in this verse and the Flesh of your physical body?

 

[Call me Nic]

Rom. 8:4
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Do you not understand the difference between the flesh spoken of in this verse and the Flesh of your physical body?

The flesh in that verse is referring to the carnality of the unsaved. Paul is declaring the difference between those who are in the flesh, and those who are in the Spirit. This is salvation language, because the passage continues and in verse 9, it reads, "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." That is an absolute statement, because we know that the Spirit of God dwells in a man who believes in Christ. We are not in the flesh if the Spirit of Christ dwell in us according to this verse. Now, scripture teaches that the Spirit of Christ comes to dwell in us when we receive and believe the Gospel. Ephesians 1:13 states, "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise." Paul is not speaking at all about living a holy or clean life in this particular passage, or turning from sin. Because in Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul the Apostle declares that we are not saved by works, and salvation is only by grace through faith. God declares that turning from evil is considered works in his eyes in Jonah 3:10. So if we're not saved by works, and turning from evil is works in the eyes of God, then we are therefore not saved by living a holy life as you claim. We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Romans 8 is a passage declaring the lack of condemnation for someone who has received Jesus, and that the man of Romans 7, who is stuck in the constant struggle between righteous living and sin is not condemned, because he has the righteous blood of Christ. The flesh lusts against the Spirit that is in us (which can only be in us if we are saved, mind you), which prevents us from living sinlessly and living righteously 100 percent of the time while in this body (Galatians 5:17), but we are still commanded to seek first the kingdom of heaven, and to be separate from the world, living a holy life as God commanded. It is foolish to think we could do it perfectly like Jesus did before we receive our spiritual bodies, though.

 

[JIMINZ]

The law does nothing for us but gives us the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20); we are dead to the law by the body of Christ, which died upon the cross; but by the grace of God Christ rose from the dead, therefore causing all who believe on him to be under grace, not the law. The law was what showed us our need for a Saviour, because the law cannot be kept perfectly by any man (except for Jesus, of course), not even by a Christian with the holy Spirit. David is the example of this, so is Solomon. Remember, there is not a just man upon the earth that doeth good, and sinneth not (Ecclesiastes 7:20).

1 Cor. 15:56
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

Rom. 7:7
What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

Rom. 6:6
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Rom. 7:4
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

Gal. 2:19
For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

 

[Call me Nic]

1 Cor. 15:56
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

Rom. 7:7
What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

Rom. 6:6
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Rom. 7:4
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

Gal. 2:19
For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

If we are saved, we are dead to the law; but remember that the law worketh wrath (Romans 4:15), and all who are under the law are under the curse (Galatians 3:10), but by the body of Christ the law was made dead to us in terms of the wrath we deserve from it, and the curse of living under it. This is in no way referring to the fact that we stop sinning when we get saved. It is actually saying that even though we sin according to the knowledge given us by the law, because of Jesus Christ, we are not destined to receive the punishment and debt we would owe to God from breaking the law. It is dead to us; the effects of it are dead to us, is the entire point of Paul's writings. We are under grace, not the law. We receive the free gift of life through Jesus, not the surely deserved punishment of wrath upon all who break the law. Why? Because Jesus is the atonement for our sin, and the justifier of him which believes in him.

 

[JIMINZ]

The flesh in that verse is referring to the carnality of the unsaved. Paul is declaring the difference between those who are in the flesh, and those who are in the Spirit.

That statement is absolutely correct.

Therefore

Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

 

[Call me Nic]

That statement is absolutely correct.

Therefore

Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

But Paul's entire point here is that a person is not carnally minded against God, neither is his enemy, neither unsaved if his Spirit dwells in that person. We know this because a person who is saved has the Spirit of God within him acting as the seal of eternal life, and the person that is unsaved does not have the Spirit within him. And the Spirit of God dwells in a person as SOON as they believe and call upon the name of the Lord (Ephesians 1:13, John 1:12, 1 John 5:1, Romans 10:9, Romans 10:13).

No where in this passage is Paul making the point that a person who has the Spirit of God dwelling within them can live sin-free for the rest of their life.