Living in Holiness by the Blood of the Lamb

[Guest sheepish]

Hello, dear brothers and sisters in the Lord.

I am a new member here, and I am sorry if this topic has already been touched on. I have looked through quite a few threads and have not seen where it has been, but I may have missed something.

I was just wondering, Does anybody here believe that it is indeed possible--because of the redemptive work done at the Cross; by reason of being crucified with the Lord, buried with Him through baptism, and resurrected by faith in the operation of God--to live a life of holiness, and without sin?

I know it is sometimes a "touchy" subject, and one problem that I have seen in it, is that at times it is easy to either not see sin as the awful, serious thing as it is, or else, be blind to the fact that you are actually guilty of it, even by pride, if its true that you have sin, but won't own up that you do. It's difficult for me, personally, at least. I know that much. I have to constantly check my heart, and it's never pretty--but I am fully persuaded that, by the grace of God, it is possible for us to indeed love the Lord with all that we are--heart, mind, soul and strength--which would mean that sin would be completely abandoned.

Thoughts anyone?

[Leonard]

I tend to believe so, yes.

[Guest Called]

Here is what the Word says:

1 John 1:8-10

8 If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.

It seems pretty clear that we cannot be without sin.

God Bless

Debbie

[BobTriez]

Here is what the Word says:

1 John 1:8-10

8 If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.

It seems pretty clear that we cannot be without sin. 

God Bless

Debbie

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have to agree with Debbie on this one. While we are to strive for holiness, the Word does make it clear we can not live without sin....not only that, but if we say we are ( sinless ), we are calling God a "liar" and the "truth is not in us". Those are some pretty strong words! It also seems to follow that once we stop thinking we have sin, that negates the need to confess & repent....and that is very dangerous ground to be on. The Word also makes it very clear what happens to those who refuse to repent; even if through prideful deceit by believing they no longer need to due to their "perfection". If you don't confess your sins...guess what ? Yeah See how dangerous this belief is ? Don't be fooled....

God bless,

Bob

[Guest sheepish]

Well, I understand the concern, Bob; it is definitely a notable one. Thank you. I have seen that in myself, already. Pride is an awful foe, and one to be wary of at all times. But that is no proof that there is no truth to what my position is--just that there are dangers that have to be avoided, as there are also in believing that sin is inescapable.

That passage from 1 John does in no way prove that we will always have sin. In fact 1 John in its entireity is talking about living without it!

I am pretty sure--though could be wrong--that the verse Debbie used is only in reference to an initial repenting; that we all have sins that need repenting of, and if we deny that, well, we're calling the Lord a liar because He says in His Word that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Now, I am not saying that if somebody sins after his initial repentance, that he doesn't need to repent! I am only saying that I believe that is what the passage is refering to. I think this because he writes, only two verses later (actually the first verse of chapter 2) "My little children, these things I write unto you that ye sin not".

Why would he write that, if that command could not be kept? Why did he encourage them not to sin, if he knew that for them to not sin, and acknowledge in their hearts that they are cleansed, and do not need to sin, and don't, makes them "call God a liar", and proves "the truth is not in them"?

Why did John also write that if we are truly abiding in Christ we will walk even as He walked if He walked sinlessly, and to live sinlessly is actually impossible?

What does the Bible mean when it says that we are dead to sins? or risen in new life with Christ? Or that the reason Christ died was to purify unto Himself a peculiar people zealous of good works? (Hey, I'm on a roll! ) Have you ever noticed, zeal is quenched by sin! But truly! Why did Christ die if not to redeem us? Redeem us from what? And also, is He the payment for only our sin? Is He not also a payment for our life? If our lives are His, and we surrender everything to Him, and the Holy Spirit is stronger than our flesh, and we walk in that Spirit, can we not resist temptation? Is this not even our call?

I will end with a passage from the 3rd chapter of John. It is very provoking (to love and good works, that is. )

18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Oh, may the Lord bless to us His word. Amen.

[Guest sheepish]

This is not to be snide or anything, Bob, but I have to say, I love your signature line!

• Being victorious is not living life without struggles....it's living life being constantly filled with the Holy Spirit who gives us the power to overcome.
  

[Giaour]

I'm sorry, off topic. Pleading insanity.

Edited October 30, 2004 by Giaour

[Guest Called]

Catholics do not pray "TO" anyone other than God.  It is like when I ask my pastor to pray for me.  He is intercedeing on my behalf.  They are just asking for Mary to pray for them.  "Hail Mary, Mother of God, pray for me this hour".  It is not the same as praying "TO" them.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Forgive me for asking, but I don't understand what this has to do with the topic?

[Giaour]

I'm sorry, I don't know how it got on this topic, I posted it in another one. Can I claim insanity?