Perry wrote: > Salvation does not remove us from the POWER > of sin as you stated below. Our jutstification > through Christ removes us from the PENALTY of sin > (which is death), and we enter into [eternal] life. > ... Sanctification removes us from the POWER of sin, > which is a gradual process that we begin when we are > justified, but is not completed in this life.
Do you know anywhere in the Bible where this is taught, or is this just a Christian tradition that you have accepted? The kind of righteousness you describe is no different than what existed in Judaism before Christ came. Under the law, nobody could be perfect, but in Christ something new happens to those who truly believe in Christ for this miracle of the heart which sets us free from the power of sin. Heb 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. The righteousness that came through law was always partial and gradual, a process accomplished through self effort. This kind of righteousness is like filthy rags next to the righteousness imputed by faith. According to Romans 10:1-13, the law method of righteousness that you describe produces a Messiah complex. A Messiah complex is a term used by historians and philosophers to refer to the tendency of religious systems to always be looking for a Messiah to come to set things right. In Romans 10, he speaks about going to heaven for Messiah, or descending into the deep. Those of faith understand that we don't need to wait for Messiah and the kingdom to come later, but that Messiah has already come and we enter the kingdom of God right now by faith through grace. Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath MADE ME FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH. Rom 8:3 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: 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 6:14 FOR SIN SHALL NOT HAVE DOMINION OVER YOU Rom 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye WERE the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Rom 6:18 Being then MADE FREE FROM SIN, ye became the servants of righteousness. These are just a few of the many passages that teach us that Christ has already delivered us from the power of sin. This does not mean that we will not be tempted, but it does mean that we can overcome every temptation through the power of Christ. What verses teach you that Christ did not do this work, and that he did not finish this work against sin on the cross? Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
