Perry wrote: > David, am I right? Do I not understand the > semantics of your statements? Is there some > way you can resolve "I never claim to be sinless", > and "I do not sin" that I can understand? I, too, > would like to not sin, but so far have been unsuccessful > in achieving that, and have not found a semantic > construct that will allow me to say that!
Yes, Perry, you are right. Semantics plays a huge role in how we communicate on this subject. I have discussed this term "sinless" and contrasted it with not sinning several times in the past. Once was with John concerning the meaning of 1 John 1:8. There is a form of teaching called Christian Perfection known as Pelagianism which does not recognize the sin nature in man. I debated a man once on this subject at a minister's conference in Ohio. We both believed that Christians should not sin and indeed had the power to choose to do right, but he was a pelagianist (and still is) who believes that we simply choose to do what is right. I took the position that we have a sinful nature within us, and that without God's grace and the operation of the Holy Spirit, no man could be righteous before God, no matter how hard they tried. I mention this context to help you understand why I use the terms that I do. >From my perspective, to say "sinless perfectionist" would be to take this man's position, that we are actually sinless within. That is not my testimony, because I constantly have a sin nature within me that must be put to death on a daily basis. The selfish appetites of my body influence me to treat others in a less than charitable way at times. However, at the same time, the Spirit is influencing me towards love. Therefore, by his grace, I am empowered to do what is right in every circumstance, but I do so entirely dependent upon him. I believe that it is by design that we have this treasure in earthen vessels. It is entirely that we might know that the good works which come forth is not of us but is actually the power of God working within us. Such a view makes faith in God a necessity rather than an option. This is entirely what God is after, our placing our faith in him constantly and consistently, all the time. Now there is a caveat to anyone claiming to be "sinless" or "without sin" or "perfect." Don't do it. This may be what you are up against as you consider some of my teaching here. Sometimes there is this tendency, when you begin to see the truth of it, to declare that you are perfect and without sin. It might seem like a profession of faith in what you are seeing in the spirit. However, that is a foothold for pride and also it opens a door of attack from the evil spirits of this world. Therefore, we leave such judgment to God, and we just press forward toward the mark, expecting God to accomplish what he has promised. You might find it much easier to say, "I do not expect to sin again." That is tough for some people, but I say this sometimes in certain situations with a clear conscience. It also might be easy to say that you no longer continue to sin or continue in sin. If any of this is beyond your reach of faith, then how about perceiving that God is able to keep your feet from slipping for the rest of your life? Put the emphasis on what God is able to do concerning his promises to you. My daughter Christine and I were talking about Debbie's analogy of playing the Sonata. I expressed to her how I truly do not see walking in love toward others as that difficult. From my perspective, it is more like me driving the car down the highway (I was driving at the time, hence the analogy). I can perceive that perhaps I would never get in an accident the rest of my life. My daughter chimed in, "or maybe that you would never get a speeding ticket." Right. That would be closer to the difficulty placed upon us in regards to what is actually be asked of us. Jesus said his yoke was easy and his burden light. Why do men always try and make God's Word a burden? How does God feel about men who hear his word and call it a great burden that nobody can bear? Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "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.
