Results 121 - 140 of 196
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Lookn4ward2Heavn Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
121 | What should occur after accepting Christ | Acts 10:38 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 186706 | ||
In general, it seems that the normal Christian life is to walk in and do the works of the Spirit just like Jesus did. | ||||||
122 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209289 | ||
I don't think this verse itself answers that question one way or the other. First, it seems to be a negative command: "Do not..." Second, as such, what it does suggest is that we can do what is commanded. To answer the question, I think we need to take in all that the Bible says about the subject. If there is an answer, it may be implicit and not explicit. Having said that, nevertheless, I think we should aim, withou apology for a life obedient to God and let Him judge the results of our endeavors. We should not expect to sin but we should expect to do what is right. As those who claim to be filled with the Spirit and empowered by divine grace to do his will, why should we expect anything less? |
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123 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209291 | ||
First, I think the Bible gives examples of those who have followed God with a love that exemplified the command (Matt 22:37). In the NT, Zechariah and Elizabeth who "were both righteous in the sight of God, following all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly." To be blameless would, I think, mean that you couldn't say they didn't love God with all their heart, mind, and, soul. And in the OT, their is Job (1:1,8). We certainly can't disagree with God's assessment of his character. Second, with all due respect to Doc, because one has never met a believer who perfectly exemplifies the "great commandment" in his lifetime does not mean there have never been, are not, or never will be one who does so. Our respective corners of the world are very small considering how big it is and how long it has been inhabited by humans. Third, even if we did meet one who followed perfectly the "great commandment," we might end up finding something to accuse him/her of, and it may not be because the accusation is true, but because our hearts have low expectations, are jealous of their walk, or refuse to believe such a work of God can be the experience of a believer (which should be the experience of all believers). It may be that there is a need to revise our understanding ot "perfect". Or, maybe we need to really believe that what we aim for might really happen. Fourth, I believe I have met at least two people in my lifetime who have "perfectly kept" the first commandment, at least as far as I have known them. The first person I knew for about six months, the second for about 10 years. I believe one can keep perfectly the "first and great commandment" because (1) the Bible affirms it; (2) I have had examples set before me; and (3)"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteosness." |
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124 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209468 | ||
In the first place, I’m not advocating moral “perfection” but rather, being blameless before God. I do not think Zechariah’s lapse necessarily proves your point (although it does imply the idea that, at least, a moral standing is possible where can be found blameless before God). In any case, that still leaves Elizabeth untouched by such criticism. As such, my point remains valid. Regarding Zechariah: (a) Did such a lapse into as Zechariah’s render him in an unfavorable position before God or, to put it in another way, did it affect the divine assessment of his moral character (Luke 1:6) before God? (b) Even if indeed he lost his (as you – incorrectly – describe it) “moral perfection”, having regained a favorable standing before God (1:63-67), is it not be a possibility that he could regain and maintain his “moral perfection” (cf. 1:6) until his death? (c) Note his prayer in Luke 74b-75: “…we could serve him without fear, being holy and good before God as long as we live” (NCV). Evidently, he believed and prayed, under the inspiration of the Spirit, for a life lived in obedience to God until death. If it were not possible, how could he pray for it and how could it have been an inspiration of the Spirit? As Christ is fully divine, we cannot attain to such righteousness as is found in Christ. As Jesus is fully human, such righteousness is possible; more than that, it is commanded and expected (Rom 6:10-11; Cor 11:1; Eph 5:1-2; 1 Thes 1:6). Second, maybe it is a rare experience, but the point being made is that, contrary to your assertion, it is possible. To answer your third point, you are correct that our judgment may be skewered, yours as well as mine. Furthermore, personal judgment can be skewered because of an improper understanding of the Biblical concept of, as you phrased it, “moral perfection”. If the understanding is erred on this particular subject, of course, perception of personal observation and experience may likewise be skewered. However, I think (thus far) my assessment of those whom I have been personally involved with, especially of the person I’ve known for ten years, is correct; and, for that matter, I find no egregious fault in my general understanding of the Biblical concept of (to use your term) “moral perfection”. In any case, as I stated previously, “[E]ven if we did meet one who followed perfectly the "great commandment," we might end up finding something to accuse him/her of…because our hearts have low expectations, or we are jealous… or refuse to believe” that such a work of God is possible for us here and now. Fourth, “wonder[ing] why Wesley, Finney, and Parham never managed the feat” (although I am not asserting that they did or did not) of loving God with all the heart may be, not so much because they had not attained it, as your having a misunderstanding of what such a “feat” entails. With all the divine promises at our disposal and the life of the Spirit in us in all of His gifts, blessings, and power (Jer 31:33; Ezek 36:27; 2 Cor 5:17; 2 Pet 1:3-4), we should rather wonder why we have not “managed the feat”. Thanks for the encouragement. Even if not attained, hopefully in the eyes of Father, the proof may be in the pursuit itself as well as in the attainment of what is pursued. |
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125 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209469 | ||
If it is insisted that Rom 7 explains Paul’s experience as a believer, I would think one needs to be hard-pressed to explain how this experience as described is consistent with what the Bible affirms is the true state and experience of those who are “born again”. For example: (1) “…sin…produced in me all kinds of wrong desires” (8). (2) “…sin became alive and I died…” (3) “…sin…deceived me and through it I died.” (4) “…sin…produced death in me…” (5) “…I am unspiritual, sold into slavery to sin.” (6) “…sin lives in me…” (7) “...nothin good live in me.” (8) “…I want to do good, but I cannot…” (9) “…I do the very evil I do not want!” (10) "…sin…lives in me.” (11) “…evil is present with me.” (12) “…captive to the law of sin…” Note that in this verse, if it is understood as the apostle’s experience as a believer, Paul admits he is in a struggle with sin but also admits he losses that struggle because sin consistently and always (the only way to undestand it in view of the whole context) overcomes him. (13) “…I serve the law of sin.” Are we to understand that this is the expected and normal experience of believers, to be “unspiritual and sold into slavery to sin”? Is this what is meant by being under grace? Is Rom 7 what is meant by the “new creation” (2 Cor 5:21)? |
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126 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209491 | ||
Re: ID#209474. 1 Jn 3:2. Although one may include the idea of a “moral perfection” (Doc’s term), that does not seem to be the emphasis here. I think what is the primary reference here is the fact that, at the parousia, it will made evident or obvious to the world that it is we are God’s children. Note the reference to “the world” (NIV) in vs.1. The emphasis is on our glorified state as children of God before the world. However, connected with the expectation of the Lord’s return, John informs us that those who expect it guard the purity of their lives to reflect his purity (v.4). At the parousia, the moral change should not be as significant as the physical change because the believer has already been maintaining, shall I be permitted to say, a heavenly purity. And, again, although Doc uses the phrase “moral perfection” (and I use it only because , I’m not sure this is accurate seeing as how the word “perfect” is misconstrued. I’d opt for “moral blamelessness”. 2 Cor 3:18. Again, I do not see the emphasis on our moral condition, although it obviously should not be ruled out entirely; the emphasis is on our glorified state (i.e. physical). Such glorification, as spoken here and in 1 Jn, refers, if anything, to the whole man, his whole being, physical and spiritual. Unfortunately, that one is not now walking in a state of blamelessness is no proof that such a state has never been or is impossible to attain now on earth. As to ID#209475, to which question is your “No” referring? |
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127 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209492 | ||
Maybe we all ought to agree on terms to define what we mean by "moral perfection". | ||||||
128 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209516 | ||
First. Where did I alter, let alone give the meaning of righteousness? All already sinned; therefore, such a “moral perfection” as defined by you is, yes, I agree, impossible. And, if you add honest errors or the measuring of “where we are” in comparison to “where we should be” into the milieu, then, I agree, there is no perfection. However, I am not advocating a “heavenly perfection” or a “divine perfection” attainable in this life; nor a perfection per se, but living blamelessly or with a clear conscience before God and maintaining it to the day of one’s death. Second. (a) I fail to see how, in reading my post, you made that assessment that I am building doctrine on experience; and (b) I did not say anyone can arrive at a “sinless state” (cf. above). Third. (a) As a “new creation,” a believer ought no longer to see himself as being “totally depraved” or just plain depraved (2 Cor 5:17). (b) Excepting the Biblical witnesses, the “scholarly witnesses” is not a divinely infallible company. Fourth, I have great regard for “Wesley-Finney-Parham” (especially Finney although disappointed with Parham), but you seem to be assuming a greater attachment on my part to their teachings than is warranted. You seem to confuse the subjective with the objective when you mix the command that demands practical holiness (Heb 12:1f) with the “doctrine of imputation” that in turn confuses your argument (at least, for me). I’m not talking about betting one’s life on the human will but holding firm to the promises of God. Doc, with all due respect and with no intentions of offending, rather than responding specifically to the relevant points or questions posed in my posting, you seem to respond on the basis of assumptions based on whatever you are reading “between the lines” of my post. |
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129 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209527 | ||
Apparently God used him in a way that was inspiring (especially in the light of his alleged errors) and nothing less than amazing in order to lead many to salvation. StJohn, what have you read that was written by Finney? |
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130 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209541 | ||
While the assessment so far on this board seems to be that Finney's theology was erred, nevertheless, he was used by God in quite amazing ways, and led many to Christ. Tim, which books written by Finney have you read? |
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131 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209561 | ||
BradK, I do not know where Johnson or Warfield got their historical information from but it does not harmonize with the few both Christian and secular histories I have read. Again, as I've asked others, what works written by Finney have you read? |
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132 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209563 | ||
Doc, The point is God used him (depending on whose record of history one believes) in bringing sinners to Christ despite his alleged theological errors. No one said he was worthy. |
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133 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209565 | ||
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134 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209569 | ||
BradK, forgot to mention that your footnotes refered to the location of the quotes you cited but I do not know what sources Johnson or Warfield were influenced by to make their respective assessment. In addition, just so I understand, by "enough of Finney's 'Systematic Theology'," do you mean the whole thing itself, just snippets of his "Theology" here and there, or just what you gathered from others who have quoted him? |
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135 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209570 | ||
Azure, I would need to know where in his writings is his rejection of "justification by faith" found. | ||||||
136 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209628 | ||
Doc, here is something to read over that might be of benefit to you: http://www.gospeltruth.net/1855OE/550829_injstice_chract.htm |
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137 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209629 | ||
John, please note: 1. I'm just wondering if you read Finney's works or just what others have quoted and said about Finney. No offense was intended. 2. Unfortunately, you have misconstrued the context of my statement. I presented my experience of what I believe, not as proof, but as an example (and only in answer to Doc's reference to his experiential). Nevertheless, we should admit that experience (to whatever extent) does play a role in what we believe. 3. In any case, even if I never met one whom I thought to be living a blameless life (Doc’s phrase is “moral perfection”), I would still believe it is possible because of how I’ve come to understand the Bible. 4. FYI: Your posting gives me impression that you're upset. |
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138 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209630 | ||
WOS: If you're "in know (sic) way familiar with Finney," how can you rightly and fairly conclude that the "heat" I'm taking "is probably rightly so"? | ||||||
139 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209701 | ||
Maybe you can explain what you mean by "orthodox Christianity". As far as I can tell, there are Christian theologians, scholars, and historians who would disagree with such an assessment as here presented against Finney. |
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140 | Can we live life without sinning? | Rom 6:12 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 209703 | ||
WOS, I appreciate your concern as an appropriate demonstration of Christian character. However: 1. It is not appropriate to criticize what one admits to have no familiarity. 2. Even "fine people" are prone to error in one point of "sound doctrine" or another. 3. My conscience does not allow me to simply submit to the opinions of others merely because they are fine and well learned people. This does not indicate any lack of respect for them. 4. Having considered their comments and looked into the info provided, I have found nothing that would warrant a change of views with respect to the present discussion. I think, as believers, we all strive to know God as best we can. Differences abound, nevertheless, and we may need to loss some of our dogmatic-oriented tendencies in order to accommodate each other’s views in a way that maintains "the word of truth" in harmony with "love of the brethren"; and, if our faith in Christ is genuine, the latter won’t be practiced at the expense of the former and neither will the former be compromised because of the latter. Does that mean we ought to tolerate heresy? No. It does mean we ought need to understand what heresy is and make sure we possess enough love and grace in us to effectively combat it lest, however much we are holding to what we deem to be truth, we fall away into error. 1 John 5:2. |
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