Subject: Flesh or Spirit |
Bible Note: Doc, I hope you have come to realize how much appreciate your words. If I was ever sorry for asking for your input it would only be because you have enlightened me on a subject in which I wasn’t really seeking to hear an honest answer. Thank you for the response. The inquiry I was curious of stemmed from 1. My own debate in trying to reconcile the work of Spirit with our “old” sinful nature. 2. Your response to HopeinHim which gave me the impression that a backslidden state was some sort of misconception. After reading, so far, the three responses, from you, Hank and Jlhetrick, I came to the realization that in essence, when we sin, we “back-slide” but we should not be setting up camp, so to speak, in that state or condition and that by the work of the Spirit we won’t be. Our call is to realize our sin and repent of it before that becomes a so-called permanent or lasting condition. The Holy Spirit enables us to accomplish that. I take that a backslidden condition is not one indicative of a Christian because we are to recognize it and take the appropriate actions to remove ourselves from it. But nonetheless, it seems to be an unavoidable and at times a very testing part of a Christian’s walk with Christ, or rather a departure or falling away from Christ, that can only be resolved through Him. So I think I now agree (although I couldn’t honestly disagree since I was still questioning it within myself) with the statement you gave to HopeinHim which was “I may be mistaken, but I do not see the the Bible accommodating such a definition of a disciple of Christ.” Unless of course, I am just way off base on this one, I feel the question I had has been thoroughly answered. Doc, I thank you for your input, I’ve come to value it, no matter “ my opinion or feeling”, on any given subject. And as always, feel free to proceed with anything you feel appropriate to convey. I’m listening and learning and deciphering the best I can and very much appreciate all that you and many others here on the forum have to share. Thank you brother. WOS |