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NASB | Romans 6:12 ¶ Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 6:12 ¶ Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts and passions. |
Subject: Can we live life without sinning? |
Bible Note: 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." |