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NASB | Romans 6:2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 6:2 Certainly not! How can we, the very ones who died to sin, continue to live in it any longer? |
Subject: Lanny, What is your definition of sin? |
Bible Note: Who committed the sin, Joshua or Achan? Both felt the consequences of the sin, but who was the guilty (sinful) party? You yourself say that "the sin had been committed by one of his men." Joshua and everyone else were blameless in reference to the sin committed by Achan. And Achan knew what he was doing. You wrote: "Just because the Bible is "sufficient" for salvation and spiritual growth doesn't mean that it is the only "resource" that can assist in that process. Many people have come to a relationship with God through such unispired "resources" as The Jesus Film, C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity, Sheldon's In His Steps, Bunyon's Pilgrim's Progress, etc." I love all of the works you have mentioned which I have experienced personally, but I still hold that they are only successful in that they point people back to the original source material. Another example would be Bible tracts. I utilize them frequently, but I know that it is the Scripture itself which brings a person to a true, saving faith in the central figure of that book. "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." --Romans 10:17 I would also argue that most people have a very weak idea of what it means to fully and completely love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, or to love our neighbor as ourselves. Our sermon this past Sunday was on the Good Samaritan, and I am continually humbled by how I could never come close to acting toward in the same manner toward everyone I come into contact with with the same dedication, selflessness, and follow-through of the Samaritan in Jesus' parable. And beyond that, the merest passing thought of self-righteousness for serving others or the slightest hesitation or reluctance to give completely of ourselves as Christ did for sinners is falling short of loving our neighbor and loving God. That is such a tall order that any attempt to fully grasp it leaves us utterly humbled. Read Romans 5:6-8 and Philippians 2:5-10 to see exactly to what lengths Jesus went to demonstrate how one loves one's neighbor. I have never met anyone like Jesus...nowhere close. And to think that I even approach him in His holiness is the highest form of pride. And the thought that one day my sanctification will be complete and that I will be like Him in his holiness fills me with wonder! You are right: I don't completely grasp God's holiness. What my mind can take in from the pages of Scripture, though, should cause me to fall down on my face before God a good deal more than I do. --Joe! |