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NASB | 1 Thessalonians 5:23 ¶ Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Thessalonians 5:23 ¶ Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged--consecrated to Him--set apart for His purpose]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
Subject: It's never effort-free with God! |
Bible Note: Well, I agree that faith is evidenced by works, since we are called to be salt by God. Without evidence of the fruit of the Spirit, we are not saved. For we CANNOT be saved without showing fruit. The Bible plainly states we will be known by our fruit. However, where the Bible states to be perfect for Jesus was (is) perfect, God also knows we CANNOT be perfect here on earth. The Apostle Paul warn us that even though ALL our sins have been forgiven, that it is not a reason to sin more (emphasis on the word more). So I have to believe God wants us to STRIVE to be holy and perfect, knowing we will constantly fail at this, for we are sinful creatures. The only way we can truly sin less, is to memorize scripture. I now believe we will be held accountable for that one. One of my proffs in college wrote a book on this (Danny Lovett) He says (and it makes sense) Just as a soldier will LOSE IN BATTLE if he holds his sword with one or two fingers, so will we constantly lose the battle against sin, without hearing the Word, reading the Word, Studying the Word, memorizing the Word and reviewing (meditating) on the Word of God. He states (and it impacted me) that since the Word of God (the Sword of the Spirit) never comes back empty, that the more scripture we memorize, the more the Holy Spirit has to work with us, to fight temptation just as Jesus fought off the temptation with Satan...with Scripture. So, to answer your question/debate (thank you for your clarification), God commands us to memorize scripture. It's a command. You say, "God uses our earthly lives to discipline us and develop our sanctity." I think we have many things to learn here on earth. Yet (please correct me if I missunderstand), from what you say, I get the impression that you believe God will continue His sanctification, discipline and lessons in His kingdom. I don't want to continue on some rabbit trail if this is NOT what you mean. Would you mind expounding on your question?? Cheryl |