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NASB | 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] |
Subject: Is sinless perfection possible on earth? |
Bible Note: Dear Pastor Tim, Your post was one of the more cogent ways I have heard this teaching expressed. I think, however, that it is not so much that the glorified believer "cannot displease God" but rather, in full restoration, he will not displease God. Obedience is the purest form of love. Nonetheless, the assertion "As long as we walk in the Spirit, we will not sin." Still requires a definition of sin. Even using Wesley's narrow definition -- i.e., a willful departure from the law of God -- is problematic. Take the Great and First Commandment: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37b). If you just stop with that one commandment, have you ever known someone whose entire being was driven solely by the love of the Lord? Our Lord Jesus Christ certainly did. Who else has simply lived that single commandment perfectly? Consequently, I think we will continue to fail to see completely eye-to-eye on whether the pursuit of holiness can become a walk of holiness this side of the glory. In Him, Doc |