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NASB | 1 John 3:9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 3:9 No one who is born of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, because God's seed [His principle of life, the essence of His righteous character] remains [permanently] in him [who is born again--who is reborn from above--spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose]; and he [who is born again] cannot habitually [live a life characterized by] sin, because he is born of God and longs to please Him. |
Subject: Who makes the rules? |
Bible Note: Dear Baptistbred, You have brought out a very detailed question. I think I might be able to help. First, I would like to address the scripture you mentioned in Romans 7. In this passage, your answer might be found. Before I get into it, I'd like to explain how to read it. I know you have been studying for a long time, so I don't want to sound demeaning. But sometimes we forget how to properly read the Word of God. I say that in all humbleness and respect for you and your service to God. I don't know how much you know, so I will start from the beginning as if you know nothing. It's easier that way. So don't take that as disrespect. Remember that the epistles are letters written to people. With that, we should try to always read above and below, sometimes even into the next chapter. In Romans 7:15-24, Paul is speaking as someone who is not covered by the blood of Christ. He does that alot in his letters, giving the hypothetical opinion of a non believer or is sarcastic in his words. It is important to recognize when he is doing that. So in this passage, he is trying to explain what happens when someone without Christ tries to follow the law of God. And he is putting himself in that person's shoes, describing the confusion and the battle that happens inside that person. How can I follow the law of God? I try to but fail every time because I am carnal!! He then sums it up with one question...vs 24. "Who will deliver me from this body of death?" Then he steps out of that persons shoes, becomes the apostle Paul again, and answeres his own questions in vs 25. "Through Christ!!" But it doesn't stop there. The same train of thought continues into chapter 8 up to vs 14. In vs 1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." So now we have the Spirit of God and we have no condemnation as long as we are walking after the Spirit. Then the rest of that passage up to vs. 13 is explaining why we must walk after the Spirit. Because even though we have the Spirit, we must still use it and follow it if we want to inherit eternal life. Because in Vs 14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Which leads us into your original question in 1 John 3:9. If we are born of God (His sons), then we are following His Spirit and not commiting sin. Now as far as every little sin that we do, and the remainder of your question. In Ps 130:3,4 it says "If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, WHO SHALL STAND? 4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared." We have faith to know that God does not charge each little sin that we do against us. In Matt 18:21,22 it says "21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until SEVENTY times seven." He wasn't saying to do forgive only 490 times, but saying to be limitless in our forgiveness. If that is our charge, how much more is God able to forgive us of our sins? But it all comes down to the matter of the heart. Are you trying to serve God with your all? Rev 3:15,16. From what you said about your background, I think you should be able to piece it all together from here. Take into consideration how the rest of the Word ties into this undersstanding. What I mean is how we must forgive or we won't be forgiven, how we must love one another, how we must love God, pray, serve, be holy, be a new creature, etc. Which brings us up to 1 John 3:10. If you are not doing the things you are taught and following the standards and commandments of God, then you are not one of His. You are just in it for yourself. It is obvious to me who is of God and who isn't. The problem you might be facing is that you have seen many bad examples of Christians who claim that they are Christians, but are not completely sold out to God. They will be known by their fruits. Are they being dilligent and serving the Lord with their all, or are they just riding the wave and going to church for that pat on the back? The truth is that there are many tares in the house of God. You must be able to recognize them. Matt 13:25-30 Rom 16:17. As far as your friend who is an overeater... Mark 7:15-23 And as far as commiting sins and repenting of every one. We are covered by the blood, but where is your heart in the matter? If you are just using that as an excuse to sin, then you will not be forgiven. But if you are trying to serve God with your all, then you will be. God looks at the heart. David did some pretty bad things, but God called him a man after His own heart. Hope this helps, Sal |