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NASB | Revelation 21:17 And he measured its wall, seventy-two yards, according to human measurements, which are also angelic measurements. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Revelation 21:17 He measured its wall also--a hundred forty-four cubits (about 200 feet), according to man's measurements, which are [also] angelic [measurements]. |
Subject: Will sin enter heaven? |
Bible Note: Greetings BradK! I hope you don't mind if I jump in on the sanctification question! I don't accept the common view that Christians still have 'two' competing natures that we must struggle with the rest of our lives. I reject this view because of Rom. 6, which makes it very clear that the power of sin 'has' been broken in our lives if we are in Christ. Here is a previous post of mine on this question: ************************************* I agree with your point that it is POSSIBLE to live without sin, but I think the term "entire sanctification" brings up a lot of baggage when people read it. So, without appealing to the term, let's look at what Romans 6 actually says: In Romans 6, Paul makes the case that it is possible to be holy. He says there that: · We died to sin - Rom. 6:2. · Our old nature was crucified with Him - Rom. 6:6. · We are no longer slaves to sin - Rom. 6:6. · We are not to let sin reign in our mortal bodies - Rom. 6:12. · Sin shall not be our master - Rom. 6:14. · We have been set free from sin - Rom. 6:18. If Christians are incapable of holiness, then in what sense did we die to sin? In what sense, are we no longer it's slaves? If it is not possible to avoid sin, how can Paul command us not to yield to it? The point that Paul is making, and that most people seem to miss, is that we have changed in Christ. Apart from Him, we were slaves to sin. It's power over us was absolute. In Him, we are no longer sin's slaves. It's power is not irresistable. Thus, Paul is not saying that it is NEVER possible for a Chritian to sin! We all know that we do. There are times when we yield to sin and temptation and commit acts of sin. But, as Christians it is no longer impossible for us to resist sin. It's power has been broken in our lives. If we abide in Him, moment by moment, and refuse to yield to sin, we can live holy lives. Does this mean that we can be sinlessly perfect? No! We are still human. We will at times sin in ignorance. We will at times sin out of willfulness. But, sin's has been broken in Christ and we no longer HAVE to sin. We will sin when and only when we choose to sin! Thus, the problem is one of our will. Entire sanctification basically teaches that we can come to a moment in our Christian lives when we fully consecrate ourselves to God. As long as we remain fully consecrated, we won't will to sin. Therefore, we will not yield to it. But, we can still sin if we choose. Thus, it seems to me that there are two unBiblical extremes which must be avoided: 1) The belief that we cannot help but to sin. 2) The belief that it is impossible for us to sin. (Note: Even entire sanctification doesn't teach that it is impossible to sin!) ************************************* So, I would argue that it is POSSIBLE to not sin this side of Heaven, but that it is also possible for a Christian to sin this side of Heaven. The 'old man' has been crucified already, he is not simply hanging out on death row using up his appeals! ;-) Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |