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This should be a short thread

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by reformedbeliever, Aug 31, 2006.

  1. reformedbeliever

    reformedbeliever New Member

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    How many in here never intentionally sin? I know I've rebelled against my Holy and righteous God like a little child who is rebellous to his father. Before you answer... ask yourself... what is sin? I believe sin is falling short of the glory of God. To literally not be perfect as He is perfect. God, thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ, that as I attempt to live in Him, you do not see my sin... but only the righteousness of Him. And God forgive me when I fail to stay in the Vine. :praise:
     
  2. Helen

    Helen <img src =/Helen2.gif>

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    Paul tells us in Romans 7:7 and other places that it is the law which defines sin. So it is not simply falling short of the glory of God; rather it is disobeying the Law of God.

    Understanding that, I think I can say that even though I know I sin and the Holy Spirit is faithful to point that out to me, I do not intentionally sin. I do not WANT to sin.

    When we are told to be perfect as He is perfect, it is not in the context of our whole lives, and this verse is so often taken out of context in this regard.

    Here is the whole passage:

    You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the rightous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
    Jesus speaking in Matthew 5:43-48

    "Perfect" is also the same word for "complete." And here, in this passage, we are being told not to be respecters of persons in our prayers and our greetings and the way we treat people, just as God causes good to happen to all, regardless of who they are. If we are to represent Him in this world, then we must be the same way -- we must pray for all alike who come into our lives; we must be kind to all alike; we must care for all alike. If we care for only our own, pray for only our own, are kind to only our own, how then are we different from anyone else, including pagans?

    That is the context of 'be ye perfect.' Please do not take it out of context.
     
  3. reformedbeliever

    reformedbeliever New Member

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    Wow Helen. You do not intentionally sin? You do not want to sin? Are you a communist? Do you share your wealth with everyone you see in need? Do you provide food and shelter and clothing to everyone you see that is in need? Do you share the Gospel with absolutely everyone you see that the Spirit guides you to share with? Congradulations. Grace and peace. By the way, I completely understand the context of scripture, and I see it as I've posted it. How can God have anything to do with imperfection? He can not. The only way we are perfect is in Christ. The law certainly does point out our imperfection, as do many other aspects of our living in this imperfect world.
     
  4. Scarlett O.

    Scarlett O. Moderator
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    This may end up being a much longer thread than you thought for, RB. :laugh:

    I hope I don't confuse anyone with my rambling.

    As Helen said, I, too believe that I do not intentionally sin in the context that I do not want to sin.

    But I do intentionally sin in the context that there are many times that I know that I shouldn't say something or do something.....(especially that "say" something part!), and by golly, I do it anyway!!

    Paul said (somebody help me out here with the verse) that he also struggled with this.

    He said that those things that he knew that he shouldn't be doing....well, he sometimes did them anyway.

    And conversely, those things that he knew that he should be doing....well, he didn't do them sometimes.

    That's me in a nutshell. And is that intentionally sinning? I guess we need to make sure that we are all on the same boat with the definition of "intent".

    Now that I have muddied the waters, I think I will intentionally turn off my computer!
     
  5. 2BHizown

    2BHizown New Member

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    John tells us sin is transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4

    Our original sin nature will always be with us and be resisted and fought against but it will rear its head and we will respond in our thinking or in our actions, even though we abhor doing so it will continue to happen. The christian walk is not for wimps and is a continuous fight. If we are truly christians we will 'abide in Him' and bear the fruit of His likeness!
    In answer to your question, Yes, unfortunately there are times when I find myself deliberately doing what is not pleasing to Him! However, 'If our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight'. 1 John 3:20-22
    To pray without ceasing, asking for His restoration as David did is the key!
    'Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness; according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
    For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
    Against thee, thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight. Ps 51:1-4

    Thankfully we have access now to His mercy and grace and are restored!
    Our sin always is against Him! Forgive us!
     
  6. webdog

    webdog Active Member
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    If sin isn't intentional...how can it be sin?

    Sin is the understanding and deliberate breaking of God's Law. If it's done unintentionally...it's not deliberate.
     
  7. Pastor Larry

    Pastor Larry <b>Moderator</b>
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    Sin is not related to intent. It is lack of conformity to God and his standards. Helen's assertion that sin is not falling short of God's glory is directly contrary to the statement of God himself in Romans 3:23. We must let the Bible determine our theology.

    How many never intentionally sin? To intentionally sin means to know you are sinning and do it anyway, intending therefore to sin. We all do. The fact that we may not "want" to is irrelevant.
     
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