Already Delivered

[netchaplain]

Many Christians are unaware that they are forgiven for all their sins! Otherwise Scripture could not state that we are already like Jesus (1Jo 4:17). Not in His sinlessness but in His guiltlessness! He knows you don’t want to sin, as Paul was delivered from desiring sin (Rom 7:15, 16, 19, 20, 21), he did not want to sin.

Such is the Christian, already delivered from all sin, because God knows we do not want to sin, but “please” Him (Phl 2:13). If God is not “working“ this “in you,” you aren’t saved yet—you have not been “born again” yet.

Once we are saved God starts “conforming” us to the “image” (walk) of the Lord Jesus (Rom 8:29). This means everyone saved will mature and grow in Christ in the way they live! When we sin we need not ask for forgiveness but instead thank Him for His permanent forgiveness (Heb 10:12). All His “forgiveness” was given at the point of rebirth (1Jn 1:9). He doesn’t have to keep forgiving over and over, it’s “once for all” (Heb 10:10).

There is never a time we aren’t forgiven. This of course concerns only not sinning “willfully” (Heb 10:26). If we intentionally sin it manifests we are unsaved, and do not want to give up the sin. God knows we want to “please Him,” and living without intentional sin is His goal for us. Living this way doesn’t gain salvation—it is a free gift of God (Eph 2:8). He will have only holy believers living for Him!

It of course is the most marvelous thing that we do not owe God for salvation. The Lord Jesus’ sacrifices makes us deserving and “worthy” (Col 1:10; 1Co 11:27; Rev 3:4; 16:6). Remember, Christians have everything the Lord Jesus has, for they are continually being “conformed to Christ’s “image.”

 

[Yurii]

Many Christians are unaware that they are forgiven for all their sins! Otherwise Scripture could not state that we are already like Jesus (1Jo 4:17). Not in His sinlessness but in His guiltlessness! He knows you don’t want to sin, as Paul was delivered from desiring sin (Rom 7:15, 16, 19, 20, 21), he did not want to sin.

Such is the Christian, already delivered from all sin, because God knows we do not want to sin, but “please” Him (Phl 2:13). If God is not “working“ this “in you,” you aren’t saved yet—you have not been “born again” yet.

Once we are saved God starts “conforming” us to the “image” (walk) of the Lord Jesus (Rom 8:29). This means everyone saved will mature and grow in Christ in the way they live! When we sin we need not ask for forgiveness but instead thank Him for His permanent forgiveness (Heb 10:12). All His “forgiveness” was given at the point of rebirth (1Jn 1:9). He doesn’t have to keep forgiving over and over, it’s “once for all” (Heb 10:10).

There is never a time we aren’t forgiven. This of course concerns only not sinning “willfully” (Heb 10:26). If we intentionally sin it manifests we are unsaved, and do not want to give up the sin. God knows we want to “please Him,” and living without intentional sin is His goal for us. Living this way doesn’t gain salvation—it is a free gift of God (Eph 2:8). He will have only holy believers living for Him!

It of course is the most marvelous thing that we do not owe God for salvation. The Lord Jesus’ sacrifices makes us deserving and “worthy” (Col 1:10; 1Co 11:27; Rev 3:4; 16:6). Remember, Christians have everything the Lord Jesus has, for they are continually being “conformed to Christ’s “image.”

Dear netchaplain,

Thank you so much for your post, "Already Delivered"! Your reflections on the complete forgiveness we have in Christ are truly important and encouraging. I especially appreciate your emphasis on how God knows our desire to please Him and live without willful sin.

Your post touches upon a very important topic that I believe is worth exploring a bit deeper, namely: the risk of antinomianism. As you rightly pointed out, the emphasis on already granted forgiveness can be misunderstood. There's a danger that someone might think sin loses its seriousness or has no consequences for the believer since we are already forgiven.

I believe it's crucial to balance the truth of God's unconditional grace and complete forgiveness with the necessity of holy living and personal responsibility for our actions.

Here are a few thoughts on this balance:

• The consequences of sin remain: While our sins are forgiven by God, they can still have real consequences in our lives, in our relationships with others, and even in our spiritual growth. Sin wounds us and those around us.
• The Holy Spirit as the driving force: It is the Holy Spirit, who lives within us after salvation, who gives us the strength and desire to live a holy life. This is not just an external adherence to rules but an internal transformation of our hearts and minds.
• The believer's responsibility: We are called to actively cooperate with God's grace, reject sin, and strive for holiness. This includes being vigilant over our thoughts and actions, praying for strength to resist temptation, and being willing to confess our mistakes.
• Love as motivation: Our love for God, gratitude for His forgiveness, and desire to please Him should be the primary motivation for holy living, not the fear of punishment.

Thank you again for your thought-provoking post. I hope this discussion will be beneficial for all of us in our growth in faith.

Sincerely,
Yurii

 

[netchaplain]

Your post touches upon a very important topic that I believe is worth exploring a bit deeper, namely: the risk of antinomianism. As you rightly pointed out, the emphasis on already granted forgiveness can be misunderstood. There's a danger that someone might think sin loses its seriousness or has no consequences for the believer since we are already forgiven.

I think most will understand that one must be reborn to have forgiveness. Concerning "antinomianism," it should be understood that the moral law (Ten Commandments) is separate from Christianity, and that there are many unbelievers that "do by nature the things contained in the law;" (Rom 2:14) and this is apart from Christians doing God's will, for all Law has been "taken away," (Heb 10:9) to bring in the New Covenant of Christianity. (for some reason the color tool will not change the texting back to light black)

I believe it's crucial to balance the truth of God's unconditional grace and complete forgiveness with the necessity of holy living and personal responsibility for our actions.

Here are a few thoughts on this balance:

• The consequences of sin remain: While our sins are forgiven by God, they can still have real consequences in our lives, in our relationships with others, and even in our spiritual growth. Sin wounds us and those around us.

The less mature we are in the Word, the more we lack the maturity God brings to the hungry soul in Christ. The most useful Scriptural teachings I have found for the last 25 years of my 50 year Christian walk is two books from Miles J Stanford, "None But the Hungry Heart," which I share with the non-personal articles I post; and the book "The Complete Green Letters," which both books complement one another in Paul's 13 spiritual growth Epistles.

• The Holy Spirit as the driving force: It is the Holy Spirit, who lives within us after salvation, who gives us the strength and desire to live a holy life. This is not just an external adherence to rules but an internal transformation of our hearts and minds.

True! Holy living will come from being "holy" first; because as you say, It's not the "external adherence to rules" that makes us holy, but being holy as each Christian is at rebirth.

• The believer's responsibility: We are called to actively cooperate with God's grace, reject sin, and strive for holiness.

It's my understanding that holiness isn't something to have to strive for, because everyone reborn is as holy as they will ever be, which is in the same degree as Christ (1Jo 4:17); for He is our "Life" and "holiness." Col 3:4; "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification (holiness), and redemption."

• This includes being vigilant over our thoughts and actions, praying for strength to resist temptation, and being willing to confess our mistakes.

Confessing our sins is admitting we have sinned. "confessing sins" means to admit our wrongs to God, for "He is faithful to forgive us," which is a forgiveness that is always present.

• Love as motivation: Our love for God, gratitude for His forgiveness, and desire to please Him should be the primary motivation for holy living, not the fear of punishment.

Amen, and of course "love," God's love in us towards others is the pinnacle of all things, for "How can we love God whom we haven't seen when we do not love our brother whom we have seen?

 

[Yurii]

I think most will understand that one must be reborn to have forgiveness. Concerning "antinomianism," it should be understood that the moral law (Ten Commandments) is separate from Christianity, and that there are many unbelievers that "do by nature the things contained in the law;" (Rom 2:14) and this is apart from Christians doing God's will, for all Law has been "taken away," (Heb 10:9) to bring in the New Covenant of Christianity. (for some reason the color tool will not change the texting back to light black)

The less mature we are in the Word, the more we lack the maturity God brings to the hungry soul in Christ. The most useful Scriptural teachings I have found for the last 25 years of my 50 year Christian walk is two books from Miles J Stanford, "None But the Hungry Heart," which I share with the non-personal articles I post; and the book "The Complete Green Letters," which both books complement one another in Paul's 13 spiritual growth Epistles.

True! Holy living will come from being "holy" first; because as you say, It's not the "external adherence to rules" that makes us holy, but being holy as each Christian is at rebirth.

It's my understanding that holiness isn't something to have to strive for, because everyone reborn is as holy as they will ever be, which is in the same degree as Christ (1Jo 4:17); for He is our "Life" and "holiness." Col 3:4; "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification (holiness), and redemption."

Confessing our sins is admitting we have sinned. "confessing sins" means to admit our wrongs to God, for "He is faithful to forgive us," which is a forgiveness that is always present.

Amen, and of course "love," God's love in us towards others is the pinnacle of all things, for "How can we love God whom we haven't seen when we do not love our brother whom we have seen?

Dear netchaplain,

Thank you so much for such a comprehensive and detailed response to my previous comment. I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and understanding of Scripture. Our conversation is actually prompting some very serious thought and analysis of the Holy Scripture, and this is incredibly beneficial as this kind of deep exploration allows us to grow in our knowledge and faith.

I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding the necessity of being "born again" to receive forgiveness. This is a fundamental truth of the Christian faith.

Regarding the issue of antinomianism and the role of the moral law, your perspective on separating the moral law from Christianity is interesting. I understand your reference to Hebrews 10:9 about the removal of the "first." However, doesn't it seem that the moral principles reflected in the Ten Commandments still reflect God's unchanging character and can serve as a guide for Christian living, even if we are not saved by adhering to them? How do you understand Jesus' words in Matthew 5:17-20, where He says He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, and that even the least commandment will have significance?

Your point about the understanding of the consequences of sin depending on spiritual maturity is well-taken. Thank you for recommending the books by Miles J. Stanford. Perhaps you could share which specific aspects of these books you find most relevant in the context of our discussion about the balance of grace and responsibility?

I also agree with you that holy living is a result of internal transformation, not just external adherence to rules. Your point that every Christian is holy at rebirth is an important aspect of our identity in Christ (positional holiness). However, do you not also see in the New Testament a call for believers to "pursue holiness" (Hebrews 12:14) and to grow in it (2 Peter 3:18)? How do you reconcile this with the assertion that we are already as holy as Christ (1 John 4:17)? Doesn't this verse perhaps speak more to our confidence before God, similar to Christ, rather than our current level of holiness in earthly life?

Regarding the confession of sins, I fully agree that God is always ready to forgive. But do you not believe that the act of personally acknowledging our mistakes also plays an important role in our spiritual growth, helping us to realize our dependence on God and fostering the healing of our relationship with Him?

I sincerely share your view on love as the primary motivation for Christian living. The words from 1 John 4:20 are a powerful reminder of the inseparable link between loving God and loving our neighbor.

Thank you again for this valuable discussion, which compels us to delve deeper into Scripture and grow in faith. I look forward to further exchange of thoughts.

Sincerely,
Yurii

 

[netchaplain]

Dear netchaplain,

Thank you so much for such a comprehensive and detailed response to my previous comment. I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and understanding of Scripture. Our conversation is actually prompting some very serious thought and analysis of the Holy Scripture, and this is incredibly beneficial as this kind of deep exploration allows us to grow in our knowledge and faith.

I appreciate your interest in the Word of God, there are not that many believers that are not interested in reading it yet.

Regarding the issue of antinomianism and the role of the moral law, your perspective on separating the moral law from Christianity is interesting. I understand your reference to Hebrews 10:9 about the removal of the "first." However, doesn't it seem that the moral principles reflected in the Ten Commandments still reflect God's unchanging character and can serve as a guide for Christian living, even if we are not saved by adhering to them?

The Decalogue was for the Jews to obey, and for Christians to know, which as you said, manifests God's character. But the New Covenant
manifests much more of God's mind and will. The Decalogue can be obeyed by anyone, even a non-Christian. Plus it wasn't the obedience that saved the Jew, for it was faith in God (Heb 3:19; 4:6); just as it is now for salvation to be saved.

How do you understand Jesus' words in Matthew 5:17-20, where He says He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, and that even the least commandment will have significance?

Jesus fulfilled the Law when He said "it was finished," which was the criteria for doing away with it, "till all be fulfilled" (Mat 5:18; Luk 21:32; Mat 24:34).

Your point about the understanding of the consequences of sin depending on spiritual maturity is well-taken.

Heb 12:6 "For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives."

God puts us through trials to teach us His holiness

Thank you for recommending the books by Miles J. Stanford. Perhaps you could share which specific aspects of these books you find most relevant in the context of our discussion about the balance of grace and responsibility?

Grace is the source which uses to get us to desire to please Him (Phl 2:13).

I also agree with you that holy living is a result of internal transformation, not just external adherence to rules. Your point that every Christian is holy at rebirth is an important aspect of our identity in Christ (positional holiness).

We are holy and sanctified by God at rebirth so we can have the heart and desire for God's holiness (1Pe 1:16). "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto . . . sanctification (1Co 1:30).

How do you reconcile this with the assertion that we are already as holy as Christ (1 John 4:17)? Doesn't this verse perhaps speak more to our confidence before God, similar to Christ, rather than our current level of holiness in earthly life?

We are not holy because of anything we can do, God just declares us holy; and those who are declared holy do the holy things of God.

Regarding the confession of sins, I fully agree that God is always ready to forgive. But do you not believe that the act of personally acknowledging our mistakes also plays an important role in our spiritual growth, helping us to realize our dependence on God and fostering the healing of our relationship with Him?

Because He "works" in every Christian (Phl 2:13) He already knows we want to "please" Him. But it's not pleasing Him that brings forgiveness, it's only by having faith in the Lord Jesus.

Yes, confessing our sin is something we want to do. To confess means "to admit." We admit to God we were wrong and then thank Him for the permanent forgiveness. Then turning from willful sins is the key (Heb 10:26).

I sincerely share your view on love as the primary motivation for Christian living. The words from 1 John 4:20 are a powerful reminder of the inseparable link between loving God and loving our neighbor.

Thank you again for this valuable discussion, which compels us to delve deeper into Scripture and grow in faith. I look forward to further exchange of thoughts.

Sincerely,
Yurii

Me too Friend! God bless!

 

[Yurii]

I appreciate your interest in the Word of God, there are not that many believers that are not interested in reading it yet.

The Decalogue was for the Jews to obey, and for Christians to know, which as you said, manifests God's character. But the New Covenant
manifests much more of God's mind and will. The Decalogue can be obeyed by anyone, even a non-Christian. Plus it wasn't the obedience that saved the Jew, for it was faith in God (Heb 3:19; 4:6); just as it is now for salvation to be saved.

Jesus fulfilled the Law when He said "it was finished," which was the criteria for doing away with it, "till all be fulfilled" (Mat 5:18; Luk 21:32; Mat 24:34).

Heb 12:6 "For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives."

God puts us through trials to teach us His holiness

Grace is the source which uses to get us to desire to please Him (Phl 2:13).

We are holy and sanctified by God at rebirth so we can have the heart and desire for God's holiness (1Pe 1:16). "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto . . . sanctification (1Co 1:30).

We are not holy because of anything we can do, God just declares us holy; and those who are declared holy do the holy things of God.

Because He "works" in every Christian (Phl 2:13) He already knows we want to "please" Him. But it's not pleasing Him that brings forgiveness, it's only by having faith in the Lord Jesus.

Yes, confessing our sin is something we want to do. To confess means "to admit." We admit to God we were wrong and then thank Him for the permanent forgiveness. Then turning from willful sins is the key (Heb 10:26).


Me too Friend! God bless!

Dear netchaplain,

Thank you so much for your patience and the profound explanations of your position. Our discussion is truly prompting a serious study of Scripture, and I greatly appreciate your time and willingness to share your understanding.

Allow me to focus on two aspects of your last response that I believe are key for further understanding:

1. The Role of the Moral Law (Ten Commandments) for Christians:

I understand your argument that the Ten Commandments were given to the Jews, and that salvation in both the Old and New Testaments comes through faith. I also agree that the New Covenant reveals God's will more fully.

However, it seems important to ask: do you not believe that the moral principles underlying the Ten Commandments (such as the prohibition of murder, theft, and lying) reflect God's unchanging character and therefore remain relevant for Christians as an ethical guide? Even if we are not under the Law as a means of salvation, are these principles not a reflection of God's holiness, to which we are called to be conformed?

Also, returning to Jesus' words in Matthew 5:17-20, where He says He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, and that even the least commandment will have significance until "all is accomplished." How do you understand this "accomplishment of all"? Does it refer only to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Jesus, or does it also relate to the enduring nature of the Law's moral requirements for believers in the New Covenant?

2. The Balance Between Positional and Progressive Sanctification and the Role of Our Efforts in Sanctification:

I fully agree that holiness is a gift of God's grace, and we receive positional holiness in Christ at the moment of our new birth. This is a foundational truth.

However, I would like to ask: how do you reconcile this with the numerous calls in the New Testament for believers to "pursue holiness" (Hebrews 12:14), to "put off your old self" (Ephesians 4:22), to "put to death your earthly members" (Colossians 3:5), to "cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit" (2 Corinthians 7:1), and many other similar exhortations? Do these calls imply that we are to actively cooperate with God's grace in the process of our sanctification, making conscious efforts in the fight against sin and the pursuit of righteousness? Or is our striving for holiness merely a natural consequence of our already received holiness, without the necessity of our active participation?

Thank you again for this profound and important discussion. I eagerly await your further thoughts on these questions.

Sincerely,
Yurii

 

[netchaplain]

However, it seems important to ask: do you not believe that the moral principles underlying the Ten Commandments (such as the prohibition of murder, theft, and lying) reflect God's unchanging character and therefore remain relevant for Christians as an ethical guide?

The Christians way of life goes beyond the Decalogue, i.e. Mat 5:44; Jhn 13:34, etc. I believe the Decalogue was made for sinners of the Jews and not Christians (1Ti 1:9).

Even if we are not under the Law as a means of salvation, are these principles not a reflection of God's holiness, to which we are called to be conformed?

One law will suffice and cover all things, which is Jhn 13:34.

Also, returning to Jesus' words in Matthew 5:17-20, where He says He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, and that even the least commandment will have significance until "all is accomplished." How do you understand this "accomplishment of all"?

Jesus often spoke of the law because it was still in effect "till all be fulfilled." Christ's last thing He fulfilled was His sacrifice on the Cross. Then God "taketh away the first that He may establish the second" (Heb 10:9). Even the Jews no longer have the law, but many believe in God but not in Christ.

However, I would like to ask: how do you reconcile this with the numerous calls in the New Testament for believers to "pursue holiness" (Hebrews 12:14), to "put off your old self" (Ephesians 4:22), to "put to death your earthly members" (Colossians 3:5), to "cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit" (2 Corinthians 7:1), and many other similar exhortations?

Many Christians see "sanctification" as something requiring time, but it is about the same thing as "holiness." If we look at all the usages in Scripture we see that it's something already done and it's because of holiness and sanctification that we mature or progress in our understanding and doing of God's will. Christians already have everything Christ has (2Pe 1:3), but will be learning to apply this more and more until we are gone from here.

 

[Yurii]

Dear netchaplain,

Thank you for your consistency and clarity in laying out your theological position. It truly helps me understand your perspective on these important matters.

Allow me to revisit some points that pique my particular interest, and perhaps we could ponder them together a bit more for a deeper understanding.

Regarding the Role of the Moral Law:

I understand your argument that the Christian way of life goes beyond the Ten Commandments, and that the Law was given to the Jews. However, I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this: doesn't it seem to you that the moral principles underlying the Ten Commandments (such as honoring parents, and the prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, and bearing false witness) are also affirmed and even expanded upon in the New Testament?

If in Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus came to fulfill the Law until "all is accomplished," and you connect this to His sacrifice on the Cross, how should we understand His subsequent teachings in the same chapter, where He seems to deepen the requirements of the Law rather than abolish them? For example, His words about anger ("You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment..." - Matthew 5:21-22), lust ("You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." - Matthew 5:27-28), divorce ("It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery." - Matthew 5:31-32), and oaths ("Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all... But let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No.’ Anything beyond this comes from the evil one." - Matthew 5:33-37).

Regarding Holiness and Sanctification:

I fully agree that our holiness in Christ is a finished work from the moment of salvation. However, when the New Testament earnestly calls us to "strive for holiness without which no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14), to "cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1), to "put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24), do these calls not point to the necessity of our active participation in the process of sanctification?


If sanctification is a completely accomplished fact, why did the apostles so frequently exhort believers to actions aimed at growth in holiness and the fight against sin?

Thank you for your willingness to continue this important conversation. Please don't think I'm trying to prove my point here – we're having an interesting discussion during which we are deepening our knowledge and better understanding the Words of God for ourselves. If I were trying to prove my point, it would mean I'm confident in my own correctness, and therefore in the fact that I already know everything and have nowhere further to develop – and that's a great display of pride and an inability to accept further knowledge that is given to us by God.

Sincerely,
Yurii

 

[Dave F.]

If I may add my thoughts,
The law is like a mirror in that it shows us we are dirty, but does nothing to clean us. We must be washed clean by the blood of the lamb. Because we are followers of Jesus, we should continue (strive) to try to be like Him. Our actions speak much louder than our words. Jesus lived a moral and holy life. He also said we are to love one another as He loved us, if we truly love someone will live morally and justly toward all others as Jesus did. His warning about the sins He mentioned is telling us that sin begins as a thought before it becomes an action, therefore we need to guard our thoughts and keep them holy.

 

[netchaplain]

Dear netchaplain,

I understand your argument that the Christian way of life goes beyond the Ten Commandments, and that the Law was given to the Jews. However, I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this: doesn't it seem to you that the moral principles underlying the Ten Commandments (such as honoring parents, and the prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, and bearing false witness) are also affirmed and even expanded upon in the New Testament?

The law was for the Jews, and I think God wanted to use them "first" (Rom 1:16; 2:9,10), to manifest God to the world. The law also manifested the sinners among the Jews; and you must remember "that the law was not made for a righteous man . . . and if there be any other person that is contrary to sound doctrine" (1Ti 1:9).

If in Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus came to fulfill the Law until "all is accomplished," and you connect this to His sacrifice on the Cross, how should we understand His subsequent teachings in the same chapter, where He seems to deepen the requirements of the Law rather than abolish them? For example, His words about anger ("You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment..." - Matthew 5:21-22), lust ("You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." - Matthew 5:27-28), divorce ("It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery." - Matthew 5:31-32), and oaths ("Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all... But let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No.’ Anything beyond this comes from the evil one." - Matthew 5:33-37).

The law was in force while the Lord Jesus was still on the earth, He taught three separate dispensations simultaneously (OT, NT, future of the lost and the saved). When the Lord Jesus ascended was the beginning of the NT, and the removal of the OT.

Regarding Holiness and Sanctification:

I fully agree that our holiness in Christ is a finished work from the moment of salvation. However, when the New Testament earnestly calls us to "strive for holiness without which no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14), to "cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1), to "put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24), do these calls not point to the necessity of our active participation in the process of sanctification?

There's nowhere in Scripture that says "strive for holiness," it says "Follow . . . holiness." As I mentioned before, holiness and sanctification cannot be earned but attributed by God during rebirth. Paul adds this to let them know what they have in Christ (holiness, etc.). Christians have "all things that pertain unto life and godliness," they just have to learn to apply them via the Word of God.

If sanctification is a completely accomplished fact, why did the apostles so frequently exhort believers to actions aimed at growth in holiness and the fight against sin?

Because being new Christians they need to know of these things that they can be.

Thank you for your willingness to continue this important conversation. Please don't think I'm trying to prove my point here – we're having an interesting discussion during which we are deepening our knowledge and better understanding the Words of God for ourselves. If I were trying to prove my point, it would mean I'm confident in my own correctness, and therefore in the fact that I already know everything and have nowhere further to develop – and that's a great display of pride and an inability to accept further knowledge that is given to us by God.


Thank you too for your hunger for growth, and for sharing your humility. God blessings to your Family!

 

[Yurii]

The law was for the Jews, and I think God wanted to use them "first" (Rom 1:16; 2:9,10), to manifest God to the world. The law also manifested the sinners among the Jews; and you must remember "that the law was not made for a righteous man . . . and if there be any other person that is contrary to sound doctrine" (1Ti 1:9).

The law was in force while the Lord Jesus was still on the earth, He taught three separate dispensations simultaneously (OT, NT, future of the lost and the saved). When the Lord Jesus ascended was the beginning of the NT, and the removal of the OT.

There's nowhere in Scripture that says "strive for holiness," it says "Follow . . . holiness." As I mentioned before, holiness and sanctification cannot be earned but attributed by God during rebirth. Paul adds this to let them know what they have in Christ (holiness, etc.). Christians have "all things that pertain unto life and godliness," they just have to learn to apply them via the Word of God.

Because being new Christians they need to know of these things that they can be.

Thank you for your willingness to continue this important conversation. Please don't think I'm trying to prove my point here – we're having an interesting discussion during which we are deepening our knowledge and better understanding the Words of God for ourselves. If I were trying to prove my point, it would mean I'm confident in my own correctness, and therefore in the fact that I already know everything and have nowhere further to develop – and that's a great display of pride and an inability to accept further knowledge that is given to us by God.


Thank you too for your hunger for growth, and for sharing your humility. God blessings to your Family!

Dear netchaplain,

Thank you for yet another detailed explanation of your position. I now have an even better understanding of your perspective on the role of the Law and the process of sanctification.

Your point about Christians already possessing everything necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) and their task being to learn how to apply this through the Word of God is very interesting.

I would be incredibly grateful if you could share your personal experience in this regard. Could you provide a specific example from your life of how you learned to apply this "everything necessary" through Scripture? Perhaps it was a challenging life situation, an internal struggle, or a desire to grow in a particular virtue where studying and reflecting on the Word helped you practically apply the fullness already given to you in Christ?

Your personal example could be a very valuable illustration of how this process of "learning to apply" unfolds in practice.

I eagerly await your thoughts and a possible example.

Sincerely,
Yurii

 

[netchaplain]

Dear netchaplain,

Thank you for yet another detailed explanation of your position. I now have an even better understanding of your perspective on the role of the Law and the process of sanctification.

Your point about Christians already possessing everything necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) and their task being to learn how to apply this through the Word of God is very interesting.

I would be incredibly grateful if you could share your personal experience in this regard.

I very much appreciate your replies and thank God for another Christian continuing wanting to grow in the Lord Jesus through the Word.

It's all about "reckoning" on what we already know have. We are to "reckon" on everything we understand in the Word, as one can know the Word and not reckon (apply) on it. It takes time, and God will teach you, as He already is doing for us.

 

[Yurii]

I very much appreciate your replies and thank God for another Christian continuing wanting to grow in the Lord Jesus through the Word.

It's all about "reckoning" on what we already know have. We are to "reckon" on everything we understand in the Word, as one can know the Word and not reckon (apply) on it. It takes time, and God will teach you, as He already is doing for us.

Dear netchaplain,

I also believe that it is not enough just to know – we need to implement the received knowledge in our lives. And indeed, God gradually reveals, like a flashlight in the darkness, each subsequent step of our path for us.

Thank you for this conversation we have had. Despite some differences in our views on certain points, we also have common ground. Conversations with different people are given to us by God so that we can take something from them for our lives.

Sincerely,
Yurii

 

[netchaplain]

Dear netchaplain,

I also believe that it is not enough just to know – we need to implement the received knowledge in our lives. And indeed, God gradually reveals, like a flashlight in the darkness, each subsequent step of our path for us.

Thank you for this conversation we have had. Despite some differences in our views on certain points, we also have common ground. Conversations with different people are given to us by God so that we can take something from them for our lives.

Sincerely,
Yurii

Thanks for your reply and God bless!