But we are not human. We are spirits temporarily encased in a sinful physical being. Our minds and bodies are sinners and our spirit would be, if it wasn't hiding in Christ. Us, our spirits, are good with God through Jesus.
If our spirits are one with God, why can't we pray for forgiveness directly with God for those "deadly sins"?
If indeed we could, I would say that we would be forever in favour with God!
However, can't you say our spirits, minds, and bodies are fully linked to each other, therefore creating such a link that there is no link?
We are humans. We do have spirits and minds, but as we are in a human shell, don't we defile them, thus making them not "one" with God.
Does that make sense?
We will never be perfect, no part of us until we ascend because we indeed are still sinners (even though we may have been saved by Jesus. I haven't quite read anything yet that says Jesus forgives FUTURE sins [i.e. post "saved"]). Correct me if I am wrong.
Spencer it is important to understand that tripartite nature of man. We receive a new spirit from God when we are born again. We get a new body when we are resurrected - Jesus is the Savior of our soul (mind, will, intellect, emotions, etc.).Scripturally we are perfect in our new spiritual man (1Jn 5:18) and we have complete favor with God now. God has not accepted us based on our righteousness but on the imparted righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Our soul is renewed according to the Word of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit- when we believe the Word of God our mind is renewed in that area.
The point is we are excepted in the beloved and we are blessed by and have favor with God now. Read the book of Ephesians to see what God has already done in and for us.
Some of our works bring glory to God and are gold, silver and precious stones- others are wood , hay and stubble and will be burned but that does not affect the gift of salvation.
Going to 1 John 5:18. It does say that those who are God's Children do not sin, however, I'm sure you know none of us are free from sin and never will be until we die, for a sinless life is impossible for our souls in a human shell.
Would you mind if you found that verse about how we receive a whole new spirit post "saving"? I don't think I'm really interpreting it correctly.
I'll take a look at Ephesians and see what's up
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Spencer, I think what this passage is saying is that if someone is in a deadly sin, not to pray for THEM. (all caps placed to put emphasis and focus on the word) It doesnt mean that if YOU are the one doing the deadly sin, that YOU cannot repent and turn around and make yourself right with God. There have been many, many people that were in deadly sins, and repented and were made free. And there are many, many people that dont and die.
Abraham was called a 'Friend of God'. Was there anything special about him? No, only that he walked with God and listened to Him and talked with Him. We can do the same thing as well, for God is not a respecter of persons. Matthew 22:16
Interesting thought about the verse I quoted. I'll look into it a little bit more.
But the point I'm trying to get with it is not that YOU should do this or that, but the way of repentance. If you shouldn't help this sinner repent, don't you think it is pretty dire what he has committed? Why should God not accept your prayers to forgive.
Also perhaps if you look into another verse: John 20:21-23
“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Maybe by John saying that you should not pray for the sinners mean that their sins will be retained you know? I don't know I just thought of that, I'll get back with more indepth analysis later.