Recently I was in a group discussion for a class here at MBI. We were talking about how since we have regenerated hearts, we can now go on living with the power of Christ on our side. The discussion quickly fell apart after one student added, "Since we have a new heart in Christ it must be possible to quite sinning." The student was unaware of what he was suggesting.
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In James 3:2 we read, "For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body." From this verse it would be easier to come away with the Doctrine of Sinless Perfection. But, later on in verse 8 James writes, "But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil ful off deadly poison." So what we can ascertain from this is that a perfect life is indeed impossible, and that the Doctrine of Sinless Perfection is not a Biblical concept at all. 1 final verse to slam this issue home is found in 1 John 1:8-10 and it reads, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse uf from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."
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I believe that the Doctrine of Sinless Perfection is a lie that many followers of Christ have chosen to believe and are now in danger of falling further away from Christ, when they themselves believe they are closer than ever. Yet again the pride of man has prevailed in blinding many with its devastating lies and temptations.
How do you respond to I Thessalonians 5:23? Paul is calling Jesus to sanctify the Thessalonians completely, therefore implying that it is possible to be completely without sin.
ReplyDeleteThe end of the verse says, "Sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless AT THE COMING of our Lord Jesus Christ." I think Paul was referring to the coming of Christ thus, entering into glorification period which would make sinlessness possible.
ReplyDeleteI just googled "defense of entire sanctification." Nearly all the verses that supported it were either taken out of context or were implying things from the verses. There is little to no basis scripturally for this doctrine
ReplyDeleteagreed
ReplyDeleteHmm.
ReplyDelete