Forsaking sin and evil is certainly never ending torture for sinners and evildoers. But for the Christian? It is freedom from the bondage to sin and Satan. Paul says sin shall NOT have dominion over you, which means that no Christian can be or should be a slave to sin. As to "torture", we are told to torture, crucify, and mortify (put to death) "the flesh" so that the spirit may flourish.
Can we overcome sin fully?
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this is a misconception
God is holy and we are told to be holy
holy means to be set apart...ie: SEPARATE
we are acceptable to God ONLY because Jesus satisfied the requirements for holiness
if you are saying we are perfect IN Christ then I would agree, but that is our position, that is God accepts us because of the righteousness of Christ and His righteousness is as a robe (metaphor) that He places on us in order for us to be acceptable to God
John says we are liars if we say we never sin...he was writing to other believers
Yes., and Amen., and we can take it another step further. After Abraham lied and Sarah was taken into the kings palace to be one of his harem., Instead of God punishing Abraham.,, He told the king to ask Abraham to pray for him that God didn't zap him.
God did not punish Abraham., the king is the one who was in trouble. It's all about those who are His. Although Abraham dealt with natural consequences of sins he did not have God punishing him for his sin. Abraham kept his position as favored of God 'apart' from his works. That's grace.
Abraham and Sarah were not under the law., it hadn't come yet. They were under a grace covenant. We today are called sons of Abraham, daughters of Sarah. I also find it interesting how Joseph didn't have the law either but he knew it was wrong to be with Potifer's wife., he said he could not do this great sin against his master.
It's all very interesting how God deals with those who are His. And scary to think of how He deals with those who are not His. It's a totally different standard.
It is receiving the Holy Spirit inwardly.. that makes you new to walk in the Spirit subject to GOD's Law.. it is Christ within making His abode...
The promise to Abraham was that we would receive the Spirit through Faith in the Son of GOD sent so that we could be forgiven and reconciled with Heavenly Father.
If GOD tells us to do something and we are not willing and lack belief then we harden our heart...and don't grow in Grace and knowledge of Christ.
We are to believe His Word... then see the power of GOD work in our life through Christ..
If GOD tells us to alt the sun... believe Him.. that is all we need to do.. for He will do the rest through us....
Now I was saved by Grace through Faith unto His good works..
Loved and forgiven so that I can Love and forgive..
We believe the Messiah's Testament to be saved and born again set free under Grace to love and obey in our liberty.
If a man states something contrary to being made New and subject to GOD's law then it seems he may not of received the Holy Spirit.
And though I know many will defend DC and vouch for him because they hold similar beliefs...think not that I love him less because I share this with him..
Noe some of us cause controversy yet are the weakest of all. ... but Love and Truth go hand in hand.
The promise to Abraham was that we would receive the Spirit through Faith in the Son of GOD sent so that we could be forgiven and reconciled with Heavenly Father.
If GOD tells us to do something and we are not willing and lack belief then we harden our heart...and don't grow in Grace and knowledge of Christ.
We are to believe His Word... then see the power of GOD work in our life through Christ..
If GOD tells us to alt the sun... believe Him.. that is all we need to do.. for He will do the rest through us....
Now I was saved by Grace through Faith unto His good works..
Loved and forgiven so that I can Love and forgive..
We believe the Messiah's Testament to be saved and born again set free under Grace to love and obey in our liberty.
If a man states something contrary to being made New and subject to GOD's law then it seems he may not of received the Holy Spirit.
And though I know many will defend DC and vouch for him because they hold similar beliefs...think not that I love him less because I share this with him..
Noe some of us cause controversy yet are the weakest of all. ... but Love and Truth go hand in hand.
Hi Wild., There's some good news., that's not how God has left us here (thank YOU JESUS) because that WOULD be torture. No., what Jesus did was give us His Holy Spirit to seal us... to be with us to comfort., guide and teach us.,,, and all the while pouring out on us grace and peace in the Holy Spirit. Giving those rivers of living waters that come flowing in and through us believers. Jesus describes this in John 7:38-39
[SUP]38 [/SUP]He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, [SUP][a][/SUP]from within him shall flow rivers of living water. [SUP]39 [/SUP]But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: [SUP][b][/SUP]for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Those rivers of living water are His supernatural presence in our lives in the here and now as we live out the day to day here on this planet. He reminds us there is no condemnation for those who are IN Christ. Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.
We are in process and while in process., there is no condemnation while we learn how to walk out the truth. We are not sinless because we have the echos of our old flesh and it's old manner of living that has been with us for years. It's all we knew before getting saved. The old man is dead and buried and now we only have echos of the flesh or old manner of living but not the old man himself. Much like if you hear a bell ringing and then when it stops., your ears are ringing. Old things are passed away., behold all things have become new.
Now as born again believers., we are pointed to Christ by the Holy Spirit and learning how to walk in newness of life. Does a parent condemn and smack a baby for falling down as he is learning to walk? No. Or when he spits out the food given ., does the parent condemn the baby as he learns how to take in these new things given because he never knew how to take them? No.
Does God expect us to be fully mature and perfect while we live in these bodies ? No. If a family of men have full beards., do they condemn the young son who has no beard yet? We are told to work out our own salvation... that means to work out what Christ has worked in us when He saved us. Not for us to work for our salvation. He gave us His Holy Spirit and He gives us the Joy of our salvation so those things can be worked out in and through us by the Holy Spirit.
We have not been left alone to do any of this stuff. And we have not been left here in agony as we muck through life dragging a dead carcus . The old man is dead and gone. Remember that., the sound of the bell is ringing but the bell is gone.
Jesus said He came to give us life., and that MORE ABUNDANTLY. That is also for today. Not only for eternity but this saved life we have been given IN Christ begins the day we get saved. And the Holy Spirit will fill us each day and empower us to be able to joyfully work out the life of Christ in us. I was a Christian for many years before finding this truth out. The truth can't set us free unless we hear it and then believe it.
So many testimonies of doubt have come in over night. SO many questions concerning wilful sin or ignorant sin etc.
But what you should ask is simply, what has our God promised us in Christ Jesus.
Anything more than this is of the Devil.
Stop looking at your weakness and trust in his strength.
Stop going beyond the text and trust what is said. you of little faith
The word of God is powerful.
as it is written:
Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Do not be like those who say "how can these things be" as Nicodemus. But rather simply trust the word of Jesus and it shall be done to you as you have believed.
But what you should ask is simply, what has our God promised us in Christ Jesus.
Anything more than this is of the Devil.
Stop looking at your weakness and trust in his strength.
Stop going beyond the text and trust what is said. you of little faith
The word of God is powerful.
as it is written:
Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Do not be like those who say "how can these things be" as Nicodemus. But rather simply trust the word of Jesus and it shall be done to you as you have believed.
Here is a couple of promises for those who think our thoughts can not be changed:
Pro 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
and here:
2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds
2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Two wonderful promises that are yes and amen in Christ. But there is only one way to have it a reality in your life, You must have faith/Trust in God for it to happen.
Feel free to share any promises that you have found that have changed your life in real ways to the praise of Jesus Christ and our Father in heaven.
Pro 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
and here:
2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds
2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Two wonderful promises that are yes and amen in Christ. But there is only one way to have it a reality in your life, You must have faith/Trust in God for it to happen.
Feel free to share any promises that you have found that have changed your life in real ways to the praise of Jesus Christ and our Father in heaven.
Scripturally, we are to lean on Him daily to cast down wicked imaginations daily and so there is a race to be run daily by looking to the author & finisher of our faith to help us lay aside every weight & sin until He bring us Home as holy & perfect.
Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [SUP]2 [/SUP]Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
2 Timothy 4:[SUP]18 [/SUP]And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Jude 1[SUP]24 [/SUP]Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, [SUP]25 [/SUP]To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Colossians 1:[SUP]20 [/SUP]And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. [SUP]21 [/SUP]And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled [SUP]22 [/SUP]In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: [SUP]23 [/SUP]If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;[SUB][SUP]
[/SUP][/SUB]
Here is another wonderful promise that our God will keep us from falling.
Jud 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jud 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Praise God for his Grace that is greater and stronger than our sinful nature.
Let us like Abraham look away form our weakness to his promises as it is written:
Rom 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:
Rom 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
Rom 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
This is a faith journey and only those who trust Gods word will experience what Christ has in store for all who love Him.
Jud 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jud 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Praise God for his Grace that is greater and stronger than our sinful nature.
Let us like Abraham look away form our weakness to his promises as it is written:
Rom 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:
Rom 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
Rom 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
This is a faith journey and only those who trust Gods word will experience what Christ has in store for all who love Him.
ill just say if JESUS could be sinnless we can imitate HIM
[h=1]Ephesians 5:1-2King James Version (KJV)[/h] 5 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
[SUP]2 [/SUP]And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
King James Version (KJV)
IF we love we are being sinnless. SLOW TO SPEAKKK
[h=1]Ephesians 5:1-2King James Version (KJV)[/h] 5 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
[SUP]2 [/SUP]And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
King James Version (KJV)
IF we love we are being sinnless. SLOW TO SPEAKKK
Amen, so important to realise that sin is the opposite of love. As it is written:
Rom_5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
and again:
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Praise God that He imparts his love to us that we might overcome the flesh in Christ Jesus.
Rom_5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
and again:
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Praise God that He imparts his love to us that we might overcome the flesh in Christ Jesus.
I believe God's Word:
1 Jn 1:5-10
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
walk in darkness this is present tense and speaks of continuous or habitual action.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Walking in the light means believing what Scripture tells us.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
John is addressing believers throughout this chapter. The word have is present tense and signifies continuity.
The sense here in light of what follows is that our general condition is sinless because of Jesus continuous cleansing; but we do occasionally stumble into sin which if acknowledged is cleansed restoring us to sinlessness in God's eyes; but if not acknowledged is not cleansed. I believe that one confession at the time of salvation is sufficient if we accept God's word that we do in fact continue in sin which must also be cleansed.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
KJV
This scripture makes a clear statement on this issue. Since Scripture does not contradict scripture, all other Scripture must be interpreted in light of this one.
1 Jn 1:5-10
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
walk in darkness this is present tense and speaks of continuous or habitual action.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Walking in the light means believing what Scripture tells us.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
John is addressing believers throughout this chapter. The word have is present tense and signifies continuity.
The sense here in light of what follows is that our general condition is sinless because of Jesus continuous cleansing; but we do occasionally stumble into sin which if acknowledged is cleansed restoring us to sinlessness in God's eyes; but if not acknowledged is not cleansed. I believe that one confession at the time of salvation is sufficient if we accept God's word that we do in fact continue in sin which must also be cleansed.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
KJV
This scripture makes a clear statement on this issue. Since Scripture does not contradict scripture, all other Scripture must be interpreted in light of this one.
I think it is important to acknowledge that this is not all John says on this issue and in fact continues via each chapter. Thus bringing clarity to his intent in this first chapter.
Even noting the first verse of chapter 2 saying:
1Jn 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
The intent is that they do not sin that is why he wrote the things in chapter 1 and forward also. But those who confess their sin
have and advocate Jesus.
as for light and darkness it is explained in chapter 2 in more detail.
1Jn 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1Jn 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jn 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1Jn 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
1Jn 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Notice they walk as he/Jesus walked. They are like Jesus they keep the commandments, their love for God is perfected in Christ. Sin is the opposite of love thus these persons do not sin as the love of God is perfected in them.
Jn 2:8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
1Jn 2:9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
1Jn 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
1Jn 2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
light and darkness is love or lovless/sin.
But chapter 3 really makes it clear:
1Jn 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
1Jn 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
1Jn 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Love for each other is light and is not sin. This is in line with the commandments of God which are summed up in one word: love.
but note how John explains it:
1Jn 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1Jn 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
1Jn 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
1Jn 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
1Jn 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
John is abundantly clear that Jesus gives us complete victory over sin. WE do righteousness just as He is righteous. It is Christ in us by faith through the Spirit. His seed in us causes us to not sin any more but rather the love of God perfected in us by faith in Jesus.
That is salvation friend, that is the Good news that is a miraculous work of God. We may not understand it but none the less it is reality for those who trust as a child the promises of God.
There are many witnesses to this truth throughout the bible. I don't think you can dismiss them with a few lines form one book that has much more to say than what is in chapter one. and as you know I disagree with your point as John is clearly talking to people who do not have fellowship with them yet.
Have they heard of Jesus? Yes clearly,
Do they believe? YEs clearly.
But they like Nicodemus have yet to be born again, they have yet to join the mystery of the fellowship as Paul writes:
Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
What is this mystery:
Eph 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Jesus said it like this concerning the gift of the spirit:
Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Joh 14:22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Joh 14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
Notice the same language that John who wrote this Gospel used as seen above in his letter.
Sin is destroyed and the work of the Devil destroyed when by faith we receive the fullness of God. Greater is he that is in you than he who is in the world.
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
blessings.
Even noting the first verse of chapter 2 saying:
1Jn 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
The intent is that they do not sin that is why he wrote the things in chapter 1 and forward also. But those who confess their sin
have and advocate Jesus.
as for light and darkness it is explained in chapter 2 in more detail.
1Jn 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1Jn 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jn 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1Jn 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
1Jn 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Notice they walk as he/Jesus walked. They are like Jesus they keep the commandments, their love for God is perfected in Christ. Sin is the opposite of love thus these persons do not sin as the love of God is perfected in them.
Jn 2:8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
1Jn 2:9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
1Jn 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
1Jn 2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
light and darkness is love or lovless/sin.
But chapter 3 really makes it clear:
1Jn 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
1Jn 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
1Jn 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Love for each other is light and is not sin. This is in line with the commandments of God which are summed up in one word: love.
but note how John explains it:
1Jn 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1Jn 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
1Jn 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
1Jn 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
1Jn 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
John is abundantly clear that Jesus gives us complete victory over sin. WE do righteousness just as He is righteous. It is Christ in us by faith through the Spirit. His seed in us causes us to not sin any more but rather the love of God perfected in us by faith in Jesus.
That is salvation friend, that is the Good news that is a miraculous work of God. We may not understand it but none the less it is reality for those who trust as a child the promises of God.
There are many witnesses to this truth throughout the bible. I don't think you can dismiss them with a few lines form one book that has much more to say than what is in chapter one. and as you know I disagree with your point as John is clearly talking to people who do not have fellowship with them yet.
Have they heard of Jesus? Yes clearly,
Do they believe? YEs clearly.
But they like Nicodemus have yet to be born again, they have yet to join the mystery of the fellowship as Paul writes:
Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
What is this mystery:
Eph 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Jesus said it like this concerning the gift of the spirit:
Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Joh 14:22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Joh 14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
Notice the same language that John who wrote this Gospel used as seen above in his letter.
Sin is destroyed and the work of the Devil destroyed when by faith we receive the fullness of God. Greater is he that is in you than he who is in the world.
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
blessings.
Apollos is also an example of this truth:
Act 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Act 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
Act 18:26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Act 18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
Act 18:28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Apollos believed and taught about Jesus convincing the Jews from the Old Testament but he had only the baptism of repentance He did not yet enter into the fellowship as we see next:
Act 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
Act 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
Act 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Act 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Act 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Act 19:7 And all the men were about twelve.
So notice that while he believe in Christ he had not heard of the Spirit and had not entered thus into fellowship that only comes via Spirit baptism as Jesus taught his disciples.
These are the types of people who John is speaking to including the 12 in chapter 19 as shown. . They know of Jesus and like Apollos teach about Jesus but they have yet to enter into fellowship that they might overcome fully in Christ.
Act 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Act 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
Act 18:26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Act 18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
Act 18:28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Apollos believed and taught about Jesus convincing the Jews from the Old Testament but he had only the baptism of repentance He did not yet enter into the fellowship as we see next:
Act 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
Act 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
Act 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Act 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Act 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Act 19:7 And all the men were about twelve.
So notice that while he believe in Christ he had not heard of the Spirit and had not entered thus into fellowship that only comes via Spirit baptism as Jesus taught his disciples.
These are the types of people who John is speaking to including the 12 in chapter 19 as shown. . They know of Jesus and like Apollos teach about Jesus but they have yet to enter into fellowship that they might overcome fully in Christ.
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Here is another comforting promise concerning temptation.
1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
When temptation comes along don't give up, turn to Him who is faithful and he will make a way to escape so that you can bear it without giving in to it.
God has taken care of us in Jesus. Hi is faithful to all his promises. Trust and you will see. taste and see that the Lord is Good.
1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
When temptation comes along don't give up, turn to Him who is faithful and he will make a way to escape so that you can bear it without giving in to it.
God has taken care of us in Jesus. Hi is faithful to all his promises. Trust and you will see. taste and see that the Lord is Good.
If you desire to understand fully how one can cease to sin as Peter says here:
1Pe 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
First you need to understand that not only is it the work of God but you will never understand it fully. When trying to explain the new birth to Nicodemus Jesus said:
Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Joh 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Jesus likens it to the wind, while you can notice its effect you simply don't know where it comes form or where it is going. Nicodemus then shows his lack of faith at this time by saying:
Joh 3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
He wanted to understand how it works but it is beyond our understanding So Jesus uses earthly things that we can rap our minds around to explain heavenly realities.
Joh 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
Another Parable that Jesus used to explain the kingdom of God or sanctification is this one:
Mar 4:26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
Mar 4:27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
Mar 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
Mar 4:29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
Notice that the seed brings fourth fruit of herself. The sower does not understand how it happens. SO it is with us we need to accept that this process is a miraculous event that is done by Jesus. Don't be a critic asking how can these things be? But be as a trusting child as it is written:
Luk_18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Trust in God He is able.
1Pe 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
First you need to understand that not only is it the work of God but you will never understand it fully. When trying to explain the new birth to Nicodemus Jesus said:
Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Joh 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Jesus likens it to the wind, while you can notice its effect you simply don't know where it comes form or where it is going. Nicodemus then shows his lack of faith at this time by saying:
Joh 3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
He wanted to understand how it works but it is beyond our understanding So Jesus uses earthly things that we can rap our minds around to explain heavenly realities.
Joh 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
Another Parable that Jesus used to explain the kingdom of God or sanctification is this one:
Mar 4:26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
Mar 4:27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
Mar 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
Mar 4:29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
Notice that the seed brings fourth fruit of herself. The sower does not understand how it happens. SO it is with us we need to accept that this process is a miraculous event that is done by Jesus. Don't be a critic asking how can these things be? But be as a trusting child as it is written:
Luk_18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Trust in God He is able.
The key to overcoming sin is only found in Jesus as John points out:
1Jn 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Notice John teaches that Jesus purpose was to take away our sins. Praise God. but how?
1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Notice that it is those who abide in Jesus, the opposite of this is to not see or know him. Knowing Jesus intimately and seeing Him with eyes of faith will cause sin to cease in the trusting abiding servant of Christ.
This of course is the language of Jesus in John 15 about the vine and the branches and abiding in Christ.
1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Notice again the point emphasised with a warning to not let people deceive you on this truth, those who are in Christ do righteousness, it is not merely a covering but a miraculous transformation. Only those who are still slaves to the Devil continue to sin, But Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of Satan which is sin.
1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Notice again this point. When someone has the seed/Christ/ in them they do not sin. This is the new birth, new creature, this is salvation in Christ form sin.
1Jn 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Notice that you can tell if you are children of God if you actually live righteously or not. If you have an abiding love for humanity or not.
If you find that this is not you then turn to the Lord seek in his word how to be born again. you will find the answer everywhere in Jesus teachings and Paul's.
I will post scriptures that speak of this later.
Blessings.
1Jn 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Notice John teaches that Jesus purpose was to take away our sins. Praise God. but how?
1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Notice that it is those who abide in Jesus, the opposite of this is to not see or know him. Knowing Jesus intimately and seeing Him with eyes of faith will cause sin to cease in the trusting abiding servant of Christ.
This of course is the language of Jesus in John 15 about the vine and the branches and abiding in Christ.
1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Notice again the point emphasised with a warning to not let people deceive you on this truth, those who are in Christ do righteousness, it is not merely a covering but a miraculous transformation. Only those who are still slaves to the Devil continue to sin, But Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of Satan which is sin.
1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Notice again this point. When someone has the seed/Christ/ in them they do not sin. This is the new birth, new creature, this is salvation in Christ form sin.
1Jn 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Notice that you can tell if you are children of God if you actually live righteously or not. If you have an abiding love for humanity or not.
If you find that this is not you then turn to the Lord seek in his word how to be born again. you will find the answer everywhere in Jesus teachings and Paul's.
I will post scriptures that speak of this later.
Blessings.