Obsession with Confession (1 John 1:9, sin confession)

[KennethC]

C'mon, now... keep up. He only loves us IF (and that is a BIG" if") we keep every one of the rules. If we do the least little thing wrong, we have to grovel and beg to get back in His good graces. And even then, He better not be having a bad day, or we are SOL.

Just ask any of these Legalists.

You are only looking at it one sided though as it shows we have to love Him to with all our heart, soul, and mind.

His own words says those who love Him are those who keep His commandments, those who do not love Him do not keep His commandments.

Those who do not love Him will not get eternal life as that is clearly shown in the word of God.

 

[KenAllan]

But I thought God Loved us while we were still sinners?

So God will ONLY Love us if first if you try to keep His rules?

Romans 5:8
[SUP]8 [/SUP] But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Interesting that God Loved us first. He did not demand we become sinless before He Loved us.

 

[shotgunner]

That is why you ask them if they want to stop doing what they are doing, and also show them in God's word and by love how they are walking is improper. Then we are to try and exhort them as in help them along in turning from those ways.

If they refuse to listen and refuse the help because they do not want to give up those ways then we know it is willful/deliberate sin they are engaged in and would rather continue to do it then serve the Lord.

Nobody at least not me is saying a person is to be cast away immediately if we see them walking improperly in a sinful way, for there are steps we are to take first before that. Talking to the person first and showing them God's love and way comes first !!!

Ok, I don't have any problem with any of that. The one thing though that we disagree on is that a person can be saved and have no wish to be free from sin. A person might say the words of some prayer but when salvation comes Grace frees them from the bondage of sin and changes their hearts. Without a heart change there is no salvation.

That's what Paul is saying here.
Romans 5:20-6:2King James Version (KJV)[SUP]20 [/SUP]Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
[SUP]21 [/SUP]That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
[SUP]2 [/SUP]God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

The word reigned, and reign in verse 21 is speaking of a ruler, a king with complete control. Before we were saved sin was the dominate force in our life. We were completely under sin's rule. When one is saved however Grace breaks the power of sin and is replaced as ruler.

In 6:2 Paul isn't saying that we shouldn't sin because grace rules. He is saying perish the thought that we sin and cause grace to abound even more. He is saying it's not even a sensible question because sin no longer rules.

The born again man does not wish to continue in sin and it is an impossibility for him to continue to sustain the same relationship that he had to sin before being born again. It's not even a question, it's impossible if salvation has occurred. That however is not to say that he won't occasionally sin. He simply doesn't plan and wish for a continued life of sin. His getting free will be a process of sanctification by renewing his mind and denying his flesh. Even through this sanctification process he is completely saved and justified by Christ. He was saved by grace through faith the first moment he cried out to Jesus.

 

[KennethC]

But I thought God Loved us while we were still sinners?

So God will ONLY Love us if first if you try to keep His rules?

Romans 5:8
[SUP]8 [/SUP] But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Interesting that God Loved us first. He did not demand we become sinless before He Loved us.

God did love us first which is why He sent His Son to die for our sins on the cross, this is the grace that we did nothing to deserve.

From there though the faith in Jesus that puts us under that grace of God has standards and commands the Lord gave we are to do to become His disciples and be reconciled to God by that remission.

Without repentance and baptism you do not receive remission for your sins and are not made disciples of the Lord.

Even in 1 John 2-4 the Apostle John shows how one can tell by their walk if they are saved or not and have eternal life abiding in them. As for example he says if you say you love God but hate another you are a liar and no eternal life abides in you.

Ok, I don't have any problem with any of that. The one thing though that we disagree on is that a person can be saved and have no wish to be free from sin. A person might say the words of some prayer but when salvation comes Grace frees them from the bondage of sin and changes their hearts. Without a heart change there is no salvation.

That's what Paul is saying here.
Romans 5:20-6:2King James Version (KJV)[SUP]20 [/SUP]Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
[SUP]21 [/SUP]That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
[SUP]2 [/SUP]God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

The word reigned, and reign in verse 21 is speaking of a ruler, a king with complete control. Before we were saved sin was the dominate force in our life. We were completely under sin's rule. When one is saved however Grace breaks the power of sin and is replaced as ruler.

In 6:2 Paul isn't saying that we shouldn't sin because grace rules. He is saying perish the thought that we sin and cause grace to abound even more. He is saying it's not even a sensible question because sin no longer rules.

The born again man does not wish to continue in sin and it is an impossibility for him to continue to sustain the same relationship that he had to sin before being born again. It's not even a question, it's impossible if salvation has occurred. That however is not to say that he won't occasionally sin. He simply doesn't plan and wish for a continued life of sin. His getting free will be a process of sanctification by renewing his mind and denying his flesh. Even through this sanctification process he is completely saved and justified by Christ. He was saved by grace through faith the first moment he cried out to Jesus.

Where do you get that understanding that I enlarged and underlined, it is nowhere mentioned in the bible that a person can be saved and have no intention of turning from sin.

It says if you continue to serve sin that is your master that will lead to eternal death, only walking in the Spirit will that righteousness lead to eternal life. Apostle Paul clearly shows this over and over again that you can not continue in a sinful lifestyle and be saved through the Lord unto eternal life both.

 

[shotgunner]

Originally Posted by shotgunner

Ok, I don't have any problem with any of that. The one thing though that we disagree on is that a person can be saved and have no wish to be free from sin. A person might say the words of some prayer but when salvation comes Grace frees them from the bondage of sin and changes their hearts. Without a heart change there is no salvation.

That's what Paul is saying here.
Romans 5:20-6:2King James Version (KJV)[SUP]20 [/SUP]Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
[SUP]21 [/SUP]That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
[SUP]2 [/SUP]God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

The word reigned, and reign in verse 21 is speaking of a ruler, a king with complete control. Before we were saved sin was the dominate force in our life. We were completely under sin's rule. When one is saved however Grace breaks the power of sin and is replaced as ruler.

In 6:2 Paul isn't saying that we shouldn't sin because grace rules. He is saying perish the thought that we sin and cause grace to abound even more. He is saying it's not even a sensible question because sin no longer rules.

The born again man does not wish to continue in sin and it is an impossibility for him to continue to sustain the same relationship that he had to sin before being born again. It's not even a question, it's impossible if salvation has occurred. That however is not to say that he won't occasionally sin. He simply doesn't plan and wish for a continued life of sin. His getting free will be a process of sanctification by renewing his mind and denying his flesh. Even through this sanctification process he is completely saved and justified by Christ. He was saved by grace through faith the first moment he cried out to Jesus.

Where do you get that understanding that I enlarged and underlined, it is nowhere mentioned in the bible that a person can be saved and have no intention of turning from sin.

It says if you continue to serve sin that is your master that will lead to eternal death, only walking in the Spirit will that righteousness lead to eternal life. Apostle Paul clearly shows this over and over again that you can not continue in a sinful lifestyle and be saved through the Lord unto eternal life both.






I'm not saying that a person can be saved and not want to turn from sin, you are! I say a person cannot be saved and not want to turn from sin. Here are your words

That is why you ask them if they want to stop doing what they are doing, and also show them in God's word and by love how they are walking is improper. Then we are to try and exhort them as in help them along in turning from those ways.

If they refuse to listen and refuse the help because they do not want to give up those ways then we know it is willful/deliberate sin they are engaged in and would rather continue to do it then serve the Lord.

Nobody at least not me is saying a person is to be cast away immediately if we see them walking improperly in a sinful way,
You are the one saying by your definition of willful sin that a saved person can commit willful sin and be cast out of salvation.

Are you not saying that as long as they want to give up sin, they are saved, even if they are struggling with sin?


I am telling you, that is the condition of every born again person, to want to give up sin, so by your definition none of them can commit willful sin.

 

[shotgunner]

Posted by Kenneth c
That is why you ask them if they want to stop doing what they are doing, and also show them in God's word and by love how they are walking is improper. Then we are to try and exhort them as in help them along in turning from those ways.

If they refuse to listen and refuse the help because they do not want to give up those ways then we know it is willful/deliberate sin they are engaged in and would rather continue to do it then serve the Lord.

Nobody at least not me is saying a person is to be cast away immediately if we see them walking improperly in a sinful way,
You are the one saying by your definition of willful sin that a saved person can commit willful sin and be cast out of salvation.


Your whole argument on the willful sin issue is that a person can be saved but if they engage in willful sin they are then cast out. You say in the above that willful sin is when a person does not wish to turn from their sins.

I told you that it is impossible for a person to be saved and not want to turn from their sins. Then you accuse me of saying people can be saved and still want to sin, which is the very thing you are saying with your willful sin doctrine.

 

[KennethC]

Originally Posted by shotgunner

Ok, I don't have any problem with any of that. The one thing though that we disagree on is that a person can be saved and have no wish to be free from sin. A person might say the words of some prayer but when salvation comes Grace frees them from the bondage of sin and changes their hearts. Without a heart change there is no salvation.

That's what Paul is saying here.
Romans 5:20-6:2King James Version (KJV)[SUP]20 [/SUP]Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
[SUP]21 [/SUP]That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
[SUP]2 [/SUP]God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

The word reigned, and reign in verse 21 is speaking of a ruler, a king with complete control. Before we were saved sin was the dominate force in our life. We were completely under sin's rule. When one is saved however Grace breaks the power of sin and is replaced as ruler.

In 6:2 Paul isn't saying that we shouldn't sin because grace rules. He is saying perish the thought that we sin and cause grace to abound even more. He is saying it's not even a sensible question because sin no longer rules.

The born again man does not wish to continue in sin and it is an impossibility for him to continue to sustain the same relationship that he had to sin before being born again. It's not even a question, it's impossible if salvation has occurred. That however is not to say that he won't occasionally sin. He simply doesn't plan and wish for a continued life of sin. His getting free will be a process of sanctification by renewing his mind and denying his flesh. Even through this sanctification process he is completely saved and justified by Christ. He was saved by grace through faith the first moment he cried out to Jesus.

Where do you get that understanding that I enlarged and underlined, it is nowhere mentioned in the bible that a person can be saved and have no intention of turning from sin.

It says if you continue to serve sin that is your master that will lead to eternal death, only walking in the Spirit will that righteousness lead to eternal life. Apostle Paul clearly shows this over and over again that you can not continue in a sinful lifestyle and be saved through the Lord unto eternal life both.






I'm not saying that a person can be saved and not want to turn from sin, you are! I say a person cannot be saved and not want to turn from sin. Here are your words

That is why you ask them if they want to stop doing what they are doing, and also show them in God's word and by love how they are walking is improper. Then we are to try and exhort them as in help them along in turning from those ways.

If they refuse to listen and refuse the help because they do not want to give up those ways then we know it is willful/deliberate sin they are engaged in and would rather continue to do it then serve the Lord.

Nobody at least not me is saying a person is to be cast away immediately if we see them walking improperly in a sinful way,
You are the one saying by your definition of willful sin that a saved person can commit willful sin and be cast out of salvation.

Are you not saying that as long as they want to give up sin, they are saved, even if they are struggling with sin?


I am telling you, that is the condition of every born again person, to want to give up sin, so by your definition none of them can commit willful sin.

That is not what Romans 5:20-6:2 is saying, that we can be saved even though we have no intention to give up sin.

It is saying that by the Mosaic laws sin abounded and lead people to eternal death, but under grace the righteousness we walk by being from the Holy Spirit will lead to eternal life.

Apostle Paul gives a strict warning here as he does other places that because we are under grace should we continue to sin, God forbid. Which means no we can not because there are consequences for that in which he gives later on where he says like in Romans 6:16 if you continue to serve sin that will lead to eternal death, but if you serve righteousness it will lead to life.

A struggling Christian will still have eternal life coming to them, because struggling means they are still trying to turn away from those sinful ways. They just need more help and love along the way to lead them to that victory !!!

I never said a person can be saved when they don't want to turn from sin, that was your quote that I highlighted....

 

[KennethC]

Posted by Kenneth c
That is why you ask them if they want to stop doing what they are doing, and also show them in God's word and by love how they are walking is improper. Then we are to try and exhort them as in help them along in turning from those ways.

If they refuse to listen and refuse the help because they do not want to give up those ways then we know it is willful/deliberate sin they are engaged in and would rather continue to do it then serve the Lord.

Nobody at least not me is saying a person is to be cast away immediately if we see them walking improperly in a sinful way,
You are the one saying by your definition of willful sin that a saved person can commit willful sin and be cast out of salvation.


Your whole argument on the willful sin issue is that a person can be saved but if they engage in willful sin they are then cast out. You say in the above that willful sin is when a person does not wish to turn from their sins.

I told you that it is impossible for a person to be saved and not want to turn from their sins. Then you accuse me of saying people can be saved and still want to sin, which is the very thing you are saying with your willful sin doctrine.

I did not accuse you of nothing as I highlighted, bold, and underlined a quote you made in post #683 where you said exactly that. "That a person can be saved and have no wish to be free from sin," <----Those are your words not mine.

This again is not what I say but what the word of God says, as James 5:19-20 says the same thing again that if a person departs from the Truth their soul will not be saved unless they return to the Lord.

 

[shotgunner]

I did not accuse you of nothing as I highlighted, bold, and underlined a quote you made in post #683 where you said exactly that. "That a person can be saved and have no wish to be free from sin," <----Those are your words not mine.

This again is not what I say but what the word of God says, as James 5:19-20 says the same thing again that if a person departs from the Truth their soul will not be saved unless they return to the Lord.

No Kenneth! What I said is the thing we disagree on is that a person can be saved and still desire to continue in sin. You left out "the thing we disagree on" part. Your willful sin doctrine is the thing that says a person can be saved and still want to continue in sin.

Let's start again and hopefully you will see!
Define willful sin for a saved person.

 

[KennethC]

No Kenneth! What I said is the thing we disagree on is that a person can be saved and still desire to continue in sin. You left out "the thing we disagree on" part. Your willful sin doctrine is the thing that says a person can be saved and still want to continue in sin.

Let's start again and hopefully you will see!
Define willful sin for a saved person.

I have never said that !!!

You misread something somewhere if that is what you read, or are speaking on what somebody else said because I never said a person can be saved and continue in willful sin both.

We do not need to start again because what I said previously said nothing of the sort.

Willful sin is defined in the bible as one who deliberately continues to sin without wanting to give it up, and a person who continues to walk that way will not get eternal life. They have to repent of those ways and walk by the Spirit that will help them abstain from sins.

 

[shotgunner]

I have never said that !!!

You misread something somewhere if that is what you read, or are speaking on what somebody else said because I never said a person can be saved and continue in willful sin both.

We do not need to start again because what I said previously said nothing of the sort.

Willful sin is defined in the bible as one who deliberately continues to sin without wanting to give it up, and a person who continues to walk that way will not get eternal life. They have to repent of those ways and walk by the Spirit that will help them abstain from sins.

Kenneth, it's the "want to" part that has you confused.

Now another question. If you will just answer simply and with as few words as possible we can get to the heart of the matter.
What if a person is saved and really wants to be free from sin yet they are still sinning. Does that count as willful sin? Let's say they are a drunkard. They give it up upon salvation but after a time they fall and get drunk again. They hate that they failed, and repent. They are good for a while again but eventually give in and drink yet again. Each time they are truly sorry and really do mean to never drink again. Is this willful sin? Is this person still saved or not?

 

[KennethC]

Kenneth, it's the "want to" part that has you confused.

Now another question. If you will just answer simply and with as few words as possible we can get to the heart of the matter.
What if a person is saved and really wants to be free from sin yet they are still sinning. Does that count as willful sin? Let's say they are a drunkard. They give it up upon salvation but after a time they fall and get drunk again. They hate that they failed, and repent. They are good for a while again but eventually give in and drink yet again. Each time they are truly sorry and really do mean to never drink again. Is this willful sin? Is this person still saved or not?

No I am not confused at all as I by the Holy Spirit know exactly where I stand.

As for your question you are describing a believer who is struggling with a sin, and no they are not a willful sinner as the bible describes therefore their salvation is not at risk.

 

[shotgunner]

No I am not confused at all as I by the Holy Spirit know exactly where I stand.

As for your question you are describing a believer who is struggling with a sin, and no they are not a willful sinner as the bible describes therefore their salvation is not at risk.

I'm glad to hear you say that then Kenneth. By that standard then, I agree with you. I say it is impossible to be saved and want to continue in sin. The "want to" part is what is critical, not the sin itself.

I say that all saved people have that "want to" to be free from sin. If they don't have that, then no salvation has taken place. So then by both our definitions it is impossible for a saved person to willfully sin.

You said yourself that all saved people have that "want to" to be free from sin. These are your words.
"Where do you get that understanding that I enlarged and underlined, it is nowhere mentioned in the bible that a person can be saved and have no intention of turning from sin."

That is exactly what you said that saved people "want to" turn from sin, they have that "want to", so by your own words a saved person cannot commit willful sin.

 

[AceMichaels]

I'm glad to hear you say that then Kenneth. By that standard then, I agree with you. I say it is impossible to be saved and want to continue in sin. The "want to" part is what is critical, not the sin itself.

I say that all saved people have that "want to" to be free from sin. If they don't have that, then no salvation has taken place. So then by both our definitions it is impossible for a saved person to willfully sin.

You said yourself that all saved people have that "want to" to be free from sin. These are your words.
"Where do you get that understanding that I enlarged and underlined, it is nowhere mentioned in the bible that a person can be saved and have no intention of turning from sin."

That is exactly what you said that saved people "want to" turn from sin, they have that "want to", so by your own words a saved person cannot commit willful sin.

I can understand this and feel the same. Its the "want to". Now this in no way gives us a license to sin. I feel acknowledging sin in our lives and getting rid of it is part of our Christian walk. No one is going to be perfect at this! We all struggle at times.

 

[KennethC]

I'm glad to hear you say that then Kenneth. By that standard then, I agree with you. I say it is impossible to be saved and want to continue in sin. The "want to" part is what is critical, not the sin itself.

I say that all saved people have that "want to" to be free from sin. If they don't have that, then no salvation has taken place. So then by both our definitions it is impossible for a saved person to willfully sin.

You said yourself that all saved people have that "want to" to be free from sin. These are your words.
"Where do you get that understanding that I enlarged and underlined, it is nowhere mentioned in the bible that a person can be saved and have no intention of turning from sin."

That is exactly what you said that saved people "want to" turn from sin, they have that "want to", so by your own words a saved person cannot commit willful sin.

What I said is that person who has eternal life abiding in them do not want to continue in willful sin, for the Holy Spirit will lead them and guide them by His fruits to abstain from sin.

However the bible does speak of some that will walk this way in the Spirit for a time, but then for one reason or another such as false teaching or own lusts as two examples will fall back into a sinful lifestyle. And the word of God says that only if they return to the Lord will their soul be saved.

We can not instruct on just those that belong in the first paragraph, but we must also instruct and warn those that can and will fall into the second paragraph. Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 4:6 says that if you instruct others on these warnings of falling to false teaching to others you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ.

 

[KennethC]

I can understand this and feel the same. Its the "want to". Now this in no way gives us a license to sin. I feel acknowledging sin in our lives and getting rid of it is part of our Christian walk. No one is going to be perfect at this! We all struggle at times.

Yes we do struggle at times which is why I also do not agree with sinless perfection doctrine that says only when a person reaches the point where they absolutely never sin again, only then are they saved.

I asked one guy the other day if he was to sin today and repent of it and then die later that night would he go to heaven.
He told me no he wouldn't, and I told him he is way off the beaten path as that doctrine takes mercy out of the equation.

Maybe the way I word things gets the wrong understanding by some, but I am in good company because even Apostle Peter pointed out that Apostle Paul's writings were hard to understand to unless a person is well studied into what he was saying.

For Apostle Paul when speaking on eternal life used earthly things to make it easier to understand for some, as for instance when talking to the Corinthians he used the race that is held in Corinth to speak to them to understand. He said only those who run the race receive the prize, and some have taken this to think he was speaking on rewards but in truth he wasn't.

 

[BenFTW]

Kenneth, all your posts point to a self-righteous gospel. Its a works based gospel. Every single post. It is subtle, but its there. Just before you stated "the righteousness we walk by being from the Holy Spirit will lead to eternal life." The gospel you present couldn't have been stated any clearer. What leads to eternal life, and not only leads to but grants, is Jesus Christ. Not this idea of daily righteous living by the power of the Holy Spirit. That is sanctification. You're confusing sanctification and justification.

It is so self centered, its all about you finishing the race. There is a verse that says we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. People take that to mean that we are to strive. That isn't what is being said. The use of "fear and trembling" is used in other passages that denote a meaning of a "distrust in one's own abilities." For example, when Paul preached, he did it with fear and trembling. He did it with a distrust in his own abilities in preaching and wisdom and relied upon the Holy Spirit and power. The way people interpret the race for rewards is actually true, it isn't in reference to eternal life.

If it was... running towards eternity would look like this.



Its actually laughable to think this image accurately describes some people's belief of the Gospel. I see Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith and therefore, Jesus would pick that person up and carry them to the finish line. However, even that denotes a sense of striving and struggle, yet what Jesus offers is rest. There is nothing to boast in but Him.

 

[gb9]

Kenneth, all your posts point to a self-righteous gospel. Its a works based gospel. Every single post. It is subtle, but its there. Just before you stated "the righteousness we walk by being from the Holy Spirit will lead to eternal life." The gospel you present couldn't have been stated any clearer. What leads to eternal life, and not only leads to but grants, is Jesus Christ. Not this idea of daily righteous living by the power of the Holy Spirit. That is sanctification. You're confusing sanctification and justification.

It is so self centered, its all about you finishing the race. There is a verse that says we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. People take that to mean that we are to strive. That isn't what is being said. The use of "fear and trembling" is used in other passages that denote a meaning of a "distrust in one's own abilities." For example, when Paul preached, he did it with fear and trembling. He did it with a distrust in his own abilities in preaching and wisdom and relied upon the Holy Spirit and power. The way people interpret the race for rewards is actually true, it isn't in reference to eternal life.

If it was... running towards eternity would look like this.

View attachment 134023

Its actually laughable to think this image accurately describes some people's belief of the Gospel. I see Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith and therefore, Jesus would pick that person up and carry them to the finish line. However, even that denotes a sense of striving and struggle, yet what Jesus offers is rest. There is nothing to boast in but Him.

right you are ben. it's all the same, saved by grace, but then telling what you must do. subtle but there. good call.

 

[shotgunner]

It's not and cannot be a must do, if salvation is by grace through faith. At the same time it will be a want to do, and will do. The degree of that will depend on how much the believer submits and renews their minds.

 

[AceMichaels]

Kenneth, all your posts point to a self-righteous gospel. Its a works based gospel. Every single post. It is subtle, but its there. Just before you stated "the righteousness we walk by being from the Holy Spirit will lead to eternal life." The gospel you present couldn't have been stated any clearer. What leads to eternal life, and not only leads to but grants, is Jesus Christ. Not this idea of daily righteous living by the power of the Holy Spirit. That is sanctification. You're confusing sanctification and justification.

It is so self centered, its all about you finishing the race. There is a verse that says we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. People take that to mean that we are to strive. That isn't what is being said. The use of "fear and trembling" is used in other passages that denote a meaning of a "distrust in one's own abilities." For example, when Paul preached, he did it with fear and trembling. He did it with a distrust in his own abilities in preaching and wisdom and relied upon the Holy Spirit and power. The way people interpret the race for rewards is actually true, it isn't in reference to eternal life.

If it was... running towards eternity would look like this.

View attachment 134023

Its actually laughable to think this image accurately describes some people's belief of the Gospel. I see Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith and therefore, Jesus would pick that person up and carry them to the finish line. However, even that denotes a sense of striving and struggle, yet what Jesus offers is rest. There is nothing to boast in but Him.

I think " run the race" is an analogy of striving. You know don't give up. It seems to me you aren't running the race, you just decided to stop