Doesn't matter how you keep the commandments. GOD said do this and don't do that. If out of an act of your own will you refrain from stealing something you desire, because you know his book says to not do that, then you have done GOD's will.
We of our will can't clean up the problem in our heart that caused the desire to steal, but by not outwardly committing a sinful act we keep from defiling ourselves in a worse way.
We of our will can't clean up the problem in our heart that caused the desire to steal, but by not outwardly committing a sinful act we keep from defiling ourselves in a worse way.
While I agree that abstaining from the act of sinning reduces harm done to others, refraining from sinning while the mind and heart are hating/lusting/coveting, etc. defiles one's self just as much as if the sin were walked out in the flesh, according to Jesus.
Self-control is a fruit of the spirit, and and is entirely an act of the will.
If self-control is entirely and act of the will, how can it be a fruit of the Spirit? How many pieces of fruit will themselves into existence?
The mechanics you lay out disqualify any other thing at work BUT the will (self-righteous behavior), and negate the need for Christ at all!
You also have stated elsewhere that the believer lives by faith, yet you have reduced life entirely down to your willpower.
The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” (from Gal. 2)
So it is good and godly to use our will to serve GOD and do his will.
-JGIG
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