I am completely aware what sin is, thanks Haz. I realize that Christ's blood is sufficient to cover my sin in my short comings. Also the fact that I'm concern about the war in my flesh and desire to walk in the pattern of my Lord is the indication in my spirit that I am saved. Unfortunately that are some Holiness perfect law keepers on this site who claim we have to live a sinless life to be saved.
Hi Bookends and wwjd_kilden ,
I too have come across some who preach works of perfect behavior as proof of salvation, whether it be of the law or some alleged higher ambiguous righteousness. I can understand your concern as their gospel is self-righteous works re-badged as grace that allegedly enables one to live perfectly, thus proving salvation.
I hope you can see why scripture says we have
'ceased from sin' (1Pet 4:1),
'cannot sin' (1John 3:9),
'freed from sin' (Rom 6:7, John 8:36) and are righteous and
not sinners (1Pet 4:18). Remember it was
only past sin that was forgiven (Rom 3:25). That means there is no more 'sin' (as defined in scripture) as it was dealt with on the cross for those who believe on Jesus.
Regarding the reference by wwjd_kilden to Rom 7, I'll offer my understanding of it for your consideration.
His reference to Rom 7 is not speaking of present tense, being a Christian. Yes, mankind has a battle going on within (Rom 7:23) and only one can rule. Either the Flesh rules
or the Spirit.
As for Christians however, it's the Spirit that rules if we endure to the end, believing Gods promise of salvation in Christ Jesus.
Note Rom 7:5
'When we were in the flesh...'
Also note Rom 8:9
'But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit...'
How did this come about?
Rom 7:24,25
'O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!So then, with the mind (ruled by the Spirit)
I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh (ruled by the flesh/carnally minded)
the law of sin (self-righteousness)
.
Either we are obedient unto righteous by faith (Rom 4:5), which is being in the Spirit,
or we are in rebellion, being in the flesh trying to establish our own righteousness (sin) and thereby not submitting to the righteousness of God (Rom 10:3).
blessings