Would Jesus And The Apostles Recognize The Church

[GrowingPains]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

The Commentary like most Christian literature does not know the truth of Biblical perfection.

Apostolic Friends,

A closer look will be helpful.

If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

Standing alone this would seem to say sin can't be overcome.
But it isnt standing alone!

Check out THE CONTEXT.

If WE SAY we have fellowship with him AND WALK IN DARKNESS we lie and do not the truth.
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.
If we say that 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 our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:6-9

Who is John speaking to in verse 8?
He addresses THOSE IN VERSE 6 WHO ALTHOUGH THEY WERE WALKING IN SIN THEY WERE CLAIMING A RIGHT STANDING-FELLOWSHIP WITH YESHUA!

THEY WERE DECEIVING THEMSELVES.
John was trying to open the eyes of those who denied their sins instead of REPENTING of them.

He by no means was implying to the body at large that they couldnt stop sinning.
He makes Gods expectation clear here:

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. 2 John 1

So to the HOLY SPIRIT to not sin is THE RULE. But IF any one would sin they can confess and ask for mercy.
So 1 John 1:8 cannot be used as support against BIBLICAL PERFECTION.

John was not telling the same people not to sin then turning and saying if they said they were not sinning they were liars.

Yes, context is important and well-done in shedding full light on this particular passage in light. You're doctrine of perfection is quite flawed, however. Perfect people still sin. Perfect people still have disease and sickness. We struggle daily with sin, and if you tell me you have no sin, and for you, this is rare, I see you just as those in 1 John that are the true ones that "walk in darkness" and deceive yourself.

Yes, any who advocates and promotes sinful behavior as an acceptable norm is a heretic, but likewise any who damns people into self-abuse because they think there are perfect people out there is worse than an infidel in my book.