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Originally Posted by Socialite
Well.... I guess we will talk about....
1. The first thing is that Jesus is calling us to Himself. First thing to do is to hear the Message, the Story, know that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We can't get ourselves perfect. We can't say "I'm sorry" enough, make enough resolutions, we are completely dependent on the justice of God evidenced in the suffering on the cross.
Repentance is turning to God. And He didn't come to make us good people, he came to make us who were dead... live!
His entire emphasis of the blog is on the person to "just quit" - sort of reminiscent of this old SNL video: [url]
If he calls this trying to quit on your own (because it's just a "choice"!!!!) repentance, then he's not accurately presenting what repentance is all about.
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Most assuredly, If someone truly repents they are responding to the message of Christ. Repentance comes because the message was heard, received and believed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Socialite
2. He actually explicitly said in pretty clear terms that since it's a choice, you can just quit. "Do I need the Holy Ghost? NO!" Familiar with his theology, I'm not sure there is any other way to have the Spirit working in and through you.
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Sure you can choose not to do sins xyz... I am not so sure he is saying that makes one righteous though. FWIW, I think it's honorable for humans to stop lying, murdering, and fornicating, whether Christian or not.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Socialite
3. No one never said he says we will NEVER sin. He simply articulates sin in a way that it's a condition we can simply overcome by "not doing it." It ignores the entire reason for the Gospel (not just a step called "repentance" that we believe is where we pledge to be good little boys all the days of our life).
I've tried this cycle of saying "I'm sorry" and leaning on my own efforts for years. I'll just ask you... "How's that working out for you?"
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Even, after being Born Again some do need to hear they have been empowered to stop sinful lifestyle and habits. If conversion doesn't take away all desire to indulge in sin it's important to know the Christian can simply say no! Sometimes we need to be reminded who we are in Christ.
About "leaning on my own efforts" I don't know that I am plagued by that, though I have my share of faults. I rest and trust wholly in Jesus Name.
I don't know Martyn Ballestero (is he ex UPC?) but I would like to give him the benefit of doubt.
If in fact, he is saying we can become righteous and be our own Saviour it's utter nonsense.
For me the most questionable part of the blog would be saying one can "stop" sinning without the Holy Spirit... Certainly the sin problem cannot be so delt with. Yet, if someone wants to set aside a specific sin I think they may stop lying or killing... it won't, of course, make them righteous in God's eyes. I think he simply meant one does not need Holy Spirit baptism to resist sinful lifestyles.