Hate Of Reformed Theology

[Socialite]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Socialite View Post
You've never met one then.

That's probably John Piper verbatim.

One thing I've noticed on this post so far, is the attitude that sin is only sin until it's become an action. That's not the standard Jesus drew up.

BLUME:
On the contrary, I already implied that sin is a moral force whether we act upon it or not.

Is it a moral force (external) or a moral force (internal) or both? Are we still in a "body of death" while at the same time a "new creation?"

I know LUKE2424 (I think that's his handle) suggested he had thought of sin, but had not acted on it, so he was okay. This is why I made the observation. Our hearts are where we sin the most. And God looks on the heart!

Quote:
For example, he told the man who never cheated on his wife he was still an adulterer by looking on another woman. At the playing field of action, many of us are still guilty, but the Pharisees thought they had that one down. However, Jesus informed them that it was their heart that was full of sin. They had the moral laws down, but their hearts were distant from God and filled with pride.
BLUME:
Amen.

And I see that as an indictment on us all. Another reason we all need the Cross.

Quote:
At the heart level, I realize I'm still a sinner --- a sinner, overcoming by the Spirit, learning how to walk in God's grace and not my own record, and one growing until the day we are glorified.

BLUME:
This is the sort of thing I have problems with. The word never describes as us sinners in the present sense. We are sanctified ones. Saints.

Sanctified, is our process of being redeemed, made holy, etc.. Justified is our positional difference before God. Positionally I am righteous. At a heart-level, I am re-born as a son of God. But we are not delivered from this body of sin yet. We still are inclined to sin, doubt, suffer, become afraid, die, etc.

I think when most are describing Christians as "sinners saved by Grace" it's the truth. Without the Grace of God, that's exactly how he sees us. We are no more perfect.

Quote:
But perfect we are far from. It seems Pennies don't feel that way (in my experience). If they do admit we are sinners, it's viewed in terms of moralism, and not what sin is really about.

How many times a day to I fail to trust God? Get anxious not believing He is in control? Become worried about other's opinion not believing He is most glorious? A hateful thought about the annoying person next to me (not showing love -- one of his greatest commandments). Lustful thoughts and looks? Selfishness? Yeah... knowing my heart, this is WHY I strive to live a life 'in the Spirit,' in response to Grace, etc...

BLUME:
I think these are issues that reveal immaturity in the Spirit rather than evidence we are still sinners.

This immaturity is still sin. Failing to trust God was the most fundamental of sins, and was the sin behind Eve's disobedience. It's where it all began. The more mature we become, the deeper that trust becomes. But it's not perfected yet.