Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoovie
Most assuredly, If someone truly repents they are responding to the message of Christ. Repentance comes because the message was heard, received and believed.
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.
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.
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That's a HUGE benefit of the doubt.
You are either the...
1) eternal optimist
2) one who likes to play for what you see as an underdog
3) defender of all op's
You've rationalized every position of his with "benefit of the doubt" speculation when he's said otherwise so plainly.
If not doing sins doesn't make us righteous, why would the preacher of the Gospel waste his time talking about sin-avoiding apart from the Gospel?
I'm definitely plagued, as a son of Adam, on the whole "leaning on my own efforts." We just don't recognize it because it has different looks.
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