I believe that one lives above sin by yielding to the empowerment of the Holy Ghost. When one does this several things will be evident…
- They will worship God above anything else and put Him first in all things.
- They trust the Lord alone and are not fooled into idolatry or trusting icons, talismans, charms, false religion, etc.
- They will reverence the Lord’s name and not speak profanely about the Holy.
- They will always set aside time for worship and fellowship with God.
- They honor their father and their mother, valuing family above all other earthly relationships.
- They do not murder in thought (hatred) or deed.
- They do not commit adultery in thought or deed.
- They do not steal.
- They are often honest to a fault.
- They are thankful for what they have and do not live a materialistic life seeking to have what others might have.
While the empowerment of the Holy Ghost enables us to live a life such as that listed above, the heart’s motivations are:
- Their loving God with all their being.
- Their loving their neighbor as themselves.
In my opinion this is the essence of “holiness” and living above sin.
The poll is for an entire life of sinlessness, from birth on, including the time before getting saved (if that even means anything, if there was never any sin before that!).
BTW, let's define sin as anything that God would have to punish you for.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
The poll is for an entire life of sinlessness, from birth on, including the time before getting saved (if that even means anything, if there was never any sin before that!).
BTW, let's define sin as anything that God would have to punish you for.
What will God punish a person for? Makeup? Wedding bands? Watching television? A woman wearing pants? Eating pork? Having a cigar when your son's born? Margarita or glass of wine with the Mrs. after the kids are in bed? You young man having a fantasy about a lady he fancies? What will God punish a person for?
I know what you're saying. But I think we leave the definition of sin wide open for personal interpretation. We need to define "sin".
Some might say sin is a "nature" or "principle" or "force" we overcome. And that's true in my opinion. But what actions are "sinful" in that they are indicators that sin is still in control?
A prof at Bible college once siad there are 71 clearly defined things we are told not to do or be a part of in the NT. IMO those would be sins. If we are clearly told not to do something by the word, but do it anyways...we are sinning IMO.
I'm willing to wager that those who say we cannot live above sin define sin so broadly that the mere thought of some things or normal human feelings are considered "sinful", therefore they walk away feeling man can't live above sin.
Those who say we can live above sin have to in some measure defined sin in a way so as to determine that sinful acts aren't being committed.
So to honestly answer your question, I believe we would have to define sin in regards to what sinful actions indicate that the principle, nature, or force of sin is still holding dominion over a person.
If Sin is defined by not loving God or my neighbor, I'm sinless. If it's measured by God's moral law (the Ten Commandments) I have areas where I struggle but I can live a day or more without sinning. But if we define sin so broadly to include television, sports, internet, normal human thoughts and emotions... well... I don't stand a snow ball's chance. lol
A prof at Bible college once siad there are 71 clearly defined things we are told not to do or be a part of in the NT. IMO those would be sins. If we are clearly told not to do something by the word, but do it anyways...we are sinning IMO.
That's very interesting. I'd love to see that list. So as to not put something like that up to scrutiny please don't post it here. Would you send it private message?
Of course, you could include it for discussion but that's up to you bro. I just don't want to see people dissin' your take on it, if you hold that interpretation dear.
That's very interesting. I'd love to see that list. So as to not put something like that up to scrutiny please don't post it here. Would you send it private message?
Of course, you could include it for discussion but that's up to you bro. I just don't want to see people dissin' your take on it, if you hold that interpretation dear.
God bless.
WHAT?! You'd keep us all in the dark? We want to know what makes God mad at us!
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
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