About sin, the commandments and humility before God

[dev553344]

I've seen a lot of posts recently about OSAS and the other side of obeying the commandments. And I just feel that people are not being taught the scriptures correctly. I have been studying the scriptures for some time now and have developed my own views about sin and what it is. Lets take a look at that.

1 John 5:17
17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.

But what is sin that leads to death? Well we know of the 10 commandments and such that lead to death as spelled out in the old testament.

I came across the sheep and goats and saw that Jesus said those that don't adhere to those directives will be cast into hell. Matthew 25:31-46. So it would appear that these "sheep and goats" sins are death.

The book of revelation also spells out sins which lead to the lake of fire and death. Revelation 21:8.

Because of these scriptures I have come to the conclusion that I am not perfect and in need of repentance daily. And I noticed that the Catholics promote this type of repentance. But what other churches do?

And I see that some churches teach that if you obey the commandments (10 of them or so) you will go to heaven. And they leave out all of the commandments of Jesus, like the sheep and goats.

So what I learned from this is that we truly are at the mercy of the Almighty Righteous God's judgment. And I think I need to reflect that in my prayers to God. That I am a sinner and desire mercy.

So I think we should be teaching a merciful and loving God. And we should be encouraging people towards "all" of these teachings of Jesus, not just some of them.

 

[Wynona]

I've seen a lot of posts recently about OSAS and the other side of obeying the commandments. And I just feel that people are not being taught the scriptures correctly. I have been studying the scriptures for some time now and have developed my own views about sin and what it is. Lets take a look at that.

1 John 5:17
17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.

But what is sin that leads to death? Well we know of the 10 commandments and such that lead to death as spelled out in the old testament.

I came across the sheep and goats and saw that Jesus said those that don't adhere to those directives will be cast into hell. Matthew 25:31-46. So it would appear that these "sheep and goats" sins are death.

The book of revelation also spells out sins which lead to the lake of fire and death. Revelation 21:8.

Because of these scriptures I have come to the conclusion that I am not perfect and in need of repentance daily. And I noticed that the Catholics promote this type of repentance. But what other churches do?

And I see that some churches teach that if you obey the commandments (10 of them or so) you will go to heaven. And they leave out all of the commandments of Jesus, like the sheep and goats.

So what I learned from this is that we truly are at the mercy of the Almighty Righteous God's judgment. And I think I need to reflect that in my prayers to God. That I am a sinner and desire mercy.

So I think we should be teaching a merciful and loving God. And we should be encouraging people towards "all" of these teachings of Jesus, not just some of them.

I don't think we should be mainly following the ten commandments but we should be following what Jesus commanded:

Love one another
Give to the least of these
Witness and make disciples

I agree that not enough churches teach the importance of giving to the poor. If we don't, we'll be like the goats that get weeded out of the Kingdom.

 

[dev553344]

I don't think we should be mainly following the ten commandments but we should be following what Jesus commanded:

Love one another
Give to the least of these
Witness and make disciples

I agree that not enough churches teach the importance of giving to the poor. If we don't, we'll be like the goats that get weeded out of the Kingdom.

I agree. And thanks for taking a look at this thread. Is there anything else you would add to the OP that I didn't cover? I ask because I often fail to cover all the important things on a subject. It's a defect in character that I have

 

[Wynona]

I agree. And thanks for taking a look at this thread. Is there anything else you would add to the OP that I didn't cover? I ask because I often fail to cover all the important things on a subject. It's a defect in character that I have

Maybe the definition of what sin is. Sin is lawlessness. It is to miss the mark.

I also thought you'd explain what you meant by "sins of ommission" in the other thread. I know Im of the believe that you can eventually stop sinning. But I still want to hear your thoughts on the whole sins of omission thing.

 

[Lambano]

I also thought you'd explain what you meant by "sins of ommission" in the other thread. I know Im of the believe that you can eventually stop sinning. But I still want to hear your thoughts on the whole sins of omission thing.

I'll poke my nose in here where it doesn't belong (but I do it anyway). You've rightly mentioned the proactive commandments: Love your neighbor as yourself (and likewise love God with all your heart, mind, and soul); give to the poor; be Christ's witnesses throughout all the Earth. These are far broader and more open-ended than the prohibitive commandments: Don't make idols, don't use The Name in vain, don't murder, don't steal, don't commit adultery. For that reason, I think the proactive commandments are far harder than the prohibitive ones, making sins of omission far more common than sins of commission. And taking into account sins of thought, word, and deed, the prohibitive commandments are hard enough as it is.

 

[dev553344]

Maybe the definition of what sin is. Sin is lawlessness. It is to miss the mark.

I also thought you'd explain what you meant by "sins of ommission" in the other thread. I know Im of the believe that you can eventually stop sinning. But I still want to hear your thoughts on the whole sins of omission thing.

OK, I think I know what you're asking. If I understand then sins of ommission are not following the two greatest commandments: To love God and your neighbor. (Matthew 22:36-40). And I think those laws are the basis for the sheep and goats of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46.

I think of God and wonder how he sees it? So the way I look at it is a loving father looking on his children. Are the children loving and helping each other or hurting and denying each others help. What does the Father see the children doing and behaving towards each other. God is love (1 John 4:8). And perhaps God desires love for his kingdom. And that would include people that show love to God and their neighbor. Perhaps he wants to create a loving Kingdom in heaven?

What do you think?

 

[dev553344]

I'll poke my nose in here where it doesn't belong (but I do it anyway). You've rightly mentioned the proactive commandments: Love your neighbor as yourself (and likewise love God with all your heart, mind, and soul); give to the poor; be Christ's witnesses throughout all the Earth. These are far broader and more open-ended than the prohibitive commandments: Don't make idols, don't use The Name in vain, don't murder, don't steal, don't commit adultery. For that reason, I think the proactive commandments are far harder than the prohibitive ones, making sins of omission far more common than sins of commission. And taking into account sins of thought, word, and deed, the prohibitive commandments are hard enough as it is.

Thanks @Lambano. I agree it is probably far more common that these sins of omission are committed. For instance, I don't always help the needy because sometimes the needy people can become defensive and even violent when approached. But sometimes I do and feel impressed to help them. So I often wonder how I will be judged out of my fear of helping and failure to render aid at times. But I guess that's my story.

 

[dev553344]

This reminds me of the good Samaritan parable spoken by Jesus. Where Jesus spells out how to inherit eternal life.

Luke 10:25-28

The Parable of the Good Samaritan
25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?”

27 So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

28 And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”

And it goes on with the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke 10:29-37.

 

[Wynona]

I'll poke my nose in here where it doesn't belong (but I do it anyway). You've rightly mentioned the proactive commandments: Love your neighbor as yourself (and likewise love God with all your heart, mind, and soul); give to the poor; be Christ's witnesses throughout all the Earth. These are far broader and more open-ended than the prohibitive commandments: Don't make idols, don't use The Name in vain, don't murder, don't steal, don't commit adultery. For that reason, I think the proactive commandments are far harder than the prohibitive ones, making sins of omission far more common than sins of commission. And taking into account sins of thought, word, and deed, the prohibitive commandments are hard enough as it is.

The only thing that comes to mind when I think of sins of omission is this verse right here: James 4:17

17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.


I agree that this is hard. But it's not impossible. I don't think the Bible speaks to us in terms of " you must not sin for the rest of your life." I think it speaks in terms of right now. Right now, as each moment passes, we focus on doing what the Holy Spirit is leading us to do. And if we walk by the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. I don't think giving up on being able to overcome sin is the answer. I think the answer is, " What is the next right thing?" and then go do it.

Sin feels really good and its hard to stop once you've started. But with God all things are possible. When I stopped believing that sin was inevitable and started believing God, that's when I was able to give up pornography and lusting for men outside of my marriage. It's just like Peter when Jesus called him out on the water. For a few moments, Peter forgot all the traditional laws of physics and the rules that said he would fall in. He was focused on Jesus and he walked on the water like Jesus did.

Just like when I stopped listening to men and started reading God's Word, I was able to take the lustful desires captive. I stopped listening to men telling me " oh its impossible, you can't do that" and I just did it.

If we look at all of man's traditions and ways of thinking, of course it's impossible not to sin. But we can stop looking at that and look at Jesus and we can be like He is.

 

[dev553344]

The only thing that comes to mind when I think of sins of omission is this verse right here: James 4:17

17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.


I agree that this is hard. But it's not impossible. I don't think the Bible speaks to us in terms of " you must not sin for the rest of your life." I think it speaks in terms of right now. Right now, as each moment passes, we focus on doing what the Holy Spirit is leading us to do. And if we walk by the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. I don't think giving up on being able to overcome sin is the answer. I think the answer is, " What is the next right thing?" and then go do it.

Sin feels really good and its hard to stop once you've started. But with God all things are possible. When I stopped believing that sin was inevitable and started believing God, that's when I was able to give up pornography and lusting for men outside of my marriage. It's just like Peter when Jesus called him out on the water. For a few moments, Peter forgot all the traditional laws of physics and the rules that said he would fall in. He was focused on Jesus and he walked on the water like Jesus did.

Just like when I stopped listening to men and started reading God's Word, I was able to take the lustful desires captive. I stopped listening to men telling me " oh its impossible, you can't do that" and I just did it.

If we look at all of man's traditions and ways of thinking, of course it's impossible not to sin. But we can stop looking at that and look at Jesus and we can be like He is.

Great scripture there. It really is something that I left out of the OP and should have included it.

And I like that you have provided your ideas on how to overcome sin. Perhaps I should have included that in the OP. It's nice to discuss a problem, but to include the solution with that is just as important.

 

[Charlie24]

I've seen a lot of posts recently about OSAS and the other side of obeying the commandments. And I just feel that people are not being taught the scriptures correctly. I have been studying the scriptures for some time now and have developed my own views about sin and what it is. Lets take a look at that.

1 John 5:17
17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.

But what is sin that leads to death? Well we know of the 10 commandments and such that lead to death as spelled out in the old testament.

I came across the sheep and goats and saw that Jesus said those that don't adhere to those directives will be cast into hell. Matthew 25:31-46. So it would appear that these "sheep and goats" sins are death.

The book of revelation also spells out sins which lead to the lake of fire and death. Revelation 21:8.

Because of these scriptures I have come to the conclusion that I am not perfect and in need of repentance daily. And I noticed that the Catholics promote this type of repentance. But what other churches do?

And I see that some churches teach that if you obey the commandments (10 of them or so) you will go to heaven. And they leave out all of the commandments of Jesus, like the sheep and goats.

So what I learned from this is that we truly are at the mercy of the Almighty Righteous God's judgment. And I think I need to reflect that in my prayers to God. That I am a sinner and desire mercy.

So I think we should be teaching a merciful and loving God. And we should be encouraging people towards "all" of these teachings of Jesus, not just some of them.

We truly are at the mercy of the Almighty God! The way I see it, I'm not concerned with the sin of others, it was MY sin that nailed Christ to that Cross. I take it personally, and I see myself guilty before God and deserving of everlasting separation from Him.

Only by the Grace and Mercy of God will I escape that separation from Him. It's all His Grace and Mercy through faith in what Christ has done for me. Christ has made it possible for me to be joined with the Father in the fellowship He created man to have with Hm from the very beginning.

My goal is to rid myself of that sin in my life, the practicing of sin, sin that I know is in my life. John, in his 1st epistle is not teaching sinless perfection, he is teaching to rid oneself of the practicing sin in our lives.

Here again we find ourselves at the Mercy of God! We cannot rid ourselves of that sin. It is His Grace and Mercy toward us through faith that will take that sin away if we cooperate with Him. That is where God wants us, without known sin in our lives.

That is where He can bless us and use us for His purpose.

 

[Lambano]

Thanks @Lambano. I agree it is probably far more common that these sins of omission are committed. For instance, I don't always help the needy because sometimes the needy people can become defensive and even violent when approached. But sometimes I do and feel impressed to help them. So I often wonder how I will be judged out of my fear of helping and failure to render aid at times. But I guess that's my story.

You're not alone brother. This scenario has played out in my life many times too.

 

[dev553344]

We truly are at the mercy of the Almighty God! The way I see it, I'm not concerned with the sin of others, it was MY sin that nailed Christ to that Cross. I take it personally, and I see myself guilty before God and deserving of everlasting separation from Him.

Only by the Grace and Mercy of God will I escape that separation from Him. It's all His Grace and Mercy through faith in what Christ has done for me. Christ has made it possible for me to be joined with the Father in the fellowship He created man to have with Hm from the very beginning.

My goal is to rid myself of that sin in my life, the practicing of sin, sin that I know is in my life. John, in his 1st epistle is not teaching sinless perfection, he is teaching to rid oneself of the practicing sin in our lives.

Here again we find ourselves at the Mercy of God! We cannot rid ourselves of that sin. It is His Grace and Mercy toward us through faith that will take that sin away if we cooperate with Him. That is where God wants us, without known sin in our lives.

That is where He can bless us and use us for His purpose.

Same here! Great post.

 

[Lambano]

Sin feels really good and its hard to stop once you've started. But with God all things are possible. When I stopped believing that sin was inevitable and started believing God, that's when I was able to give up pornography and lusting for men outside of my marriage. It's just like Peter when Jesus called him out on the water. For a few moments, Peter forgot all the traditional laws of physics and the rules that said he would fall in. He was focused on Jesus and he walked on the water like Jesus did.

Of course, one momentary lapse and Peter started sinking. Life is like that.

I greatly respect your honesty and transparency. Not only about this, but some of the other things you've shared about yourself. Thank you, sister.

 

[Lambano]

The only thing that comes to mind when I think of sins of omission is this verse right here: James 4:17

17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Yeah. Maybe it's because I'm twice your age and can see more times where the Good I could've done but didn't, the times I was less than loving, the relationships I've burned because I was focused on myself and not the other person...

 

[Wynona]

Of course, one momentary lapse and Peter started sinking. Life is like that.

I greatly respect your honesty and transparency. Not only about this, but some of the other things you've shared about yourself. Thank you, sister.

Thank you. Peter is fascinating. He cowers from a little girl and denies Jesus. But when Jesus restores him, he's different. He's the main one who boldly proclaims the gospel in Acts.

I believe that the things we struggle with the most are the things that give us the authority to speak about once Jesus helps us overcome them.

The cowardly become bold. The sexually immoral help us with purity. Those delivered from addictions help others who are addicted. Only God knows what our specific calling is. But He can redeem even our struggles for the Kingdom.

 

[Wynona]

Yeah. Maybe it's because I'm twice your age and can see more times where the Good I could've done but didn't, the times I was less than loving, the relationships I've burned because I was focused on myself and not the other person...

You are loved, Lambano. Regret is such a horrible feeling and one I know well. I just don't think God wants us to live with that and carry it around. Every day really is a new day.

My life is blessed now but it wasn't always. I almost ruined my marriage. But in that pain, I learned that the hardest person to forgive can be yourself. I was wrong. But I forgive myself as my husband forgave me and Jesus forgave me.

 

[amigo de christo]

You are loved, Lambano. Regret is such a horrible feeling and one I know well. I just don't think God wants us to live with that and carry it around. Every day really is a new day.

My life is blessed now but it wasn't always. I almost ruined my marriage. But in that pain, I learned that the hardest person to forgive can be yourself. I was wrong. But I forgive myself as my husband forgave me and Jesus forgave me.

And i just bet you aint gonna defend the evils you did . See when GOD leadeth us to repentance of our errors
That means FROM OUR ERRORS . Too many still defend their bad behavoir , which is proof to me they still as lost as can be .
WHEN any lamb errs , IT Gets LED OUT and AWAY from its errors . It actually SORROWS to repentance .
yet far too many today still live in and love and support their evil . THEY live as i once did and that my sister AINT LIVING
and it sure AINT LIFE nor LIFE ETERNAL . Now put those hands up AND LET THE GLORIOUS and MAGNIFICENT LORD be praised .

 

[Behold]

Yeah. Maybe it's because I'm twice your age and can see more times where the Good I could've done but didn't, the times I was less than loving, the relationships I've burned because I was focused on myself and not the other person...

Its ok to remember.
Its ok to have some memories that are regretful.
ITs ok to feel some responsibility for a failure or for some harm you caused.
But when this become a tormenting assault in the mind, then that is condemnation, and God does not cause this., not ever.
To live in regret robs you of your today, and today is the only day you are given for certain.
To live in regret is to live in the past.
The past is gone, and today is what we have been given, so, treat it like the Gift of Life from God, as that is what it is...

 

[amigo de christo]

Forgetting those things which are behind and pressing forward to the mark , the prize in Christ .
Focus on the prize that cometh at the end of our faith . Being forever with the Glorious Lord who has given us all Hope .
Praise be to the glorious LORD .