Yes, but Christ didn't provide an atonement for our sins to make us *immediately* perfect, did he? You shouldn't confuse this. Perfection will come in the resurrection, and not before. As Paul said, "not that I'm already made perfect." The Apostle John said,Tong2020 said: ↑
It is the very intention of God, that His people be perfect and holy. That’s the reason why He sent Christ.
"If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us."
Yes Christ did not. Atonement is different from sanctification and perfection. Sanctification and perfection, while are with Christ, a finished work, with the Christians, it is an unfolding reality, so to speak.
Real Faith requires that Faith display Works, yes. True Faith displays Good Deeds. That's what James said, "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."Tong2020 said: ↑
So, in other words and simple words, by real righteousness you mean faith + works?
The genuineness of faith lies in the heart of man. It is shown through good works, that of a living faith. Not for God to see, but for people to see, that testifies to them of the goodness and work of God in him and through him, and of the righteousness of God. Nonetheless, it’s faith, not work.
If one rejects Jesus, he rejects the gift of the Holy Spirit, for God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit to dwell in those who believes in Jesus Christ.No.Tong2020 said: ↑
<<<Yes, even people who reject Jesus can do good unwittingly through Jesus. But rejecting the Holy Spirit a person cannot do good.>>>
Isn’t rejecting Jesus tantamount to rejecting the Holy Spirit?
Matt 12.32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
Jesus recognized that some in Israel would not immediately accept his claims because there is a process to putting our faith in him. There are distractions, deceptions, and setbacks. Jesus is patient, and accepts rejection without immediate condemnation. That's what the cross was all about, experiencing rejection ands still be willing to forgive.
However, rejecting Jesus Christ is different from the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
As a side, why is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit without forgiveness? What are your thoughts on that?
Tong
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