Go, And Sin No More
When we study the Bible with others, or talk about Bible study, the topic at hand usually ends up being buttressed by verses that are carefully scrutinized (every word), and defended with much vigor and confidence.
“Go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11)
Do we believe these words of Christ as much as we believe words such as “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus?” (Romans 8:1) Do they not have as much creative power as “Let there be light?” When Gods says “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11), does it apply to “Go, and sin no more?” Or is there a 2nd-rate category of Scripture?
It should be understood that we are speaking distinctly of sanctification here. Justification has already been administered. The pronouncement: “Neither do I condemn thee” has already gone forth, earlier in the verse in question.
The ability of God to justify is rarely questioned.
But folks who attach any more than nominal value to sanctification are maligned as “legalists,” as if it were as a virus running rampant in the Church today. Is legalism really as serious a problem as liberalism? And should any hint of encouragement to overcome sin be denounced and ridiculed?
And if so, why?
When we study the Bible with others, or talk about Bible study, the topic at hand usually ends up being buttressed by verses that are carefully scrutinized (every word), and defended with much vigor and confidence.
“Go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11)
Do we believe these words of Christ as much as we believe words such as “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus?” (Romans 8:1) Do they not have as much creative power as “Let there be light?” When Gods says “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11), does it apply to “Go, and sin no more?” Or is there a 2nd-rate category of Scripture?
It should be understood that we are speaking distinctly of sanctification here. Justification has already been administered. The pronouncement: “Neither do I condemn thee” has already gone forth, earlier in the verse in question.
The ability of God to justify is rarely questioned.
But folks who attach any more than nominal value to sanctification are maligned as “legalists,” as if it were as a virus running rampant in the Church today. Is legalism really as serious a problem as liberalism? And should any hint of encouragement to overcome sin be denounced and ridiculed?
And if so, why?