Hello
@CharismaticLady,
Would you please explain why you say, (quote)
' ... and are cleansed by our Advocate when we forgive others their trespasses against us.' Am I right in thinking that you believe that we are only 'cleansed' when we ourselves forgive others ?
In Christ Jesus
Chris
After we are born again and cleansed of all unrighteousness, yes.
We are already dead to sins of lawlessness. In other words, I'm born again and feel no desire to murder, commit adultery, fornicate or steal. My born again nature just doesn't do those things. But I'm not perfect, and can still become hurt and get angry at someone for some trespass against me. Matthew 6:14-15 tells me I have to forgive them, otherwise my own sins of omission or trespasses will not be forgiven me. But when I do forgive them, that burden is lifted and Jesus advocates on my behalf. It is for the purpose of reconciliation among the brethren. 1 John 1:7 shows a person walking in the Spirit, and having
fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus is cleansing them of all sins. Trespasses are sins, but not unto death.
1 John 2:1 has no mention of our repenting of some major sin, so Jesus is not automatically our Advocate for sins of lawlessness; otherwise He would never say to some who called Him Lord, and cast out demons in His name and prophesied by the Holy Spirit, "Depart from Me, I never knew you, you workers of iniquity!"
C, you know we are forgiven of our past sins. 2 Peter 1:9. But no where does the word say we are forgiven of our present or future sins of willful lawlessness. 1 John 5:16-17; Hebrews 10:26-31.