Today, focus is upon the nature and process of divine law. Also, there is more on genuine repentance. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Aaron Aaron Aaron” (Level 2 with 953 points, a member since April 06, 2013) posted the following:
Is not obeying gods advice/rules, a sin? (protestant christian)?
before you think of some sarcastic comment against christians, if you don't have anything intelligent to say, please dont say anything at all. thanks
For example, if god says, in the bible...to be wise, is it a sin to not be wise? an example of not being wise as say, swearing infront of other people when trying to promote a positive testamoney.
thank you :)
THE BATTLE AXE: Genuine Repentance? (03/24/2014)—(4.) The repentance we speak of as Christian believers pertains to more than courtesy, good, manners, politeness, and social etiquette. An apology is merely a verbal event wherein one expresses embarrassment, feelings of guilt, and sentiments of regret and remorse. To repent must be more than an intellectual or mental act wherein one simply changes ones mind. Repentance is a “return to GOD” by turning ones awareness, spirit content, and self-will away from sin. Christian repentance is carried out through the Spirit of GOD, and is more than a one-time religious event such as church attendance. The believer is given a “new heart.” Repentance is triggered as an awareness that is called “godly sorrow”, and often is first called into view through confession. Later, repentance is regularly displayed as a continuing pattern in the life of created beings and living creatures that derives from their fresh endowment of Spirit from GOD. See 1st Samuel 7: 2-4, 2nd Chronicles 30: 8-9, Isaiah 55: 6-8, Jeremiah 24: 6-8, and Ezekiel 18: 20-32, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Romans 2: 21-29, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Are Holidays Bad? (11/16/2013); Angels, Law and Sin (10/18/2013); Law A Schoolmaster? (10/03/2013); Was Jesus Literate? (10/04/2013); Gentiles and the Law? (09/19/2013); Weed and Godly Wisdom (09/15/2013); The Limit to Believing? (09/16/2013); Law in Christian Belief? (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013)
“Aaron Aaron Aaron” your excellent questions calls for an excellent answer. For many Christian believers what you ask has to do with how to recognize practices, statements, and utterances that have the force of divine law. One of the most important accomplishments through the ministry of Jesus Christ has been to clarify the function, process, eternal purpose, and sacred nature of law. Because many believers are first introduced to divine law as the Ten Commandments (some say, the Decalogue), the idea continues to be mistakenly held that divine law is punitive; centers only on various prohibitions, punishments, and restrictions (thou shalt not); and was intended only for the Jews. Because the law expresses and reveals divinity there absolutely must be law.
Through the holy writings, followers of Jesus understand there have been many covenant agreements (we say, lawful contracts) established that further bind mankind to GOD. Included are covenant agreements with Adam, Noah, the one we know as the “law of Moses,” the covenant of David, and the New Testament in the blood of Jesus Christ.
Christ has taught keeping the law requires more than ceremonies, social customs, rituals, and traditions. The spirit substance of the law must be maintained in attitudes, behavior, conduct, and relationships. Thus, only those “without sin” may cast the first stone as the agents of GOD and his sinless law. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of GOD as the Law Giver and Judge, and of a Creation that continues only through the orderly process of law.
Where believers say that Christ has “fulfilled the law” by his death on the cross, some err thinking this means there are no more restrictions upon self-will. Many are defiant and reject church attendance and other participation in communities of faith, because they must yield to discipline, policy, and standard procedures that appear no different than law. Such must acquire discernment (ability to use their own endowment of spirit matter from the makeup of GOD to examine and recognize the spirit content in such things as events, objects, persons, and purposes).
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, thoroughly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the power of the law derives from its spirit, and not merely its letter. Many confronted Jesus who practiced as lawyers and scribes, and regularly argued the specific words and precise application of the law (we say, technicalities). It’s like our law regarding “drug free zones” around schools. Most sellers and users are shocked to find there is no two-inch or two-feet exception; and that elementary, middle and high schools are not the only protected locations. Nursery school, daycare, playgrounds, and after school program areas are also embraced.) Where you truly want answers from GOD, there is far more on its way. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. (Romans 7: 12-13, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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