Today, the discussion that sin must be personal is continued focusing on the teaching that sins should be dismissed, forgotten, and relegated to the past (we hear, cast into the sea of forgetfulness). Believers are to be made “awake” by the cross, be witnesses to transfiguration, and be granted sight to operate with awe, humility, repentance, and heartfelt love. Life is transformed to be eternal, and unforgettable. Many say “sin” to speak of a disruptive condition, and peculiar patterns of dysfunctional attitude and behavior that negatively influence human affairs. For Christian believers, sin is the transgression of divine law, and is an interruption of divine affairs that include healthy relationship between Creator and created. Sin is not alive, discriminating, and selective; and may appear at once as methodical, random, and not well-thought-out. Despite collusion and conspiracy, sin results in distrust, division, isolation, and separation. Sinners must make a personal response to “own, and own-up-to” their sins that include careful reflection, clearing of ones conscience, decision-making, expressions of emotion, and systematic preparation for undesired consequences and problems. Forgiving oneself is as much an aspect of accepting divine forgiveness as becoming “born again” and accepting identity as a new creation. Through the accomplishments of Jesus Christ for atonement, mercy, reconciliation, and redemption, sin is transformed to serve as a continuing focus for change, development, growth, and learning, rather than an unchanging source of anxiety, condemnation, depression, dishonor, guilt, and shame. The operations of sin become visible only through life experiences that violate covenant and relationship with divinity. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, and has no form or substance as an ordinary object in Creation. The presence of sin operates as an influence upon awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures, however, sin can not direct, dominate, or manipulate the will of GOD.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. (Luke 9: 28-32, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Dry Thirsty Land (05/01/2016); Transformed by The Cross (03/23/2016); How To Measure Spiritual Progress? (04/19/2015); The Baptist and The Tishbite? (02/18/2015); Philosophical Questions? (04/17/2014); To Accomplish A Sacred Goal (04/18/2014); Immutable GODhead (03/10/2014)
THE BATTLE AXE: Sin Must Be Personal (04/29/2016)—Among those practicing alchemy and science, it once was thought that lead could be changed to gold using the Philosopher’s Stone. Among those observing sacred practices as Christian believers (e.g., church attendance, prayer, worship), it should be correctly understood that the meaning and value of sin—that can not be eliminated or removed from their lives using finite tools such as intellect, logic, politics, and technology—can be altered by faith that is founded upon the Rock. Even so, among the disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, many feel that, once they have become baptized, their sin confessed, or multiple prayers for forgiveness and mercy have been offered, all their accountability and duty regarding their sins have been fully discharged. Such persons will even cling to vain hopes (i.e., expectations that derive from carnal, material, and social activity, rather than the sacred content of doctrine, events, persons, divine promises, or prophecy) and the common error that “new life” in Christ means they now may return to the old associations and practices that entangled them in sin having authority, being able to gain greater benefit, and being completely in charge. Believers are to know that sin is characterized by deceit, exaggerated pride, and selfishness. The “reach of sin” extends across the frameworks of time and space in such a way that, even the death of the sinner does not end or remove the ongoing consequences, effects, and influence of their sins. Saying this another way, without divine intercession, judgment, and the second death, the damage, ruin, and upheaval caused by their sin while the sinner lived could continue for eternity. In addition to atonement, then, there must be rebirth, resurrection, perfection, and sanctification. Believers should be unafraid to face, recall, examine, and continually resist their sin with an eye to their goal of becoming ripe for harvest at the coming of the Lord. Believers are to celebrate the victory of Christ over their own and the sins of others, and take strength as they continue upon the earth being yet challenged, confronted and drawn by various offenses. The memory of sin, its agony, humiliation and pain, are to exhort and spur a believer in their efforts to deliver and encourage others, to express heartfelt gratitude to GOD, and to display true humility as the offspring of the Most High. In the light of divine love, as in the light from the cross, the past is no cause or source of bitterness, depression, fear, and uncertainty. The past is a tool for enlightenment. Eternal life will always have its origins in the past, and the past has been given as the frame that is anchoring our future. Consider again how this is stated using language from the Bible:
(1.) Proverbs 16: 4-6, King James Version (KJV): 4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. 5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. 6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
(2.) 1st Corinthians 6: 9-11, KJV: 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
(3.) Genesis 28: 15-17, KJV: 15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. 16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. 17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.
(4.) 1st Corinthians 15: 33-34, KJV: 33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
(5.) Numbers 32: 23, KJV: 23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.
(6.) 1st Corinthians 15: 50-54, KJV: 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
(7.) Ephesians 5: 13-15, KJV: 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually taken in. (For example, (8.) 1st Peter 5: 6-9, KJV: 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
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