Good News vs fake news: God takes back His gifts?

15 Now let me remind you, brothers, of what the Gospel really is, for it has not changed—it is the same Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then and still do now, for your faith is squarely built upon this wonderful message; 1 Corinthians 15:1 TLB

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do. Mark 7:13 NKJV

 We've been in an extended study contrasting the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Good News of God's Amazing Grace, with the fake news of religious tradition. As we've established, people are not our enemy. This is absolutely essential to keep in mind as we examine the traditions of men. 

Sharp Divides

 As we begin to uncover yet other areas of traditional religion, I thought it best to begin by making an honest, sincere assessment of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It may be uncomfortable to hear, but it's true nonetheless. The Church is sharply divided concerning certain theological points. 

 Here are the major areas of disagreement. Methods of water baptism. Do we sprinkle? Do we immerse? Do we baptize in Jesus name only? Whole church denominations are created on this division. The biggest theological divide is the Calvinism vs Arminianism debate. Whole denominations and seminaries are founded on one or the other. 

 I'm sure some would wonder where I stand on that debate. My view is easy, I disagree with both schools of thought because they are performance-based and not Grace based.  One of the other great divides is the issue of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Are they active today or have they ceased? 

Let's frame this debate another way. Does God give gifts then rescind them? I believe we should let the Word of God be the final authority. There is no passage in Scripture that states these Gifts have ceased. There also is certainly no passage that suggests any of the Gifts of the Spirit operated in modern times are the work of satan or demonic influence. 

Now, why am I so confident about this? Because of the goodness and faithfulness of God.

29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 NKJV

 God is a giver. He isn't taking away what He gave to equip the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ to walk in power. 

4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 1 Corinthians 2:4 NASB

 God's Spirit has continued in power and in demonstration throughout the Church age. 

 As a word of wise counsel, we must be mindful that flowing in the Gifts of the Spirit is not necessarily a sign of maturity, and definitely doesn't make one a superior Christian. In other words, we should never be looking down at others. Instead, we should always be looking upward at Jesus, the source, and supply of all good things.

 As a believer, do you desire to flow in these gifts? Simply ask God to fill you with His Spirit. Receive it and then begin to flow with God, asking for His wisdom in exercising these Gifts. As you flow with God, you soon discover love and compassion are the true motives for flowing in the Gifts. You also seek to make Jesus name renowned and never your own. 

 Allow me to share a testimony as it will open it up to an area I sense the Lord really desires to minister. Some friends of mine, A husband, and wife had a wonderful ministry of sharing this beautiful Gospel of Grace. Through challenges and surely the opposition of the enemy (he hates Grace), it seemed this door of ministry was closed for them. 

 As I was communicating with them the Spirit of the Lord began flowing through me in the gift of prophecy and word of knowledge. Words of edification, and exhortation were given to them. I began sharing specific words that were for them personally. God wasn't done with them and His gift and calling hadn't changed no matter the opposition. needless to say, this blessed and strengthened them. In fact, they had been discussing the work of the ministry among themselves. 

 See how beneficial these Gifts are? Now, this leads me to this point. No matter what, the gifts, the calling, the purpose God has for you has not changed or ceased. 

29 For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. Romans 11:29 NLT

 Tradition for too long has told believers that because of their sins, their disobedience or unfaithfulness, His calling or giftings will be taken away. Some have been told if you don't use the gift, God will take it away. That is a lie. God's gifts are irrevocable.

 Even if years have passed and it looks like nothing has changed, know He never takes back what He gave. No matter how long it's been, no matter if it looks like there are no opportunities, rest knowing His plans and purposes, and giftings and call are never withdrawn. God thought enough of you to invest in you and He knows you're worth it. 

 Don't allow tradition to keep robbing you. Even if you've failed, God isn't finished with you yet. His plans and purposes are unchangeable. Look again at what He called you to. Don't quit. Your gift is an asset to the Body of Christ. There is someone who needs what you have to give. There is a smile, a hug, a kind uplifting word that only you can share. Don't listen to the enemy saying you're unworthy. You're the righteousness of God in Christ. 

 Yes, we as the Church are sharply divided concerning some theological points. As true as this is, we as the Body of Christ are so much more than that. We have Jesus as our Savior and His Spirit living and abiding in us. We are the recipients of His great Grace. We are a Family, the Family of God.

 In summation, know that His Spirit is still moving in power today. Know His goodness hasn't ceased. He wants to show Himself strong to His Church, not just a selective few. His power and Gifts are available to as many as will simply ask in faith believing.

 Know also that God has not forgotten you. His plans for you have not ceased. He who started the work in you will be faithful to complete it. His plans and purposes for you are unchanging. His Grace is greater than any sin. He is the restorer of broken dreams, shattered hopes and, desires dashed. You're engraved in the palm of His hands and what He promised will surely come to pass. He is faithful.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Good News vs fake news: Redefining Grace, repentance, and what it means to be saved.

15 Now let me remind you, brothers, of what the Gospel really is, for it has not changed—it is the same Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then and still do now, for your faith is squarely built upon this wonderful message; 1 Corinthians 15:1 TLB

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do. Mark 7:13 NKJV

 Greetings in the matchless name of Jesus Christ. We've been in an extended study as of late distinguishing between the absolute Good News of Jesus Christ and the absolutely, terrible, fake news of religious tradition. As we've established, people aren't our enemy. God isn't mad at anyone. His unconditional love and goodness are for the religious opposers of Grace as well as you and me.

 I really must reiterate that last point again. This week I caught a video of a well-known minister sharing his views of how much the Church is missing it in conveying the Gospel. Unfortunately, his message was a different gospel and not the Gospel of the Grace of Jesus Christ.

 His view was that we need much more emphasis on repentance.  He charged that we were simply pushing "easy believism." His printed articles on the subject pushed the need for people to submit to the Lordship of Christ. In essence, he was simply pushing Lordship Salvation just using catchy phrases to masquerade it. 

What is Lordship Salvation and why should I care?

 I've mentioned this insidious false gospel in times past but perhaps I need to finally address it fully. Lordship Salvation is the counterfeit to the Gospel of Grace. Allow me to sum up this effort rooted message.

 In a nutshell, Lordship Salvation declares simply trusting in Christ alone as Savior is insufficient to receiving salvation. In other words, faith alone in Jesus as Savior isn't all that is required, there are other stipulations and prerequisites to receiving eternal life.

 Under the Lordship banner, one must not only trust in Christ alone. You must also meet one or more of these conditions: turn from all your sins, be willing to turn from all your sins, commit your life to Christ, obedience, and persevering in the faith. 

 As for assurance of your salvation and security in Christ, you can't find them in the Scriptural promises alone. You must also seek assurance in your performance and your daily devotion and commitment to the Christian life. Sin weakens assurance. If you're in sin your assurance is uncertain and your security in Christ is resting on the shaky ground of human sinfulness and unsteadiness. 

 Scriptural principles like Lordship, repentance, and even Grace carry different definitions than how the Scriptures define them. Repentance now means to cease from all sins and turn from them. If you are struggling with sin you've not sincerely repented. Lordship means you are wholly committed to Christ in all areas of life and obedient to Him in all ways. If any area of your life isn't perfectly submitted, then you haven't sincerely made Jesus Lord, and if He isn't Lord of all, He won't be Lord at all. Grace is redefined to simply an empowerment to follow God's many commands.

 So what must we do to be saved? That question is the most important we can ask. Paul the Apostle of Grace was asked this question. 

30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:30-31 NKJV

 Take note, Paul didn't say, "now brother, you need to repent of each and every sin. You must commit to changing your life right now. You must make Jesus the supreme ruler of all your life right now. Are you willing to stop each and every one of your sins, drop all your bad habits, lay aside all weights right this moment? If not you won't be saved!" 

 Paul gave the Jailer the Gospel of Grace. He understood salvation was us placing our trust in Christ and simply receiving a free gift. Why do so many miss this simple truth? I believe it's because people have a theology of "sight seeing" and not faith believing. They see the faults and failures of many Christians so they desire to frontload the Gospel with restrictions and requirements. 

 This faulty theology gives place to false definitions to Biblical truths. It starts with the redefinition of Grace. Grace becomes a simple empowerment. When we see Grace as only an empowerment we are subtly reinforcing a works and performance mentality. This redefining of Grace gives way for Law-keeping, self-efforts, and the keeping of man-made traditions. It doesn't do away with performance and ritualistic Christianity but rather reinforces it.

 Some have actually read the four Gospels and created a concept that under Grace God's commandments are stricter than Law. They say things like under Law adultery was a sin, but under Grace even looking at a woman is adultery. See how "harder" the commandments are under Grace? Grace demands much more of you, tradition says. Don't fret they say, Grace empowers you to fulfill these harder commands. 

 This is the danger of redefining Biblical truth in favor of tradition. Grace is turned into a works program. Repentance becomes a tool to strip away assurance. Christ's Lordship is twisted into a weaponized form of condemnation used to measure your Christian success. 

 Some may say brother what about Peter's words in Acts 2? He told the people to repent and submit. Did He? Reading it in context what did he say? To answer, we must think of the audience being addressed. These were those of the Jewish sect who were given Law and not Grace. In the literal Greek, this passage is so beautiful. Peter tells these Jews to change your mind about Christ, accept His free gift, get baptized and receive the baptism in the Spirit. 

 Peter wasn't giving some stipulations or requirements to receive a free gift. Some would also argue that Paul in Romans 10 laid out the Lordship position. Again in context, how is Paul laying out rules and prerequisites to receiving a free gift? Oh because he stated confess the Lord Jesus? Some translations say confess Jesus as Lord. I think the NKJV said it perfectly and clearly explains what Paul was conveying.

 When we come to Christ, we are acknowledging He is the Lord. We can't make Him Lord by our confession or promises to obey. He is already Lord. Jesus is Lord of Heaven and Earth! What are we acknowledging? That He is the Lord, that salvation and new life is only found in Him. This is not about a commitment to do better and live perfectly.

Right believing produces right fruit

 Right believing equals right thinking which produces the right fruit. Defining Biblical principles and the Gospel correctly produces right believing. This, in turn, will produce the truth in our hearts that will produce real fruit.

 Grace is not simply empowerment. Grace is the unearned, undeserved, unmerited favor of Almighty God. When received fully it will produce an empowerment. Repentance is the change of mind. We change our thinking for His thinking. We accept what He says about us and our circumstance and our position in Him regardless of our present behavior. Lordship is acknowledging the truth of who Jesus already is. 

 When we receive the free gift, His love is shed abroad in our heart. This fruit is what transforms our lives from the inside out if we let it. So is Lordship a requirement for eternal life? No, but it is of great benefit in doing things God's way because He is so much wiser and has more insight than we ever could on our own, and because He loves us and always has what's best for us in His plans and purposes.

 What if one receives this free gift and goes back to doing things their way? What if they aren't submitting to God's ways? They are just a wayward sheep whom God loves dearly, but sadly, they will experience a harder life. They will reap the consequences of poor choices but this doesn't alter their eternal address. God in His love will send correction to get their attention. Not in the form of sickness, disease or tragedy though. He's a good Father.

 In summation, receive the Good News and be aware of the subtle fake news of tradition. When someone is adding stipulations and prerequisites to the Gospel stay clear of those works rooted messages, they only produce bondage and burn out. Receiving salvation is receiving a free gift of Grace. It isn't something we have to bargain God for with promises of endurance and commitments to behavioral improvements. 

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

SaveSave
SaveSave

Good News vs fake news: He alone is Holy?

15 Now let me remind you, brothers, of what the Gospel really is, for it has not changed—it is the same Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then and still do now, for your faith is squarely built upon this wonderful message; 1 Corinthians 15:1 TLB

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do. Mark 7:13 NKJV

 We've been in an extended study as of late. We've been contrasting the Good News of Jesus Christ with the fake news of religious traditions. In doing so, I must continually emphasize that people are not our enemy. God isn't angry at anyone. The same over the top Grace He's shown us He also has for the religious minded ones rejecting Grace and the goodness of God. 

 In our last study, we struck a nerve. We addressed the issue of the sin nature. We established that believers no longer have a sin nature but rather, are made alive in Christ, made a completely new creature and are made the very righteousness of God in Christ. This didn't sit well with some. I understand it cuts cross grain to religious tradition.

 With this in mind, I sensed the need to again address the believers standing and position in Christ Jesus. With so much interest in the article, it proves this is a much-needed issue to discuss. The way religion sees the believer and the way the New Covenant does are strikingly different. 

 For instance, religious tradition says things like;
"We are just sinners saved by Grace."
"Righteousness is what He did, holiness is what you do."
"He alone is holy."

 What we are really dealing with is the lowly view many have of the believer. When we say we are made the righteousness of God in Christ, we rejoice but religion treats this as just some doctrine of justification and it doesn't really translate into how they see themselves. They rather focus on the holiness issue. They don't see believers as being holy. Or if they acknowledge that we are "positionally sanctified" this is some "low grade" holiness. God's holiness is special and unique. We can never be like Him.

 The truth is many have a concept, a philosophy, a view that is so deeply rooted, so ingrained within, that it is developed into a stronghold. This concept or view is that the believer in Christ is still a wretched, lowly, unworthy sinner. This is the deep root that must be uprooted in the hearts and minds of Christians. We must relinquish tradition, and unlearn what they drilled into our thinking.

Sinners saved by Grace?

 Christians are not sinners. Being a sinner is an identity it is not actions. Identity determines actions, not the other way around. A sinner is one who is spiritually dead, cut off or separated from God. This means no matter how moral a person is it doesn't save them. Only becoming a new creation is what brings salvation. 

 The truth is we were sinners. We then received the Good News of Jesus Christ. We Were then saved by Grace. Now we are the very righteousness of God in Christ. Stop labeling yourself with an old identity that is dead and gone. Christians are not "saved sinners."

He alone is Holy?

 This is a major stronghold. People see God as perfect and holy and Christians as receiving some inferior righteousness and holy standing before Him. We hear it in worship anthems and such. The claim that He alone is holy. Does this mean that believers aren't holy? "Oh, brother wait the Scriptures say God alone is holy." Does it?

Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested.” Revelation 15:4 NKJV

 I am so glad to expound on this powerful passage. In fact, many atheists use this passage to try and prove the apparent contradictions in the Bible. For why would God say be holy in 1 Peter but then in Revelation say only God is holy? Obviously, there is no contradiction when we rightly divide the Word of God.

 I believe the original King James words this passage best. When reading Revelation 15:4 in the KJV it makes it clearer what John was saying. The passage is reciting a praise of God. It is saying that God you're only holy. Meaning that you're only holy, not partially holy and partially sinful. Young's translation brings an even bigger truth out.

4 who may not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? because Thou alone [art] kind, because all the nations shall come and bow before Thee, because Thy righteous acts were manifested.' Revelation 15:4 YLT

Young's doesn't use holy but kind. What gives? Because this word translated holy isn't the Greek word Hagios which is the Greek word most associated with purity and holiness and sanctification. The word in this passage is entirely different. 

 The word translated holy in Revelation 15 reveals the character of God. It's actually the Greek word hosios. It really speaks of God's purity and goodness. In other words, this word reveals why we know there is no darkness in God. This word reveals why we know God won't say one thing and do another. This passage is praising God's perfect character. He is sinless and pure. He is kind and loving. He is good through and through. 

 With that stated, we now understand there is no contradiction. This passage isn't saying God is the only one holy. It is just revealing the one true character of God, perfectly pure, and wholly good and loving. This means that when He made us new in Christ, He also made us righteous and holy. This isn't some low-level holiness either.

10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. Hebrews 10:10 NLT

14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified Hebrews 10:14 NASB 

 It is crystal clear. He has not only declared us righteous but made us righteous. In the Finished Work, He also perfected us and made us holy, once for all time. We are already holy. We are already sanctified. Holiness isn't what we do but what He made us once for all time in the Finished Work.

 What about progressive sanctification? I mean we sure don't always act holy. True, but we aren't striving to become what we already are. That is the problem with religion. They wish for us to struggle and strive to attain something that has already been freely given. 

 The truth is we are already made holy. The growth process is simply progressive maturity into who we already are. Imagine, what a paradigm shift would occur in most churches if instead of preaching to Christians they need to strive to arrive, achieve to receive, to pursue holiness, they were instead told you're already holy? What if they were told just be who you already are? 

In summation, are Christians simply sinners saved by Grace? No, we're the righteousness of God. Is God the only one holy? No, He made Christians holy once for all time in the Finished Work. Is this holiness some third rate, low-level holiness? No, He made us as holy as He is. Set apart by His precious blood and made forever acceptable before our Father. Don't see yourself as lowly or unclean. We are cleansed by the blood, made righteous and set apart forever in Christ. This is the true Good News of Grace. This is your new identity. 

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Good News vs fake news: Christians Still Have a Sin Nature

15 Now let me remind you, brothers, of what the Gospel really is, for it has not changed—it is the same Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then and still do now, for your faith is squarely built upon this wonderful message; 1 Corinthians 15:1 TLB

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do. Mark 7:13 NKJV

 We've been in an extended study of the Good News of Jesus Christ, contrasted to that of the fake news of religious tradition. Today, it seemed good to tackle a highly controversial topic. This idea or concept that Christians still possess a sin nature.

 In your Christian life, have you ever heard discussions or sermons referring to believers "winning the war within?" Or the idea that there is a black dog and white dog within you warring for supremacy? That deep inside your chest there exists two natures. One positive, one evil and the one you feed will be dominant?

 These concepts are birthed from the traditions of men. Traditions designed to explain why Christians still sin. Traditions created to answer for the seemingly continual moral failures among Christians. This is also where the dying to ourselves concept was birthed.

One Nature or Two?

 How many natures then do believers have? Christians have two natures in their spirit? One pure and the other evil and unclean? Are we really expected to believe that God, who is holy, to dwell in an unclean temple? 

 Allow the Scriptures to be the final authority on this subject;

11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, Colossians 2:11 NKJV

Paul in Colossians 2 (here), clearly illustrates the old man, the old nature, the sin nature being put off or cut away. In circumcision, there is a removal of skin. It is cut away, it doesn't remain in place. Paul revealed in Christ, our old man passed away and we were raised to new life and receive complete forgiveness.

In Romans 6:3-11 NKJV we clearly see baptism representing the passing of the old nature and rising with a new nature. Paul uses such phrases as;
...that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4b NKJV
6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. Romans 6:6 NKJV
Here we see clearly illustrated that baptism symbolizes the death and removal of the old nature and the rising again with a new nature. 

 In Ephesians 2:1-10 NKJV, we see yet another clear statement revealing the New Creation reality of those in Christ.Paul makes strong statements like;
 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2:1 NKJV
The old nature was dead, spiritually separated from God. Now we are made alive in Christ. 

Finally, Paul really dismantles this nonsense of two natures, or believers retaining a sin nature in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NKJV. In this beautiful passage, Paul details our full identity in Christ. 
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

 It doesn't get any clearer than this. The old has passed away. The old is done away with in Christ. In Him, you are made totally and completely brand new! 

Paul also reveals what God made us in Christ when the old was removed.
21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV
God declared us righteous and then by virtue of the New Birth and New Creation He actually made us the very righteousness of God in Christ! 

 What fellowship, therefore, is there with light and darkness? What do righteousness and evil have in common? God admonished us through Paul not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. In other words, don't join in union with darkness because it is corrupt and doesn't share your values. If He is telling us outwardly to avoid being in union with darkness, why would he join two opposing natures inwardly? 

If there is no sin nature why do Christians sin?

 This question alone should raise awareness of the traditions of men. This question lends credence to the performance and works rooted gospel of men. Under performance, our actions and efforts are paramount. So we become desperate for ways to be more perfect and when we fail to measure up no matter how hard we try we find a scapegoat, must be our sinful nature making me fail.

 Then we create customs, and traditions to try and curb this evil nature within. We distance ourselves from people, from family, from any form of entertainment. Yet, so many still see failure in one area or another. So again they blame this sinful nature within.

 This is not victorious living. This is also a subtle form of condemnation that we intake on a continual basis. We are continually agreeing that there is something wrong with us. That is a total disregard of the Finished Work.

 The Cross worked! The Finished Work took all our sin and shame and inferiority and exchanged it with His wholeness, total forgiveness, perfect acceptance and New Life and complete righteousness. We are not sinful, lost, depraved beings. We are New Creations in Christ Jesus. We are made new and walk in newness of life.

 Why do we sin then as believers? Why do we find ourselves missing it? Why do we stumble? Why are we beset by addiction or bad habits? There is an answer in Scripture.

1.) Temptation. 

 Even though we are made new the enemy comes to tempt us. This temptation is outward not inward. It is rooted in unrenewed desire, more on that shortly. The enemy comes with enticement to sin. James 1 expounds on this.

2.) Unrenewed Mind

Romans 12 clearly expounds on this. As believers in Christ and with a greater understanding of the New Creation, Righteousness of the believer, and the Grace of God, we are aware of the dangers of wrong thinking and wrong believing. 

3.) Unrenewed desire

This is an often ignored subject. Paul speaks of it in Colossians 3.  We understand wrong thinking but we also must address wrong bodily desires. 

 These three areas are where we must grow in Grace to find victory over sin and bad habits. Religion makes rules that isolate people but it doesn't alter desire, it just doesn't give it a place to express itself. Over time people will find some place or time to express that desire, or rather the enemy will help you find ways to express it.

 This is where we must use wisdom. When traditional folk speaks about not feeding that old sin nature they are partially right. Not that we have a sin nature but there is a partially true principal about not feeding desires. 

 Before we were saved, our old nature was that of sin and desires that were contrary to God. In other words, it was all about self. In this time, our thinking was developed to justify our actions. Our physical bodies were trained to then enjoy certain activities. Not just sexual immorality. Things like gossip, judging others, being full of strife and anger. Harboring resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness. 

 After we are born again the nature within us changes. Often many of these things lose their appeal. Sometimes though our bodies and thinking are still desirous of these activities. This is why Paul speaks of renewal. 

 We renew our thinking by feeding on the Word and knowing who we are already in Him. This also renews bodily desires. This is where the not feeding the old comes into practice under Grace. In other words, not because of condemnation or performance but because of our New Creation we don't give attention to or "feed" negative desires. 

 If we see we are struggling with addiction, why subscribe to magazines that entice that specific addiction? If it's a sex addiction, why go to movies that are sexually charged? If it's nicotine it would probably be best to not join your friend on a smoke break, just talk to them afterward. 

 I am aware this is a fine line and many become really legalistic in this area if they are not careful. The solution is to be led by the Spirit, and realize this is what God is leading you to do and not make your boundaries the boundaries that everyone else should follow. Allow God to lead and guide and direct His children. Also, we all know within us what is feeding a desire and what activity isn't if we are sincere. While we don't feed the negative desire, we should renew our desire with new desires rooted in love and Grace. Letting Him live through us is key.

As for temptation, we should use wisdom. We should avoid temptation situations if at all possible. This is accomplished by establishing Spirit directed boundaries. Being as blunt as possible, don't go to bed with your girlfriend and pray for strength not to engage in sexual activity with her. That is foolishness. Use wisdom.

 In summation, do believers have a sin nature? No, absolutely not. Jesus made us New. The Cross wasn't a shoddy work. It fully accomplished redemption. He didn't leave us as bad as He found us. He made all things new. As believers, identifying with the risen Christ within us, renewing our minds to the Word, and forming new desires in Grace, we will see growth and freedom from addictions and sin. Also, the good news is while we are on the journey of maturing into who He already made us inwardly, there is no condemnation no matter how often we fail. This isn't an excuse to remain in sin, but rather the empowerment to grow in Grace and freedom.

Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net