DO NOT ALLOW SIN TO WIN

Those who have read my daily posts on this blog for any length of time, know that I get much of my inspiration and material from www.middletownbiblechurch.org.  Today's post is no exception. 

I recently joined in a discussion at www.facebook.com/paul.mutschler#!/groups/christinprophecy/, where a debate was going on about whether or not born again believers possessed two natures:  the sin nature from Adam, and the new nature from Jesus (the "last Adam" - 1 Cor. 15:45).  One individual was very determined to convince several others that once a man is saved and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, his old nature was dead.  He based his belief on the following verse:  "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17).  But, as is always the case when determining Bible doctrine, one must consider all that the Word has to say on the subject.  Here is what Middletown Bible Church's doctrinal statement says on the subject: 

"We believe that every saved person possesses two natures, with provision made for victory of the new nature over the old nature through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit; and, that all claims to the eradication of the old nature in this life are unscriptural (Romans 6:13; 8:12-13; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 3:5-9)".

While these are excellent cross-references on the topic, I think it is amazing that Middletown did not reference Romans 7:14-25 and 1 John 1:8-10.  Notice that the verbs in both passages are present tense.  That means the Apostle Paul had an ongoing struggle within regarding his thoughts, words, and deeds.  His old nature was contrary to his new nature.  In the First John passage, John was writing to believers!  He even went so far as to say that those who deny they still sin, are calling God a liar!  It is clear that born again believers still sin.  It is also clear that one must immediately repent if he wants to remain in fellowship with the Lord.  Habitual sin is unacceptable, and my indicate one is not born again, especially if God does not "tan one's hide" (Heb. 12:5-8)!

 

As Israel purged their homes from leaven, so Christians should do the same with sin!