Tuesday, May 30, 2023

In a previous discussion, we explored the concept of perfectionism. If humanity were not affected by sin, we would not be subject to the process of death or suffer from disease. While personal responsibility for engaging in sinful behavior is significant, it is important to recognize that the root cause of sin lies within the individual. There exists a cause-effect relationship where sin is the cause and the act of sinning is the effect. This is due to sin being inherent in human nature as a result of Adam's rebellion. God has imputed sin to the entire human race because of Adam's actions, and as a result, we are held accountable for the same sin as Adam committed. Essentially, we are sinning as Adam sinned.The origin of our tendency to commit sins can be traced back to the moment when we first consciously violate moral rules after being born, marking our classification as sinners. This claim clarifies the inherent nature of our inclination towards wrongdoing. Although Jesus did not commit any personal sins, his humanity was still influenced by Adam's original sin, and he faced the consequences of our transgressions. Jesus willingly offered himself as a sacrifice to entirely cleanse us of our sins. His purity was a result of his unwavering dependence on God and his perfect obedience to God's commands.As individuals who engage in sinful behavior, we are considered to be saints due to our experience of definitive sanctification that has resulted in our complete holiness. Our inability to be guilty of sinful behavior after Christ achieved this state is comparable to those who have passed away, as they are no longer capable of sinning. Our initial definitive sanctification was not the result of our own willpower or abilities, but rather, we were passive participants in the process. Our holiness was essential in establishing a relationship with the Father, and it was achieved through the work of the Son on our behalf. Prior to his crucifixion, Christ prayed for the sanctification of all his followers, and grace was applied to us in these prayers.The achievement of atonement was carried out through an external effort with the intention of exalting God. Through his sacrifice on the cross, Jesus completely paid for all sins, including the sin of unbelief, for those who have faith. This transaction occurred within the confines of time but was predestined in the divine nature prior to time.The objective of Christ's death was fulfilled and realized through our salvation. However, the work of sanctification was fully accomplished by Christ at the time of his crucifixion. As a result, we are deemed entirely pure through the acknowledgement of Christ's righteousness being credited to our record. After being forgiven of our past, present, and future sins by Christ, we are now able to have unlimited access to our Father. Through regeneration, we are granted the gift of faith, which allows us to depend solely on God's righteousness for acceptance to the Father. This is a divine act that is entirely dependent on God. Despite no longer being under the dominion of sin, as saints, we still struggle with it. The contained sin persist, causing us to pronouce death in idenfying with Christ. Although we desire to obey God's law and lead holy lives, sin reminds us of Christ death. Even though our intentions are pure, we often fail to follow through. The difficulty and hardship that come with striving to be holy through overcoming all opposition are its defining characteristics. The practical process of being aware of our position in the death and resurrection of Christ leads to a strong sense of confidence in our salvation and a deep understanding of ourselves. This knowledge allows us to live in His grace, recognizing that our assurance comes from the grace given to us during our original sanctification. We acknowledge the effects of sin in our lives and understand that fellowship with Him is only possible through the relationship established at salvation through grace. Despite challenges, our confidence remains unshaken as we trust that He has transformed us for blessing and we have constant access to Him. We also comprehend that forgiveness is not based on our actions but on His work, resulting in a constant sense of peace as we live in His favor rather than the shadow of the curse. As we become cognizant of our sanctity, we will derive pleasure from our relationship with our benelovent Father. Our ongoing sanctification is not achieved through adherence to a set of rules or principles, but rather through a continual process of forgiveness and renewal, centered on the identity of Christ. Sanctification is rather a repeated refocusing on the divine that leads to our covenant representitive.This treatment is frequently repeated without variation. It is not a communal approach to enlightenment, nor is it a process of human exertion leading to healing. It does not rely on one's capacity to implement a principle or a sequential set of principles for recovery. It is not a means of achieving spiritual purity through progression, and there are no experts with exclusive knowledge or techniques for achieving revitalization.The process of experiencing the renewal of the Holy Spirit follows a singular methodology that centers on repeatedly turning to the cross in identifying with Christ in prayer. The key focus is on approaching the Father and consistently surrendering all aspects of oneself to the work of Christ.

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