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Sin.

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Max:
This is a great topic, and I definitely have the same kinds of doubts as Rick. I am not sure if I am destined to be in the First Resurrection or not. I want to be able to not sin at all, but there are some sins I just haven't been able to give up. Sometimes I drift back to carnality and think that I have clean up my act to earn a spot in the First Resurrection and I feel despair, but when I remember God made the decision before creation, I can relax a little. I guess the progress I have made though is that I feel terrible when I commit certain sins that I maybe wouldn't have felt guilty about in the past.

santgem:
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 1 John 2:1

Kat:

It is most certainly the Holy Spirit indwelling by which we can do anything that pleases God... we are not just having these things happen to us, but through us. What I mean is we are not passive in this, the Holy Spirit inspires our spirit and we do, say or think what we are inspired to, so it is us doing it.

Rom 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
v. 15  For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
v. 16  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
v. 17  and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 

The Spirit works in us as a process of slowly removing the old man/self, so we become a new man/creature. Yes we go through all sorts of things in life, but as an elect it will ultimately lead to a person enduring to be prepared and ready to enter the kingdom at Christ's return.

Col 3:9  Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
v. 10  and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,

If you are predetermined an elect this process is worked out throughout our whole life, but we are just not aware of it.

Eph 4:21  if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:
v. 22  that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
v. 23  and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
v. 24  and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

So WE endure to the end by the Spirit in us, WE do what the Spirit shows/tells/inspires us to do, it is done through us and by us, that's why we are accountable. That's where Paul is coming from when he says "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," because WE must endure to the end.

Php 2:12  Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
v. 13  for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Eph 3:20  Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
v. 21  to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

mercy, peace and love
Kat

lareli:
So Kat, what are we supposed to 'endure' to the end? I think you answered it. Are you saying we 'endure' the process of being changed by the Holy Spirit throughout this life? We endure the hard times and each and every heart break knowing that it's all a process designed by God to change us into His image? As opposed to resenting and fighting against our situations in life that bring suffering? Because to fight against our circumstance is to fight against Gods will for our life?

Kat:

Hi largeli,

Yes I think so. What God has in store for us is not known, so we just strive to do the best we can, knowing it's not the easy way, but difficult to overcome this carnal fleshly ways.

Luke 13:24  "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

Knowing always that God is not just putting us through the wringer for nothing, He is accomplishing a great transformation in us.

Rom 8:31  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Php 1:6  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

mercy, peace and love
Kat

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