How do we overcome sinful habits?

[Living Word Labels]

Hi everyone - I've written the following tract which I want to eventually put on my website. Wondered whether I could get some feedback first. Any comments welcome - positive or negative. Many thanks.

How do we overcome sinful habits?

Can we always overcome temptation or are there times when we just have to sin? This question is relevant to all of us because ...there is no one who does not sin... (1Kings 8:46) and ...everyone who sins is a slave to sin (John 8:34).[1]

However, when we confess our sins and receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ, ...we should no longer be slaves to sin (Romans 6:6).[2] Therefore, if we still have an alcohol or drug dependency, an addiction to pornography, or any other obsession, we should set ourselves free. How do we do this?

Characteristics of habitual sins

Habitual sins (also known as besetting sins) are characterised by never ending thoughts tempting us to do something wrong, along with cravings for things we should abhor. Unlike ‘normal’ temptations, no matter how hard we try, resistance will only give us temporary relief. This is because we have been trapped in some way. We need to do something more to set ourselves free.

Dealing with the habitual sin

Habitual sin need not bind us any further. We should keep asking God for forgiveness and keep receiving it by faith—even though we are likely to sin again in the same area. God tells us to continually forgive each other, so how much more will He forgive us?[3]

Habitual sin need not change our standing with God. The atonement Jesus provides enables us to become perfect in God’s sight. It offers more than forgiveness of sins. Jesus ...has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). When we ask God for forgiveness on the basis of Jesus’ atonement, we are not only counted as innocent, but we are also seen to be righteous[4]—it is just as if we had never sinned (like Jesus) and also as if we had overcome the temptation successfully (again like Jesus). For by one sacrifice he has made perfect for ever those who are being made holy (Hebrews 10:14).

We do not have to make up for any lost ground as we cannot be more perfect than we are already. We continue our fight from a place of victory...‘Everything is possible for one who believes’ (Mark 9:23).[5]

Dealing with the temptations

While we resist the temptations,[6] we should seek God, in faith, to find the reason why we have them and then what we should do about it.[7] It could be that Satan trapped us at a time when we were vulnerable,[8] but it could also be a related unconfessed or on-going sin that we still need to deal with. But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults (Psalm 19:12). If we identify a particular sin as the reason, we should note there could be an even deeper level of sin behind it.[9]

We may need help to get free so we should continue to fellowship in a church and be open to supernatural ministry— such as prophecy, word of knowledge and deliverance. Helping others, wherever we can, may bring about our own deliverance that much sooner.[10] Above all, we need to continue to trust God ...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).


Bible references: [1] Romans 3:9–10; Proverbs 29:6. [2] John 8:36; Romans 6:14. [3] Matthew 18:21–22. [4] Romans 4:25. [5] 2Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 2:6; Philippians 4:13. [6] 1Corinthians 10:13; James 4:7. [7] James 1:5–7. [8] Matthew 26:41; 1Peter 5:8–9. [9] Read carefully 2Samuel 24:1,10; Ecclesiastes 7:26; Romans 1:21–27. [10] Galatians 6:7–10; Proverbs 21:13. Bible quotations are taken from the New International Version. Further leaflets can be found on ***URL removed***

 

[francisdesales]

Hi everyone - I've written the following tract which I want to eventually put on my website. Wondered whether I could get some feedback first. Any comments welcome - positive or negative. Many thanks.

How do we overcome sinful habits?

Can we always overcome temptation or are there times when we just have to sin? This question is relevant to all of us because ...there is no one who does not sin... (1Kings 8:46) and ...everyone who sins is a slave to sin (John 8:34).[1]

However, when we confess our sins and receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ, ...we should no longer be slaves to sin (Romans 6:6).[2] Therefore, if we still have an alcohol or drug dependency, an addiction to pornography, or any other obsession, we should set ourselves free. How do we do this?

Characteristics of habitual sins

Habitual sins (also known as besetting sins) are characterised by never ending thoughts tempting us to do something wrong, along with cravings for things we should abhor. Unlike ‘normal’ temptations, no matter how hard we try, resistance will only give us temporary relief. This is because we have been trapped in some way. We need to do something more to set ourselves free.

Dealing with the habitual sin

Habitual sin need not bind us any further. We should keep asking God for forgiveness and keep receiving it by faith—even though we are likely to sin again in the same area. God tells us to continually forgive each other, so how much more will He forgive us?[3]

Habitual sin need not change our standing with God. The atonement Jesus provides enables us to become perfect in God’s sight. It offers more than forgiveness of sins. Jesus ...has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). When we ask God for forgiveness on the basis of Jesus’ atonement, we are not only counted as innocent, but we are also seen to be righteous[4]—it is just as if we had never sinned (like Jesus) and also as if we had overcome the temptation successfully (again like Jesus). For by one sacrifice he has made perfect for ever those who are being made holy (Hebrews 10:14).

We do not have to make up for any lost ground as we cannot be more perfect than we are already. We continue our fight from a place of victory...‘Everything is possible for one who believes’ (Mark 9:23).[5]

Dealing with the temptations

While we resist the temptations,[6] we should seek God, in faith, to find the reason why we have them and then what we should do about it.[7] It could be that Satan trapped us at a time when we were vulnerable,[8] but it could also be a related unconfessed or on-going sin that we still need to deal with. But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults (Psalm 19:12). If we identify a particular sin as the reason, we should note there could be an even deeper level of sin behind it.[9]

We may need help to get free so we should continue to fellowship in a church and be open to supernatural ministry— such as prophecy, word of knowledge and deliverance. Helping others, wherever we can, may bring about our own deliverance that much sooner.[10] Above all, we need to continue to trust God ...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).


Bible references: [1] Romans 3:9–10; Proverbs 29:6. [2] John 8:36; Romans 6:14. [3] Matthew 18:21–22. [4] Romans 4:25. [5] 2Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 2:6; Philippians 4:13. [6] 1Corinthians 10:13; James 4:7. [7] James 1:5–7. [8] Matthew 26:41; 1Peter 5:8–9. [9] Read carefully 2Samuel 24:1,10; Ecclesiastes 7:26; Romans 1:21–27. [10] Galatians 6:7–10; Proverbs 21:13. Bible quotations are taken from the New International Version. Further leaflets can be found on ***URL removed***

There is quite an array of resources on Catholic spirituality that addresses this issue.

The first thing is to begin with an examination of conscience, based upon the seven capital sins, to find our core sin, the one that we seem to return to over and over again. We must first be aware of this core sin, and then we can begin to attack it, with prayer and God's grace. Naturally, we would want to practice the opposing virtue to offset a vice. So, for example, pride. We would practise the virture of humility, asking God to grant us opportunities to be humbled over the course of the day. There are a number of means by which we can determine our progress. St. Ignatius of Loyola's "Spiritual Exercise" has a person committed to this effort actually conduct several examinations over the course of the day and physically record the moments we failed in humility and moments we were successful. You would be surprised how well this works over a month of time.

There is much written on these matters, but that would be a good start. St. Francis de Sales' "Introduction to the Devout Life" is a great resource for this - it is written to the lay person who desires to advance in the ways of God.

For many, a spiritual advisor may be in order to help resolve habitual sin.

Regards

 

[Doulos Iesou]

Dealing with the habitual sin

Habitual sin need not bind us any further. We should keep asking God for forgiveness and keep receiving it by faith—even though we are likely to sin again in the same area. God tells us to continually forgive each other, so how much more will He forgive us?[3]

Habitual sin need not change our standing with God. The atonement Jesus provides enables us to become perfect in God’s sight. It offers more than forgiveness of sins. Jesus ...has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). When we ask God for forgiveness on the basis of Jesus’ atonement, we are not only counted as innocent, but we are also seen to be righteous[4]—it is just as if we had never sinned (like Jesus) and also as if we had overcome the temptation successfully (again like Jesus). For by one sacrifice he has made perfect for ever those who are being made holy (Hebrews 10:14).

We do not have to make up for any lost ground as we cannot be more perfect than we are already. We continue our fight from a place of victory...‘Everything is possible for one who believes’ (Mark 9:23).[5]

Habitual sin is a major issue...

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, Hebrews 10:26

You cannot ignore the warnings of Scripture and quickly jump to the hope and assurance for someone who is deliberately and habitually sinning. Assurance is the last thing you should give someone stuck in habitual sin as that could lead them to conclude that they can continue in it!

While we resist the temptations,[6] we should seek God, in faith, to find the reason why we have them and then what we should do about it.[7] It could be that Satan trapped us at a time when we were vulnerable,[8] but it could also be a related unconfessed or on-going sin that we still need to deal with. But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults (Psalm 19:12). If we identify a particular sin as the reason, we should note there could be an even deeper level of sin behind it.[9]

We may need help to get free so we should continue to fellowship in a church and be open to supernatural ministry— such as prophecy, word of knowledge and deliverance. Helping others, wherever we can, may bring about our own deliverance that much sooner.[10] Above all, we need to continue to trust God ...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

The one who sins is a slave to sin... but he who the Son sets free is FREE INDEED. One must have an inner heart change by the Spirit, not just moral effort but they must encounter Jesus and be united with him, and so consider themselves dead to the law.. and thus dead to sin and alive to God.

If you're not talking about our death to the law and the way in which the believer now obeys in the way of the Spirit versus the written code.. then you're not going in the direction the Bible goes in regards to overcoming sin.

 

[childeye]

A good topic. The thing I've always wondered is, since God gave men over to the lusts of their flesh to become abominations because they did not esteem God as God, how does any sinner have any hope of not being an abomination unless God restores us? Romans 1:24
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

After coming to Christ a loathesome sinner, I am not sure how much of this sinfulness God removes. I believe it is based upon humility and upon the purity of forgiving others, not being judgmental etc... This is the only way I can see my flesh being crucified on a cross with Jesus.

 

[Doulos Iesou]

A good topic. The thing I've always wondered is, since God gave men over to the lusts of their flesh to become abominations because they did not esteem God as God, how does any sinner have any hope of not being an abomination unless God restores us? Romans 1:24
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

After coming to Christ a loathesome sinner, I am not sure how much of this sinfulness God removes. I believe it is based upon humility and upon the purity of forgiving others. This is the only way I can see my flesh crucified on a cross.

Pretty sure this would begin to get off topic.. moving on to issues of "free will" and "election." This thread is about the Christian overcoming habitual sin.

I think much it comes down to how you view Romans 7, at least that is basically how it is usually understood to be.

I think Jesus said that if we confess our sins.. he is faithful and just to not only forgive us our sins, but also to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. He forgives and then gives the power for us to sin no more. However.. the question then arises do Christians still sin, or how can a Christian still sin if this teaching is true?

Something to think about

 

[childeye]

A good topic. The thing I've always wondered is, since God gave men over to the lusts of their flesh to become abominations because they did not esteem God as God, how does any sinner have any hope of not being an abomination unless God restores us? Romans 1:24
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

After coming to Christ a loathesome sinner, I am not sure how much of this sinfulness God removes. I believe it is based upon humility and upon the purity of forgiving others. This is the only way I can see my flesh crucified on a cross.

Pretty sure this would begin to get off topic.. moving on to issues of "free will" and "election." This thread is about the Christian overcoming habitual sin.

I think much it comes down to how you view Romans 7, at least that is basically how it is usually understood to be.

I think Jesus said that if we confess our sins.. he is faithful and just to not only forgive us our sins, but also to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. He forgives and then gives the power for us to sin no more. However.. the question then arises do Christians still sin, or how can a Christian still sin if this teaching is true?

Something to think about

With all due respect. I think this is right on topic. Do we cherish our Lord and his work on the cross or not? Of course we confess we are sinners the minute we acknowledge the Christ who says, Forgive them Father for they know not what they do, that he has come to heal the sick, make the lame walk and the blind to see. But if we now believe we can simply will our way out of sin, then we worship the creation again over the Creator and trade God for a lie. Also we make Jesus a liar and his death a wasted effort. There is no justification nor sanctification according to the Word if we could simply will to not be sinners. Hence Hebrews 10:26 says, 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

So I say we do not sin willfully but because of weakness of the flesh, lack of empathy and ignorance, and this is knowledge of the Truth.

 

[Living Word Labels]

You cannot ignore the warnings of Scripture and quickly jump to the hope and assurance for someone who is deliberately and habitually sinning. Assurance is the last thing you should give someone stuck in habitual sin as that could lead them to conclude that they can continue in it!

The one who sins is a slave to sin... but he who the Son sets free is FREE INDEED. One must have an inner heart change by the Spirit, not just moral effort but they must encounter Jesus and be united with him, and so consider themselves dead to the law.. and thus dead to sin and alive to God.

Thanks Doulos Iesou, childeye for your comments. I know people who desperately do not want to sin, yet from time to time fall into a weakness with alcohol or pornography. Some then go into a terrible depression with guilt and shame which they then have to drag themselves out of. Although there is no getting round the sin, I don't feel it is the same as wilfully sinning.

 

[John 8:32]

A good topic. The thing I've always wondered is, since God gave men over to the lusts of their flesh to become abominations because they did not esteem God as God, how does any sinner have any hope of not being an abomination unless God restores us? Romans 1:24
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

After coming to Christ a loathesome sinner, I am not sure how much of this sinfulness God removes. I believe it is based upon humility and upon the purity of forgiving others, not being judgmental etc... This is the only way I can see my flesh being crucified on a cross with Jesus.

He removes every bit of your guilt, upon repentance.

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Upon the receipt of the Holy Spirit, we are converted.

Mar 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

Our sins are forgiven upon repentance and conversion.

This is why we go to God EVERY day in prayer and ask...

Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And everyday, upon praying for forgiveness, our sins are forgiven...

Col 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Here is a good explanation of Col 2:14 by Dr. Robert Thiel...

What Does Colossians 2:14 Really Say?

It is of interest to note that the expression "the handwriting of requirements" is a Greek legal term that signifies the penalty which a lawbreaker had to pay--through Jesus the penalty was wiped out ("the handwriting of requirements"), not the law! "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them" (Heb 10:16).

Even Protestant commentators realize this. Notice what Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible states about Colossians 2:14:

Whatever was in force against us is taken out of the way. He has obtained for us a legal discharge from the hand-writing of ordinances, which was against us (v. 14), which may be understood,

1. Of that obligation to punishment in which consists the guilt of sin. The curse of the law is the hand-writing against us, like the hand-writing on Belshazzar's wall. Cursed is every one who continues not in every thing. This was a hand-writing which was against us, and contrary to us; for it threatened our eternal ruin. This was removed when he redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, Gal 3:13. (from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.).

Some will argue that you still cannot keep the ten commandments (for "all have sinned"), even if they are all mentioned as being in effect after the crucifixion. Does this mean one should not try?

Furthermore, let's look at another translation:

14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross (Colossians 2:14, NASB)

The handwriting of requirements (often also called the hand-writing of ordinances) or certificate of debt was wiped away and nailed to the cross.

Which requirements were wiped out?

Please understand that the expression "the handwriting of requirements" (cheirógrafon toís dógmasin) is a Greek legal expression that signifies the penalty which a lawbreaker had to pay--it does not signify the laws that are to be obeyed--only the penalty. It is only through the acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that the penalty was wiped out ("the handwriting of requirements"). But only the penalty, not the law!

More here...

http://www.cogwriter.com/tenc.htm

 

[Danus]

Looking over it I don't see any obvious hard theological error. Scripture use is decent. Commentary is a little broad but adequate. One thing you might want to do is consider your target audience a little more. As you have it, it's broad. Nothing wrong with that, but consider how someone who is in the thick of an addiction vs someone who seems to have more self control might read it.

One of the worse seeds we can plant in spreading the Gospel is the idea that we are adequate for salvation, or that we are too inadequate for salvation. Neither are true. Another thing that I think is not appropriate is making the Gospel out to be some sort of self help program. I don't think you've done that, but I'd watch using any language that points to the person doing something to gain something from the person of Christ. Rather, our salvation should be Christ and Christ alone. The acceptance of this by anyone is within them by Christ. In other words, I'm not a fan of; "Come to Jesus and cure your addictions". Again, I don't see that as your message but it's gets close that that line without crossing it in the beginning.

What I liked the most, was your commentary on hidden sins. I thought that was very poignant and well placed towards the end. It started off shaky but ended very well. Consider if you can pack a more powerful punch with a message of acceptance in the lead-in.

Here is a thought. Often times people suffering addiction will say they want to be rid of it. Part of them is saying that, but part of them is not. They often hide that part of them that desires the willful sin. It's difficult to know if someone truly wants to rid themselves of some sort of adduction or not. Consider what Christ asked the man at the pool of Bethesda.

John 5:1-6 (NIV) 5 Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. [4] version reference] 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

This is an important aspect of Salvation and healing. That very question is ultimately a rhetorical one. DO YOU WANT TO GET WELL? This is not an easy question for anyone suffering addiction to answer. In many ways yes, but in many was no. They have to confront the part of them that does not want to get well, know that it is part of their own sinfulness, and not blame it on something else. Only then can they take up their mat and walk. This is figurative to being saved. They must desire it, and I do think that Christ can help with that desire, but without the desire there is no healing, no salvation.

 

[Living Word Labels]

Great feedback Danus. Very useful remarks indeed. Will think over them and see about working them in somehow.

 

[berk60]

I agree with the question asked in John 5:5 as well. Do you want to get well? We all have these stumbling stones of sin in our life but if we want to get well then the Holy Spirit can help. We also have a responsibility in working with Jesus on this. Romans 13:14 "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts."
I find if a temptation is coming my way then I need to make every effort to avoid the things that fuel it. This may mean getting rid of something in my house or switching the channel on the TV or telling someone in a nice way that you would rather not be told something in confidence if it's about someone else. Whatever the temptation we need to take steps. You know what I mean?
I also throughout the day go to Jesus in prayer for support with thanksgiving because I know He is faithful. That's where our strength comes from, it's in the prayer because God is faithful to help us. Jesus was tempted in all ways and we are told we will not be tempted in anything that is common to man. With the temptation God will provide an escape. The question is, do you want to be healed.

 

[childeye]

A good topic. The thing I've always wondered is, since God gave men over to the lusts of their flesh to become abominations because they did not esteem God as God, how does any sinner have any hope of not being an abomination unless God restores us? Romans 1:24
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

After coming to Christ a loathesome sinner, I am not sure how much of this sinfulness God removes. I believe it is based upon humility and upon the purity of forgiving others, not being judgmental etc... This is the only way I can see my flesh being crucified on a cross with Jesus.

He removes every bit of your guilt, upon repentance.

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Upon the receipt of the Holy Spirit, we are converted.

Mar 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

Our sins are forgiven upon repentance and conversion.

This is why we go to God EVERY day in prayer and ask...

Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And everyday, upon praying for forgiveness, our sins are forgiven...

Col 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Here is a good explanation of Col 2:14 by Dr. Robert Thiel...

What Does Colossians 2:14 Really Say?

It is of interest to note that the expression "the handwriting of requirements" is a Greek legal term that signifies the penalty which a lawbreaker had to pay--through Jesus the penalty was wiped out ("the handwriting of requirements"), not the law! "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them" (Heb 10:16).

Even Protestant commentators realize this. Notice what Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible states about Colossians 2:14:

Whatever was in force against us is taken out of the way. He has obtained for us a legal discharge from the hand-writing of ordinances, which was against us (v. 14), which may be understood,

1. Of that obligation to punishment in which consists the guilt of sin. The curse of the law is the hand-writing against us, like the hand-writing on Belshazzar's wall. Cursed is every one who continues not in every thing. This was a hand-writing which was against us, and contrary to us; for it threatened our eternal ruin. This was removed when he redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, Gal 3:13. (from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.).

Some will argue that you still cannot keep the ten commandments (for "all have sinned"), even if they are all mentioned as being in effect after the crucifixion. Does this mean one should not try?

Furthermore, let's look at another translation:

14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross (Colossians 2:14, NASB)

The handwriting of requirements (often also called the hand-writing of ordinances) or certificate of debt was wiped away and nailed to the cross.

Which requirements were wiped out?

Please understand that the expression "the handwriting of requirements" (cheirógrafon toís dógmasin) is a Greek legal expression that signifies the penalty which a lawbreaker had to pay--it does not signify the laws that are to be obeyed--only the penalty. It is only through the acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that the penalty was wiped out ("the handwriting of requirements"). But only the penalty, not the law!

More here...

http://www.cogwriter.com/tenc.htm

Thanks for your response. It seems like you are the only one who had the Love necessary to try and address my concerns. However, with no offense intended, you have not actually addressed them that I am able to perceive. Please describe conversion, baptism in the Word. I just don't believe Jesus is a second chance without fixing what went wrong the first time.

Take guilt for instance. I didn't get rid of guilt till I understood what I was guilty of. I could not be sincerely sorry for that which I didn't see that I had done. Nor could I understand how another man's blood could wash away my guilt. It took many many years of instruction by the Holy Spirit to find all this out. The forgivness may have come instantly upon believing that Jesus was the True Image of God. But the understanding of why I was forgiven and how Grace through faith worked as the means, took a long time to get. What you are missing is, why did men not esteem God as God? What is the source of the vanity which was first seen in Satan which begat iniquity which begat sin? To simply say Satan chose to rebel is the same as saying he did it because he could. That does not answer the questions, nor does it fix the problem.

 

[childeye]

You cannot ignore the warnings of Scripture and quickly jump to the hope and assurance for someone who is deliberately and habitually sinning. Assurance is the last thing you should give someone stuck in habitual sin as that could lead them to conclude that they can continue in it!

The one who sins is a slave to sin... but he who the Son sets free is FREE INDEED. One must have an inner heart change by the Spirit, not just moral effort but they must encounter Jesus and be united with him, and so consider themselves dead to the law.. and thus dead to sin and alive to God.

Thanks Doulos Iesou, childeye for your comments. I know people who desperately do not want to sin, yet from time to time fall into a weakness with alcohol or pornography. Some then go into a terrible depression with guilt and shame which they then have to drag themselves out of. Although there is no getting round the sin, I don't feel it is the same as wilfully sinning.

It isn't willfully sinning. There is a cause and reason for mercy and pity. Without learning this, the guilt and consequently the blame still exist even though God has forgiven. Danus said very good things as usual, but for the sake of truth I would tell one who is addicted that God Himself is an addiction, as in a hunger for righteousness. The revelation of His Spirit is the highest of highs. Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness, for they shall be filled by the food that is the flesh and blood of Jesus. People must learn what this means. So as to say, if you do not discuss why men did not esteem God as God per Romans 1, I don't see how you can adequately address sinfulness. It's like trying to wash your clothes with dirty water.

 

[Living Word Labels]

It isn't willfully sinning. There is a cause and reason for mercy and pity. Without learning this, the guilt and consequently the blame still exist even though God has forgiven.

Thanks childeye. I wasn't ignoring your other remarks. It is just that John8:32 wrote something pretty deep and I didn't feel all that competent to add anything to it. I was letting the others do that!

Regarding your above remark I'm not sure I'm comfortable with saying there is a cause and reason for mercy and pity - unless of course you mean Jesus dying on the cross.

 

[childeye]

It isn't willfully sinning. There is a cause and reason for mercy and pity. Without learning this, the guilt and consequently the blame still exist even though God has forgiven.

Thanks childeye. I wasn't ignoring your other remarks. It is just that John8:32 wrote something pretty deep and I didn't feel all that competent to add anything to it. I was letting the others do that!

Regarding your above remark I'm not sure I'm comfortable with saying there is a cause and reason for mercy and pity - unless of course you mean Jesus dying on the cross.

Eternal Love is the reason and cause and purpose of all things including mercy and pity. We watch Jesus subject himself to brutality, humiliation, taunting, being stripped naked, and a slow torturous death. Then we hear him say, "forgive them Father for they know not what they do". Is he lying?

Yes John 8:32 said some very good things. However have you read my response to John 8:32?

 

[childeye]

Colossians 2:11

King James Version (KJV)

11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Galatians 5:24

King James Version (KJV)

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.


How does Christ circumcise us? How do we crucify ourselves? What is the circumcision of the heart, and how do I carry my cross? For that is how we overcome sin. Please read the following post.

 

[childeye]

Oh you beautiful and Loving people of God.
Thank you for all of your wonderful responses, full of insight and gifted wisdom. I think all of your answers are full of Truth. And before any thought that I am practicing flattery enters the air, I would like to show you why I say that you are all full of Truth and why I posed the two questions.

If you recall I had asked of what am I guilty of? And how does the blood of Jesus cleanse my conscience?

Both of these questions are closely related. For if I do not know what I did wrong, there can be no sincere sorrow. There can be no getting right before God. For if He asked me what I am sorry for and I cannot tell Him, then I am still estranged and my apology is invalid. Nor is there any true repentance. Shall I say I am sorry for disobeying Him? Well of course I am sorry now. For now we are forced out of the garden and face death. So it seems to me to now say I am sorry for disobeying God, is a shallow and self-serving sorrow. So it is that I have seen that mankind while innocent in the Garden, did fall prey to Satan's cunning and subtle slander. And that in the very moment they considered that God was a god that would lie to us and keep us down so as to lift himself up, their hearts and minds were experiencing distrust for the very first time. And the Loving Image of our Loving and Holy Father was questioned as a falsehood. And so also we read in Romans 1 where men had traded the Truth for a lie and that when we knew God we did not esteem Him as God and likened Him to corruptible man, even though all that was good in us was His Spirit. We thought ourselves wise rather than thanking Him, and in such vanity we became estranged from God. And since men did not esteem God as God, He gave us over to the lusts of our flesh to prove that He was that Spirit that kept us from becoming abominations. Now I know the very seed and root of the black thing that sits upon my conscience. I would beat myself to death if only I could take back the pain of betrayal that I had handed my Loving God who is Jealous for me. I do know what I am sorry for. I am sorry that I ever even considered that He would have anything but my best interests at heart always. I am sorry that I was unthankful in not acknowledging that He is the Spirit of Love that is my only goodness.

Now for the second question, How does the blood of Jesus cleanse my guilty conscience? How does someone elses paying for my sin make my guilt go away?

The answer is a bit more complex. If you recall, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil which were first sown in the Garden of Eden. Jesus also came to destroy that enmity that was between man and God. For this is the work of the devil as can be seen in many scriptures. Such as Job where on one hand he tempts and the other he accuses. And in Revelations where it is said he makes accusation continually before God, while he is also the temptor of men through the weakness of flesh. But Satan is a liar and consequently a hypocrite as he questions those things built upon faith. Therefore his kingdom is built upon doubt and as he tempts and accuses, like a bookie he plays both ends against the middle unto his profit while he demeans both man and God in Whose Image we are made.

Now some may not like what I say here, but I believe the law was a trap for Satan and that which is vanity. For we know the law was administered by angels. As the guardian Cherub the devil could have the keys to hell and the power of death. So I believe he usurped the law to accuse and to tempt and that he is a self-righteous legalist. He thinks men are to serve the law rather than the law serve men. And he loathes all those less gifted than himself without any pity for that which is flesh. But when the time was right, God sent His Word made flesh. And because Satan did not comprehend mercy, he did not see his own demise in crucifying this man according to the law. The scriptures that back this up are many. Satan entered into Judas, and the vineyard keepers saw the son and thought they could get his inheritance. Quite telling is that he nailed to the cross the ordinances that were against us and made a spectacle of Principalities and powers. But my favorite is in Revelations where it is said that Jesus was caught up to heaven and men overcame Satan by the blood of the lamb and by their testimony. What I mean to point out is that the cross was meant to defeat Satan and his works. And so indeed it was Satan being the guardian Cherub, who used the law to crucify the innocent, even the very son of God to promote himself. I don't think he saw it coming when Jesus said, "forgive them Father for they know not what they do", and "My God, My God why have you forsaken me?" And after all this was witnessed in heaven, war broke out in heaven and Satan was cast out. So it is that Satan was made a spectacle of and by his own hand he was shown to be a merciless self righteous overzealous prosecutor. Again my point is to say that the cross is what was Satan's demise and also that which is seen as vanity.

Okay. Now when I first heard the Gospel (Christ crucified) I believed that I had seen a Love that transcended all that is comprehensible. And I wondered whether Jesus meant it when he said, "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do". It took me most of my life to finally believe it. For I saw that at the beginning of man's fall, it was an innocent mankind that had been duped by a creature far more cunning. I found pity for Adam who like a virgin, he had to lose his innocence to see what it was that he had lost. And I also found that as I believed this, I began to forgive everyone for everything, since to condemn anyone, only revealed that I myself was believing that Adam and Eve, as well as all sinners including myself, meant to slander God on purpose. And therefore I myself was still subconsciously to some degree, giving credence to the original assertion that God was an untrustworthy and unholy god. And that also in my blind vanity, I was not seeing that God is our goodness since I faulted others for not being good. And that is my testimony how I was finally able to have a cleansed conscience and find the reason to forgive. For how much I forgive others all that I suffer in this world, is also how sorry I am for ever distrusting the One True and Holy God Who has ever loved me always. Who gave His only son to save me. Whose Spirit is my goodness and compassion. That is how I believe my heart was circumcised by the Spirit that testifies to the Christ. That is how I believe my flesh is crucified on the cross with Jesus. And that is how I believe we overcome Satan by the blood of Christ and by our testimony.

I say this because at the heart of all division, including on this forum, is the spirit of Satan playing the ends against the middle. And it becomes apparrant in our theology when at the end of our reasoning we think we must blame either God or mankind for what happened, when in fact it was neither. It was simply Satan playing both ends against the middle. If we blame either way it is the spirit of Satan with which we do it. So I hope you see, that all of you are right, from whatever unique direction you approach the cross, whatever distance you are away, whatever stage of belief you are in, and I am not patronizing any of you.
Titus 1:15

King James Version (KJV)

15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.