Idolatry is the cause of ALL sin!

[M30USA]

I just had a profound revelation regarding idolatry. For those of you who don't know what idolatry means, biblically, it's when you place anything or anyone above the Lord in value. It can be another "god", another human, or even inanimate objects or hobbies.

 

I contend that ALL sin is the direct result of idolatry. When we place anything above God, inevitably sin will follow. For example, if we desire to own something which belongs to someone else and this desire exceeds God as our top priority, we will commit the sin of stealing. If we desire another man's wife as our top priority over God, we will commit adultery. Also, false accusations (bearing false witness) is the direct result of desiring to gain a particular outcome for our benefit more than we desire to please God and live righteously.

 

You will notice the first commandment is about loving/worshipping God first. All other commandments are related and connected to this first commandment.

 

When I think about sin now, I don't think of it in terms of "good and evil". I now view sin as merely something which obstructs my relationship with the Lord. I have noticed many times that my prayer life and walk with God gets ruined if I continue to engage in sin. The devil would always have me think in terms of "good and bad". But that is missing the point. It doesn't matter if something is good or bad, the only thing that matters is how it affects my walk with God. (And it just so happens that most things which our gut tells us ARE bad...DO hamper our walk with God...and that Satan was just playing deceptive games with us.)

 

I believe that if we truly loved God first and foremost, we would not sin. The logical conclusion to this is that we do not love God first and foremost. In order to correct this, we should not try to tackle sins individually, but rather spend our time willfully, intentionally, and decidedly placing God first.

[TheFinalWord]

I believe that if we truly loved God first and foremost, we would not sin. The logical conclusion to this is that we do not love God first and foremost. In order to correct this, we should not try to tackle sins individually, but rather spend our time willfully, intentionally, and decidedly placing God first.

 

"Shema Yisrael"

 

It's the first and greatest commandment. The second is equally important

 

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

 

Not until someone knows what it means to love God with their entire being, will the doctrine of Grace make sense...

 

Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

[todreaminblue]

I just had a profound revelation regarding idolatry. For those of you who don't know what idolatry means, biblically, it's when you place anything or anyone above the Lord in value. It can be another "god", another human, or even inanimate objects or hobbies.

 

I contend that ALL sin is the direct result of idolatry. When we place anything above God, inevitably sin will follow. For example, if we desire to own something which belongs to someone else and this desire exceeds God as our top priority, we will commit the sin of stealing. If we desire another man's wife as our top priority over God, we will commit adultery. Also, false accusations (bearing false witness) is the direct result of desiring to gain a particular outcome for our benefit more than we desire to please God and live righteously.

 

You will notice the first commandment is about loving/worshipping God first. All other commandments are related and connected to this first commandment.

 

When I think about sin now, I don't think of it in terms of "good and evil". I now view sin as merely something which obstructs my relationship with the Lord. I have noticed many times that my prayer life and walk with God gets ruined if I continue to engage in sin. The devil would always have me think in terms of "good and bad". But that is missing the point. It doesn't matter if something is good or bad, the only thing that matters is how it affects my walk with God. (And it just so happens that most things which our gut tells us ARE bad...DO hamper our walk with God...and that Satan was just playing deceptive games with us.)

 

I believe that if we truly loved God first and foremost, we would not sin. The logical conclusion to this is that we do not love God first and foremost. In order to correct this, we should not try to tackle sins individually, but rather spend our time willfully, intentionally, and decidedly placing God first.

 

 

I feel we commit sins because we are imperfect...doesnt mean to me i think less of god if i sin and i have sinned badly..........i think less of myself and that is evident by me defiling what god gave me yes.......but i am truthful when i ask for forgiveness.....when i have asked for forgiveness....i continue to ask to be forgiven........and i accept and own, that it was my choice to sin...deb

[TheFinalWord]

I feel we commit sins because we are imperfect...doesnt mean to me i think less of god if i sin and i have sinned badly..........i think less of myself and that is evident by me defiling what god gave me yes.......but i am truthful when i ask for forgiveness.....when i have asked for forgiveness....i continue to ask to be forgiven........and i accept and own, that it was my choice to sin...deb

 

Off topic, but just wanted to say hi Blue Hope all is well in your life

 

I wanted to tell you that God has a special place in his heart for you. :love:

[todreaminblue]

Off topic, but just wanted to say hi Blue Hope all is well in your life

 

I wanted to tell you that God has a special place in his heart for you. :love:

 

 

 

i am well thank you final.......((((hugs to ya)))))....thank you for that thought about gods heart you wrote for me..he has a huge heart and i am sure of few things in my life, but i am sure fo my place there in that huge heart ..i am glad he is a loving father who forgives through his son and the sacrifice made for one sinner such as me.....or i wouldnt be there at all..what a blessing.....ill work for it to keep those thoughts, always a work in progress.......smilin atcha...debxo

[pureinheart]

Hey ya'll,

 

Thought this would be fitting ...

 

Jeremiah 17 NIV

 

Jeremiah 17 >>

New International Version

 

1“Judah’s sin is engraved with an iron tool,

inscribed with a flint point,

on the tablets of their hearts

and on the horns of their altars.

2Even their children remember

their altars and Asherah poles

beside the spreading trees

and on the high hills.

3My mountain in the land

and your wealth and all your treasures

I will give away as plunder,

together with your high places,

because of sin throughout your country.

4Through your own fault you will lose

the inheritance I gave you.

I will enslave you to your enemies

in a land you do not know,

for you have kindled my anger,

and it will burn forever.”

 

 

5This is what the Lord says:

 

“Cursed is the one who trusts in man,

who draws strength from mere flesh

and whose heart turns away from the Lord.

6That person will be like a bush in the wastelands;

they will not see prosperity when it comes.

They will dwell in the parched places of the desert,

in a salt land where no one lives.

 

 

7“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,

whose confidence is in him.

8They will be like a tree planted by the water

that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

and never fails to bear fruit.”

 

 

9The heart is deceitful above all things

and beyond cure.

Who can understand it?

 

 

10“I the Lord search the heart

and examine the mind,

to reward each person according to their conduct,

according to what their deeds deserve.”

 

 

11Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay

are those who gain riches by unjust means.

When their lives are half gone, their riches will desert them,

and in the end they will prove to be fools.

 

 

12A glorious throne, exalted from the beginning,

is the place of our sanctuary.

13Lord, you are the hope of Israel;

all who forsake you will be put to shame.

Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust

because they have forsaken the Lord,

the spring of living water.

 

 

14Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;

save me and I will be saved,

for you are the one I praise.

15They keep saying to me,

“Where is the word of the Lord?

Let it now be fulfilled!”

16I have not run away from being your shepherd;

you know I have not desired the day of despair.

What passes my lips is open before you.

17Do not be a terror to me;

you are my refuge in the day of disaster.

18Let my persecutors be put to shame,

but keep me from shame;

let them be terrified,

but keep me from terror.

Bring on them the day of disaster;

destroy them with double destruction.

 

 

Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy

 

19This is what the Lord said to me: “Go and stand at the Gate of the People,[sIZE=2]c[/sIZE] through which the kings of Judah go in and out; stand also at all the other gates of Jerusalem. 20Say to them, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, you kings of Judah and all people of Judah and everyone living in Jerusalem who come through these gates. 21This is what the Lord says: Be careful not to carry a load on the Sabbath day or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem. 22Do not bring a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath, but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your ancestors. 23Yet they did not listen or pay attention; they were stiff-necked and would not listen or respond to discipline. 24But if you are careful to obey me, declares the Lord, and bring no load through the gates of this city on the Sabbath, but keep the Sabbath day holy by not doing any work on it, 25then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this city with their officials. They and their officials will come riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by the men of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, and this city will be inhabited forever. 26People will come from the towns of Judah and the villages around Jerusalem, from the territory of Benjamin and the western foothills, from the hill country and the Negev, bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices, grain offerings and incense, and bringing thank offerings to the house of the Lord. 27But if you do not obey me to keep the Sabbath day holy by not carrying any load as you come through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle an unquenchable fire in the gates of Jerusalem that will consume her fortresses.’ ”

Edited May 21, 2013 by pureinheart

[pureinheart]

Also....

 

Romans 7 >>

New American Standard BibleNASB Texts:

NASB 77 / NASB 95 / Strong's

Believers United to Christ

 

1Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? 2For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. 3So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man.

4Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. 6But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.

7What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.” 8But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. 9I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died; 10and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; 11for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

13Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful.

 

The Conflict of Two Natures

14For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. 16But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. 17So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 18For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.

21I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 24Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.

[pureinheart]

God judges the heart, and His ways are not ours. He knows the exact nature concerning our sin, He knows that we are weak. He knows the motive behind the motive.

 

M30, would you mind if I rant a bit- this has to do with sinning and not realising it.

 

My daughter told me that her dad had been in contact with a girl from HS. He went to her state last week- she payed for the plane ticket (so typical of him). Now she's selling everything and going to move in with him here.

 

I don't really respect him because I know the player he can be, but that isn't the point. I was angry and asked myself why. I'm angry because he's fake and comes off so sincere.

 

Then I realised another reason for my anger. He gets to live in the world and I don't. Then sound reasoning takes over and I wouldn't want to live in the world, I've got the chance, anytime I want, but don't choose it. I want what's real.

 

Then asking, these feelings of anger are weird, do I still have feelings for him...yes, anger...it's not that thin line between love and hate at all.

 

It's anger from constant past abuse, the fact that I was so blind. there's much more, but will leave it at that.

 

So as you can see with just this little snippet, I sin ALL of the time, in so many ways- but God knows my heart, He knows the abuse, He knows I can't be perfect.

 

There's a lot of sin in my words/feelings, but now this can be reconsiled because it is no longer concealed. Now it can be released to the Throne.

 

I'm a bit lost in how to reply to OP for the simple fact that we will never overcome all sin in the flesh and that when God sees us through Jesus He doesn't see the sin. Is this meant to say that one should not try their hardest, by no means no as we can do all things through Christ.

[pureinheart]

I feel we commit sins because we are imperfect...doesnt mean to me i think less of god if i sin and i have sinned badly..........i think less of myself and that is evident by me defiling what god gave me yes.......but i am truthful when i ask for forgiveness.....when i have asked for forgiveness....i continue to ask to be forgiven........and i accept and own, that it was my choice to sin...deb

 

Hey Deb,

 

I'm the type that goes one step forward and three steps back. I look at other peoples lives, knowing they don't sin like I do, and wonder why I can't be like them.

 

It seems ridiculous at times for me to ask for forgiveness because I'm just going to sin, well, usually in the next minute or so.

 

I did one thing right, and that was to ask Jesus into my heart- He is my God, Lord and Savior...lol...chances are, I didn't even do that. When I accepted Jesus- I was laying on an operating table and as they were putting me out (which takes 1-4 seconds) a nurse came in saying a friend called and told me to tell you that Jesus loves you. I woke up saved, so as you can see by the timing of that, it was God ordained.

 

I can't live that perfect Christian life, and man does that devil love it that I can't and reminds me of it daily...well devil keep reminding me of my past, while I remind you of your future:)

 

M30, I'm not trying to discount OP, and I love it when people and preachers do bring up the sin factor, as I forget...a lot...

 

Sin is a big point of frustation in my world...dudes, and dudettes, am rambling again, so night night:)

[todreaminblue]

Hey Deb,

 

I'm the type that goes one step forward and three steps back. I look at other peoples lives, knowing they don't sin like I do, and wonder why I can't be like them.

 

It seems ridiculous at times for me to ask for forgiveness because I'm just going to sin, well, usually in the next minute or so.

 

I did one thing right, and that was to ask Jesus into my heart- He is my God, Lord and Savior...lol...chances are, I didn't even do that. When I accepted Jesus- I was laying on an operating table and as they were putting me out (which takes 1-4 seconds) a nurse came in saying a friend called and told me to tell you that Jesus loves you. I woke up saved, so as you can see by the timing of that, it was God ordained.

 

I can't live that perfect Christian life, and man does that devil love it that I can't and reminds me of it daily...well devil keep reminding me of my past, while I remind you of your future:)

 

M30, I'm not trying to discount OP, and I love it when people and preachers do bring up the sin factor, as I forget...a lot...

 

Sin is a big point of frustation in my world...dudes, and dudettes, am rambling again, so night night:)

 

 

 

Hey pureinheart,(((hugs))))

 

I get what you are saying totally,i believe in imperfection and those imperfect things we do and say, happen so we can be perfected...its all growth, you live and you learn , as far as sin goes,i feel when you recognize it and ask for forgiveness.....and truly mean it you will be forgiven,i dotn mean like putting kittens in a blender sinning....but i mean the sins of good and righteous people people......the sins we all have........

 

 

on judgement day ill face what i need to face and hope against my hopes I have done enough to show my heart here in the world....

 

I am so glad to be forgiven and that god knows my heart, he gave it to me and i am going to respect that, try not to make him sad or the most dreaded thing for a daughter of god,to have a disappointed father.....i think even more horrible a though is a disappointed god....who gave so much......and cries tears up above when we sin......so when i ask for forgiveness i mean it......i always enjoys your posts.....and your faith is heart warming to read....i wish you love and light........and a huge hug from me to you...your loveshack friend deb

[Feelin Frisky]

The flagging Roman Empire had the realization that they could wield more power with idolatry than with the sword and lash. They therefore co-opted the new religion of Christendom and made Jesus into a "golden calf". Instead of plundering people of their goods with cruelty, they got them to hand them over to the church for nothing but the wave of a hand and some mumbo jumbo translating into some promise of greater wealth in the bull crap after life. All that wealth the wormed out of the poor went into luxuries that the gang of sanctified BS artists surrounded themselves with--using the confessional as the intelligence-gathering arm of the Mafiosi as to who has what and why. It's all a con. Then some protestants broke away and instead of reflecting the con game presumed that their interpretations were closer to what Jesus was really all about. Perhaps they were right, but invariably the whole thing turns into just a differing degree of idolatry where people vilify others who don't observe the same idols. The real Jesus looked like Ferrengi. It shouldn't have mattered if he did because it's the value system that matters, not the image. At least Islam kinda gets that part right. But religion absorbs a lot of crazy people who just want to subjugate others

[pureinheart]

Hey pureinheart,(((hugs))))

 

I get what you are saying totally,i believe in imperfection and those imperfect things we do and say, happen so we can be perfected...its all growth, you live and you learn , as far as sin goes,i feel when you recognize it and ask for forgiveness.....and truly mean it you will be forgiven,i dotn mean like putting kittens in a blender sinning....but i mean the sins of good and righteous people people......the sins we all have........

 

 

on judgement day ill face what i need to face and hope against my hopes I have done enough to show my heart here in the world....

 

I am so glad to be forgiven and that god knows my heart, he gave it to me and i am going to respect that, try not to make him sad or the most dreaded thing for a daughter of god,to have a disappointed father.....i think even more horrible a though is a disappointed god....who gave so much......and cries tears up above when we sin......so when i ask for forgiveness i mean it......i always enjoys your posts.....and your faith is heart warming to read....i wish you love and light........and a huge hug from me to you...your loveshack friend deb

 

Backatcha Deb! Having a good idea you face some of the same challenges as I, it's not easy and God knows it.

 

You know Deb, after going through some writings from 2000-2002, I wonder what happened to me???? It's like there's this wall of trauma, sin or both that has rendered me incapable of reaching those deep spiritual levels I once lived. It's very frustrating, but thanks to you guys and your patience, there's a freedom to vent.

 

Deb, I'm battling jealousy right now...man, I know sin is sin to God, but this feels like "the big one". Concerning OP this could be an idol, but it's something I hate...just can't stand jealousy.

 

I'm jealous and angry (still) concerning my ex. Every gf, wife, whatever has tried to covet my daughter (his daughter too)...his sister even tried. Now this new gf, that he's been in contact with for probably the sum of a couple of weeks is already living with him. My daughter tells me how cool she is, which let's me know the minute she got into town he's pushing his latest relationship on my daughter.

 

I know this is childish- big time, and there is much more to this, but just wanted to vent, while at the same time illustrating how easy it can be to sin. Now it's not to say that mixed in with this sin, there aren't some valid points, BUT, I have got to let this go, let him go and release him from my unforgiveness.

 

Love ya Deb!

[pureinheart]

The flagging Roman Empire had the realization that they could wield more power with idolatry than with the sword and lash. They therefore co-opted the new religion of Christendom and made Jesus into a "golden calf". Instead of plundering people of their goods with cruelty, they got them to hand them over to the church for nothing but the wave of a hand and some mumbo jumbo translating into some promise of greater wealth in the bull crap after life. All that wealth the wormed out of the poor went into luxuries that the gang of sanctified BS artists surrounded themselves with--using the confessional as the intelligence-gathering arm of the Mafiosi as to who has what and why. It's all a con. Then some protestants broke away and instead of reflecting the con game presumed that their interpretations were closer to what Jesus was really all about. Perhaps they were right, but invariably the whole thing turns into just a differing degree of idolatry where people vilify others who don't observe the same idols. The real Jesus looked like Ferrengi. It shouldn't have mattered if he did because it's the value system that matters, not the image. At least Islam kinda gets that part right. But religion absorbs a lot of crazy people who just want to subjugate others

 

Frisky, this is quite profound. In watching a movie, that was well documented. The Roman Empire adopted Christianity as "the law of the land", forcing the people to convert or die basically. Those that did not convert were either murdered or excommunicated from society...this was my understanding of the movie anyway.

 

Once again we have people taking the name of God in vain. Using it to gain power for "man". Using Gods power in a very incorrect form:(

[El Brujo]

I think the way we put our laws on a pedestal and worship them as if they were divinely authored is idolatrous. This is something on which my deeply religious aunt and I solidly agree on.

[Robert Z]

I believe that if we truly loved God first and foremost, we would not sin.

 

This assumes that you could be perfect. According to the bible, even Jesus wasn't perfect.

 

This is the classic Catholic guilt trap. I lived according to this line of thinking for a good part of my young life. It compels a person to unrealistic expectations. You can never be happy because you will always feel that you don't love God enough, and that's your fault. You will see inherent human weakness as a failure, when it is just you being human.

 

It could be argued to be a form of delusions of grandeur. You can't be God. Part of being human is accepting that we have limitations. To constantly strive to improve is fine.

 

To blame yourself for not being perfect is mentally unhealthy.

[pie2]

You can't be God. Part of being human is accepting that we have limitations. To constantly strive to improve is fine.

 

So true, Robert!

 

I agree with M30 in that sin is a separation from God, a lack of faith, and basically not showing God the love he deserves. By not sinning, we could be perfect and get to heaven...but no one's ever been able to do it (minus Jesus, of course )!

[Robert Z]

So true, Robert!

 

I agree with M30 in that sin is a separation from God, a lack of faith, and basically not showing God the love he deserves. By not sinning, we could be perfect and get to heaven...but no one's ever been able to do it (minus Jesus, of course )!

 

Why have you forsaken me?

 

... ie. even Jesus had his moments, according to the bible.

Edited May 24, 2013 by Robert Z

[pie2]

Why have you forsaken me?

 

lol....Never!!!

 

... ie. even Jesus had his moments, according to the bible.

 

I think most Christians would disagree.

 

If he were just your average 'great moral teacher' (with a few off moments), he just wouldn't be as special; there have been lots of those.

[Robert Z]

lol....Never!!!

 

 

 

I think most Christians would disagree.

 

If he were just your average 'great moral teacher' (with a few off moments), he just wouldn't be as special; there have been lots of those.

 

I was quoting from the bible. I don't understand your point. Even he lost faith for a short time.

[pie2]

I was quoting from the bible. I don't understand your point. Even he lost faith for a short time.

 

LOL! Ok, I get it now. I thought that you thought that...well, nevermind! lol

 

Why have you forsaken me?

 

Yes, that is absolutely the saddest verse in the whole bible, to me. I think it can also be translated "abandoned"? Although maybe Jesus felt lost at that moment, he was still acting according to God's will, and had faith enough to follow through with his part of the bargain. That's amazing to me .

 

Asking God a question about his plan while following through with God's will (despite any confusion on our part) doesn't seem like sin, imo.

 

Like Job. Didn't he ask "why me?" all the time? Yet God knew he was blameless.

[pureinheart]

This assumes that you could be perfect. According to the bible, even Jesus wasn't perfect.

 

This is the classic Catholic guilt trap. I lived according to this line of thinking for a good part of my young life. It compels a person to unrealistic expectations. You can never be happy because you will always feel that you don't love God enough, and that's your fault. You will see inherent human weakness as a failure, when it is just you being human.

 

It could be argued to be a form of delusions of grandeur. You can't be God. Part of being human is accepting that we have limitations. To constantly strive to improve is fine.

 

To blame yourself for not being perfect is mentally unhealthy.

 

I entered into perfectionism...and if you knew me, you'd know that perfectionism in my case is rather funny!

 

The biggest struggle though is Scripture that states, "we can do all things through Christ ....", well this is difficult because there are issues of Him even not wanting me due to not living up to various standards...even with knowing that last statement is a lie, straight from the pit of hell- still always feeling less than, even with Jesus before me...priddy sad.

 

As humans, we never will be good enouph per se. I think it's important to know that and live with that...making failures sucesses.

Edited May 24, 2013 by pureinheart

[pie2]

As humans, we never will be good enouph per se. I think it's important to know that and live with that...making failures sucesses.

 

Love this! So true. We could spend all day dwelling on all the ways we do God wrong. Or, we could rejoice in the fact that it's all been paid for, and we're really free. I do struggle to remember this though.

[pureinheart]

Love this! So true. We could spend all day dwelling on all the ways we do God wrong. Or, we could rejoice in the fact that it's all been paid for, and we're really free. I do struggle to remember this though.

 

Right there...this is what to focus on...great post gf! Thank you for the encouragement!

[sillyanswer]

For example, if we desire to own something which belongs to someone else and this desire exceeds God as our top priority, we will commit the sin of stealing.

 

We will? Poppycock.

 

As a non religious person I'm sure I place greater importance on many things than that which I place in any god, yet I don't steal.

 

Avoiding "sin", particularly those that happen to follow modern social mores, doesn't require god or an avoidance of idolatry.

[M30USA]

Love this! So true. We could spend all day dwelling on all the ways we do God wrong. Or, we could rejoice in the fact that it's all been paid for, and we're really free. I do struggle to remember this though.

 

Cultures, depending on their particular bent, focus more on one side of the spectrum (justice/repentance vs mercy/grace). Our culture focuses on the mercy/grace and almost has no place for repentance. Don't believe me? Joel Osteen has admitted himself that he won't even touch the subject! Why not? All New Testament writers did.

 

God has not changed since Old Testament days. Neither has the repentance vs grace issue. We tend to think all of a sudden there was "click" as soon as Christ came and now we can just live in a wonderland of continuing to follow our old desires, our old direction, because--you know what?--God forgives all, right?

 

The truth is that salvation worked the same way in OT that it does now after the NT. Abraham was deemed righteous. Why? Because he BELIEVED God. Same as today. Nothing has changed. (The only difference is that sins were formerly placed in a "holding tank", so to speak, until Christ came. And the animal sacrifices were a symbol of this necessity.) Therefore, since repentance is still required today, just as it was in days of old. Nothing has changed.

Edited May 24, 2013 by M30USA