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Bible Perfection and Ongoing Sin

Bible Perfection and Ongoing Sin

Recently, I had a discussion with a colleague and friend about the relationship between conversion, maturing, perfection in Christ, and the struggle with ongoing sin. I referenced 1 John 4–9:

Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God (NKJV, emphasis mine).

He replied by asking, Then what do we do with 1 John 1:8–10?

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives (NIV84).

He also referenced the apostle James writing to believers that they should “confess [their] sins to one another and pray for one another, so that [they] will be healed” (James 5:16 GNT).

He wanted to know if we can actually become perfect in Christ and stop sinning, what are these texts that say we are to confess our sins about?

My view is that the passages he referenced are dealing with the new convert and those who are in the process of what we call sanctification, while the one I was referencing is describing the mature Christian who is sealed, so settled into the truth both intellectually (mind) and spiritually (heart motive of selfless love) that they cannot be moved into distrust and rebellion against God—like Daniel, who would rather be thrown to lions than betray His Lord; the three worthies, who would rather be thrown in a fiery furnace than betray their Lord; Job, who lost 10 children, all his wealth, his health and yet said even if the Lord were the one to kill me, I would still trust Him.

These and others throughout history had come to such a point in their trust in God that nothing could shake them from it. They were perfected, mature in their love and loyalty, as are those ready for translation when Jesus comes—as described in Revelation 12:11:

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

The blood is symbolic of the life (Leviticus 17:11), symbolizing that these faithful have internalized the life of Christ (John 6:53; Galatians 2:20; 2 Peter 1:4) and are reborn with a new animating spirit of love and trust, and because of that, the word of their testimony is the truth about God. Their lives reveal God’s character of love as evidenced by the fact that “they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” The spirit of fear and selfishness, the survival-of-the-fittest drive, motive, spirit is purged, and they live the life of Christ in perfect trust and surrender to Him:

“Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us” (Ephesians 5:2 GNT).

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16 NIV84).

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:12, 13 NIV84).

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:43–48 NIV84, emphasis mine).

Bible perfection is all about the heart, spirit, attitude of love, and trust. And the mature experience this sealing, perfecting, settling in their trust relationship with God.

The passages about confession to God and forgiveness are meant for those who are on the healing journey. Sin naturally—the normal, design-law result, consequence—causes guilt, shame, fear, and doubt that, if not removed, resolved, relieved causes the sinner to run and hide from God.

These unhealthy emotions infecting the spirit need to be removed, and the sinner struggling with them needs to be reassured that they are not thrown off, that God is still for them. The passage about God being faithful to forgive is for this purpose, to deal with the subsequent guilt, shame, and fear that sinners in a saving relationship with Jesus will be tempted to believe and act upon. The passage is not about something God needs from them, but what they need to know in order to heal and escape the natural results of sin (fear, guilt, shame, etc.) that tempts them to run and hide from God rather than come back to Him. So passages like this communicate the truth that God is for them, not against them, and they will be positively received if they will simply trust Him and come to Him in humble repentance. Thus, they don’t need to give in to the fear, guilt, doubt, and shame but come back and confess so they can experience the reality that God is for them, and then stay in their trust relationship with God for continued healing.

 

An Analogy

Viewing this as a healing process, it would be analogous to a patient with severe pneumonia who has not yet gotten any treatment. They are on the path of death (analogous to the unconverted who is dead in trespass and sin). The moment they leave the path of death and enter the path of life is not when they meet with their doctor, nor is it when they believe their doctor is able to help them, but when they actually choose to trust the doctor by internalizing the antibiotic (truth and love). It is then that they have left the path of death and are now on the road of life (conversion, justification). But they are not well that very day. In fact, as the antibiotic begins to work, they will begin to cough up more phlegm (more sins coming to light as the Holy Spirit works on us). But the patient who is taking their antibiotics, keeping their appointments, and following the doctor’s directions, despite having worsening symptoms for a period of time, is not in rebellion, is not off the path of life; they are faithful and trustworthy despite their increased production of phlegm.

Likewise, those who surrender to Jesus, internalizing His Word and the Holy Spirit through trust, will necessarily experience increasing awareness of sinfulness in them. This is often brought to their attention through an action that is an expression of the old self (Romans 7), but when such action occurs, the new self (reborn person with a new heart and right spirit) is repulsed and distraught over it and runs to their doctor (Jesus) for more help in healing. Such a person is not in rebellion; they are being cleansed by the indwelling Holy Spirit as they fall on their knees in disappointment, repentance, and confession, asking for God’s grace and power to continue healing, transforming, and changing them. Thus, these shortcomings are not ongoing sin—not ongoing selfishness stemming from distrust and rebellion chosen by the self—but residual symptoms of the sin-sickness that had previously been habituated and is now being purged and overcome.

However, Satan, through the quantum links (spiritual entanglements), will work to inflame fear, guilt, shame, selfishness, and doubt (run and hide, deny, defend, etc.) in the person who in trust with Jesus is being healed. When these moments of shortcoming occur, they will be tempted to give up, doubt they can be saved, get discouraged. Therefore, they need those doctor visits with Jesus to confess, repent, and express their disappointment with self—not to persuade, appease, or influence Jesus to help them, but so they can be reassured that He is still for them and they can be freed of the guilt and shame. And that very action of going to Jesus in repentance is evidence, lived-out demonstration, that the individual is a reborn individual who trusts their doctor, who recognizes they are sick, who is not in rebellion against God but whose heart/spirit/motive has been transformed and who recoils at the old remnants of selfishness still in them from which they long to be totally free. Thus, the confession is part of the cleansing healing of the residuals of the unconverted life and also protection from the new temptations to doubt that Satan brings.

The confessing to others is part of the experiential healing process best modeled in the 12-step programs. The natural impact of sin is fear, guilt, shame, and selfishness. After sinning, people will fear, based on guilt and shame, that they are now ruined, too sinful, too horrible, too disgusting for people ever to trust, love, or like them—that if other people knew their sin, they would reject them. Thus, God has instructed the mature in Christ to be conduits of His truth and love, not only in word, but also in action. People need to experience in relationship with others the truth that while sin injures, destroys, and harms, that despite their sin-sickness, they are still valued, loved, and cherished and can be healed—saved from sin, not in sin. This valuing the sinner while rejecting the sin with which they struggle is an essential experience that sinners must have in order to reject the temptations of guilt, fear, and shame and, instead, internalize beyond cognition all the way to the heart the reality of God’s transforming love. And thus, they become empowered by the Spirit of love and truth to live a new life. If you would like an in depth exploration of this process, see our blog The Purpose of Confessing Our Sins to Others.

I encourage you to keep your appointments with Jesus, to daily spend time with Him. And if you find that an old habit, conditioned response, or reflexive response causes you to stumble and you are tempted with fear, guilt, and shame, do not give into those feelings, but run to Jesus in humble submission confessing your sin and asking Him to finish the healing He has begun in you. For God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son to accomplish this very purpose—to save sinners from sin. 

 

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Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

Testimony 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

Testimony 63

I’ve been very blessed by “The God Shaped Brain” and this ministry, through video and podcast, over the last few years. It’s truly opened up my eyes more to the truth about God and the importance of that truth in the present world. The message is so inviting, freeing and enlightening and MORE people need to know about it. I believe it is the last message that can truly, not only prepare a people for salvation and translation, but vindicate the character of God.

Michael V., Yonkers, NY, USA

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

Testimony 44

We were given a gift of the DVD set, “God and Your Brain,” and we just finished watching it. The truths in this are so powerful and truly an answer to a prayer. We’re seeing hope where once we thought God wasn’t answering our prayers to be free of certain mindsets. He answered with these DVDs and we are hungry for more. Thank you!

Daniel T., Easley, SC, USA

 

Testimony 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 1

Thank you! I love listening to the Come And Reason Ministries Bible study classes and am using some of your notes to get the lessons together that I will be teaching. You always have such good quotes and Bible texts and pull things together to make good sense.

T. C., IN, USA