Is there a contradiction or merely an absence of understanding?

Is there a contradiction or merely an absence of understanding?

1 Cor.14:20  “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.”

That is to say: how can we “behave unrighteously” [immature/unripe] yet claim to be fully mature [ripe] in righteousness?

To quote another: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." (Aristotle)

Our former debt for ungodliness has been settled and reconciled in full by the blood of Jesus Christ and is now gone (remembered no more by the Lord) but not forgotten by the recipient of Grace, that we may testify [admit and acknowledge] to our good fortune bestowed on us through the Grace of God by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:8 “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

This is a Christian’s admission of their PAST, remembered by themselves [but not by the Lord] for testimonial purposes of the Lord’s Grace bestowed on them.

1 John 3:9-11 “9) Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (10) In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (11) For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.”

Let thy Light so shine that thou mayest be a beacon unto those that knoweth not the way to Life. If we are not “One with God”, then we are as the many who are not.

1 John 3:1-8 “(1) Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (4) Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (5) And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. (6) Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. (7) Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. (8) He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

Heb 10:16-27 “(16) This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; (17) And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (18) Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. (19) Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (20) By a new and living way [New Way of Life], which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (21) And having an high priest over the house of God; (22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (23) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (26) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, (27) But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”

A Christian should pay diligent attention to verses 18 and 26 (WE MUST ABIDE), the consequences of not Abiding after receiving remission of our sins by the Blood of Jesus Christ and the knowledge of the TRUTH by the Holy Ghost in the verses that follow-on.

Heb 10:28-31 “(28) He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: (29) Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (30) For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. (31) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

Bear in Mind Body and Soul also the following verses:

Phil 2:15 “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”

Phil 3:13-17 “(13) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (16) Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. (17) Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.”

Lord, I knoweth not if I be perfect in thy sight in my sincere endeavour to follow thy Precepts and thy Ways, however granteth me this one prayer for myself: that ye extend my days and I shall give thee my all, to at the very least die trying “Ad finem fidelis”. This I Pray in the name of Jesus Christ. A-MEN.

May God Bless you all in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour!

Christopher John Petersen.

 

© by Christopher John Petersen.