(June 17, 2012 at 6:18 pm)GhostofZeus Wrote: In an earlier thread of mine I wanted to figure out the route that would produce the highest probability of getting into heaven. In a response, christian member Drich wrote "avoiding sin is not the Goal of a biblically based Christianity, for all sin has been attoned for, and the believer can stand before God as if he were sinless." What do christians think of this statement? My understanding of christian teaching is that, while everyone is a sinner, a christian must try to avoid sinning? If there is no need to avoid sinning, as we are already forgiven or will be forgiven, then that would imply that a christian can lead a very immoral, sinful life, and it will not jeopardize their immortal soul.
Again you have twisted what I have said.
One sin, any sin is punishable by the second death/Hell. If you have committed one sin, then you are guilty of breaking all of them. James 2:10 You might follow all of God’s law. But if you fail to obey only one command, you are guilty of breaking all the commands in that law. 11 God said, “Don’t commit adultery.” [c] The same God also said, “Don’t kill.” [d] So if you don’t commit adultery, but you kill someone, you are guilty of breaking all of God’s law.
So if you are guilty of sinning once then you can not 'avoid sin' as your way to heaven. For there is Nothing Man Can Do to Wash away his own sin. So one must seek an alternitive to entering heaven aside from trying to live a sin free life. This alternitive is provided By the Blood sacerfice Christ made. when we live in the attonement of Christ then we cease seeking 'Righteousness' through our own deeds. For Righteousness (or the quality of, or rightness needed to enter heaven) can no longer be earned by a man who has sinned (even once) The Righteousness needed to enter heaven is a gift from God so that no man should boast. Meaning anyone who enters heaven does not deserve to be there. We are there simply because we have accepted His invitation.
That means we take 'good works' off of the table in biblical Christianity as a means to 'earn or deserve' Heaven. So why do we do good works and avoid sin? The answer is a simple one. Because we love God, and God hates sin. If we loved God to the degree required in scripture, then why would we seek to be outside of his will? If a man truly loves his wife does he seek every oppertunity he can get to cheat on her? No. Love dictates that we live for the other, and not for ourselves.
The Goal here is an all encompassing love for God. Not the empty motions of it.
