John writes > No one in this
discussion believes that Christ sinned, Dean.
cd responds >
Respectfully- If one states that Christ had a fallen nature sinful
nature that is what one is saying John.
No, Dean, it is not.
Rather, it is what you hear us saying. Your hearing,
however, is influenced by your view of sin. That John and I and Debbie
and Lance, and even David on this one, are coming from a different
vantage point than you, is a given. Why assume then that you can see well
enough from your perch to identify things from ours? I began
my previous post with an assurance that none of us view Jesus as a
sinner; John did the same with his; yet you continue to speak
only from a limited view, rather than budge just a little, that you might
see him more completely. There must be some reason why we can see Jesus as
fully representative of humankind in sinful flesh, and yet uphold the truth
that he did not sin while in that flesh. Why must you conclude therefore that
he must have been a sinner? Why not give us the benefit of the doubt, if for
just a peek, and try to see things from our perspective?
You have a Christ who
was born perfected from the womb, yet the writer to the Hebrews clearly states
that Christ "learned obedience through suffering" and that it was only after
"having been perfected" -- that is, after his resurrection even -- that
he became the Author of salvation.
You have a Christ who
was born fully sanctified, yet Jesus himself says, "I sanctify myself (present
continuous) that they too might be sanctified by the
truth."
You have a Christ who
did not experience the temptations of a fallen man, yet Paul writes that he
came in the likeness of our sinful flesh, because of sin, that he might
condemn sin in the flesh.
You have a Christ who
did not share in our humanity, yet Luke assures us that he was born of the
fruit of David's genitals according to the flesh, and the writer to the
Hebrews that as much as we "share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also
partook of the same," ... that he might assume the nature
of Abraham's offspring.
Indeed their is enough
here to warrant a second look, Dean. But if you will not budge, then I must
respectfully request that you please keep silent about things you cannot see.
Bill
