Quote:
Originally Posted by OBW
I am not suggesting that we flog ourselves, but that we not delude ourselves into thinking that we can no longer sin. That is the problem with only looking at the "done" part of the equation.
I do note that Paul said, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst." (1 Tim 1:15) He did not say he "was the worst," but "I am the worst." No. That is not the same as a declaration that we should "identify ourselves as sinners." But it would argue against simply ignoring the problem of sin.
Not sufficient to make doctrinal statements for the purpose of further segregating Christians into more and more divisions. But also not something to simply dismiss.
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This was addressed early on in the thread. Bottom-line is Paul, in humbleness and looking back said it once and about himself. He never said we should call ourselves "sinners."
Quote:
Originally Posted by UntoHim
Who ever said we should "identify ourselves" as sinners? I've never actually heard anyone teach this, or anything like this. To be sure, neither the Lord Jesus nor any of the scripture writing apostles taught anything like this. I think the biblical view is that all true believers are sinners saved by grace. Since this is how God "identifies" us, I think we can safely identify ourselves and other believers as sinners saved by grace. I doubt that many of us are good enough theologians to delve too much further into this matter, lest we end up like Witness Lee, who taught that Satan is dwelling in our flesh. 
God have mercy.
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Actually, I'm pretty sure you have heard that! How many times have you heard someone say, "I am just a sinner, saved by grace"? Words mean things: "I am" is a present tense declaration of who (at least they think) they are. I've heard brothers many times shake their head and say, "Oh I'm just a poor sinner!" OK, fine, you see you see sinned, now get up and call on Him like the blood-bought son of God you are!