Sinfree for 24 hrs... Possible ?

[J.A.I]

I was in the shower, waiting for my deep conditioner to set in, and a thought came into my mind.

Is it possible to go a day sin free ? If you tried really hard, kept your mind stayed on the Lord and what we are here to do... would it be possible to go a whole 24 hrs sin free ? With the help of the Holy Spirit of course.

We cannot do good on our own. This I know.

This passage comes to mind....

Romans 7:15-25
15 For that which I do, I know not. For what I desire, that I do not do; but what I hate, that I do.
16 If then I do that which I do not desire, I consent to the law that it is good.
17 But now it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwells no good thing. For to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I do not find.
19 For I do not do the good that I desire; but the evil which I do not will, that I do.
20 But if I do what I do not desire, it is no more I working it out, but sin dwelling in me.
21 I find then a law: when I will to do the right, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the Law of God according to the inward man;
23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin being in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then with the mind I myself serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

I dunno... just something to ponder... Because if one could go for 24 hrs, then that means it is possible to go a whole lifetime.

But then again, I think of Romans 3:23......
Romans 3:23
23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God

Hmm, does anyone catch my drift ? It's late so my thoughts may be scrambled.. lol.

[seebs]

(Hi! Not a fundamentalist, so I'm just asking questions here.)

I am very curious about the answers to this. When I was younger, one of the campus preachers I once saw was bragging about how he hadn't sinned in three months. In my head, I saw a little counter rolling over to ninety, and then resetting to zero... But maybe I'm just judgmental.

It seems to me like the question of whether or not one can avoid sins depends very much on how we think about sins. If there is a list of prohibited actions, simply declared "sins" by divine fiat, it may be quite possible to avoid them. However, if sins include our attitude towards, and relationship with, God... Then it seems it would be very hard for us to stay entirely free of sin.

A few of my own thoughts... It seems to me that, whenever I have started thinking I am getting away from sins, it is always possible for me to raise my standards further, and find more to work on. The chances are that, at any given point, there are people left that I don't really love, or even appreciate very much.

[Svt4Him]

I think you can, but I think if you think about it, you won't be able to.

[BAChristian]

When I was younger, one of the campus preachers I once saw was bragging about how he hadn't sinned in three months. In my head, I saw a little counter rolling over to ninety, and then resetting to zero... But maybe I'm just judgmental.As a fundamentalist most of my life, I always believed the definition of sin to be:

"...a direct disobediance towards God."

Through the grace of God, I've overcome the judgmental part. For me, it was this thing where I thought that I never sinned as much as the next guy. It was kinda like the prideful, weird judgmental thing, yet it was silent for me. I never was some raging maniacal Bible Thumper (although I have been a Bible Thumper all my life...minus the raging part...heh heh...) with an inferiority complex heckbent on damning everyone to hell for drinking beer...ROFL.

I think I often saw myself as not committing any serious sins...and that was good enough to say that I didn't sin...I guess the concept of lesser sins didn't make sense for me, as it doesn't for most fundamentalists anyway...

Of course, not all fundamentalists believe the way you've described, seebs...nor the way I've described it...although I think, barring semantics, everyone would agree with what sin, itself, actually is...which is far from the intent of this thread...although I think I've summed it up nicely in the beginning of my post. (Which IMHO, covers sin, whether it be venial or mortal...of course, most fundamentalists believe that sin is sin -- there is no venial or mortal, which now means I'm just rambling off into blah blah blah...)

:)

[rooster]

I was in the shower, waiting for my deep conditioner to set in, and a thought came into my mind.

Is it possible to go a day sin free ? If you tried really hard, kept your mind stayed on the Lord and what we are here to do... would it be possible to go a whole 24 hrs sin free ? With the help of the Holy Spirit of course.

We cannot do good on our own. This I know.

This passage comes to mind....

Romans 7:15-25
15 For that which I do, I know not. For what I desire, that I do not do; but what I hate, that I do.
16 If then I do that which I do not desire, I consent to the law that it is good.
17 But now it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwells no good thing. For to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I do not find.
19 For I do not do the good that I desire; but the evil which I do not will, that I do.
20 But if I do what I do not desire, it is no more I working it out, but sin dwelling in me.
21 I find then a law: when I will to do the right, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the Law of God according to the inward man;
23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin being in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then with the mind I myself serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

I dunno... just something to ponder... Because if one could go for 24 hrs, then that means it is possible to go a whole lifetime.

But then again, I think of Romans 3:23......
Romans 3:23
23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God

Hmm, does anyone catch my drift ? It's late so my thoughts may be scrambled.. lol.

Thats quite an evil conditioner! :D

Now pertaining to the question. I do think it is possible, for a person to love God so much that he really really hates sin.
But for most of us, we just have to make sure we are getting closer to that goal, to keep hunting the "little foxes", not remaining stagnant nor sliding back.

[CMmom]

I think if you fasted and prayed (and did nothing else) for 24 hours that you could be without sin, but not much longer than that!

[Kelly]

I tried mentally identifying my sin for a day, and trying to get myself to get the thought or action away from my heart/mind/deeds.

"Lustful thought...STOP!"
"Angry at someone...STOP!"
"Pride in my accomplishments....STOP!"
"Envious of that guy's car....STOP!!!"

And that was on my way to work....

So I didn't murder anyone or cheat on my wife, but a myriad of 'little' sins - which are just as bad as the 'big' ones, were a constant challenge. Thank God I have Jesus.

[Knight]

I sincerely doubt it. Reason being tha tif someone could be sin-free for a day it is theoretically possible to do so for a week or month or year or a lifetime. If such were the case then Christ died for nothing.

This is not to excuse sin but, rather, to illustrate our need for redemption and heighten our appreciation of the atonement.

[TwinCrier]

I am very curious about the answers to this. When I was younger, one of the campus preachers I once saw was bragging about how he hadn't sinned in three months. In my head, I saw a little counter rolling over to ninety, and then resetting to zero... But maybe I'm just judgmental.Kind of sad that he went all that time without sinning then had to blow it on something a simple as pride. :doh:

[Svt4Him]

I sincerely doubt it. Reason being tha tif someone could be sin-free for a day it is theoretically possible to do so for a week or month or year or a lifetime. If such were the case then Christ died for nothing.

This is not to excuse sin but, rather, to illustrate our need for redemption and heighten our appreciation of the atonement.
Well, lets follow this. Do you think it's possible to be sin-free for five minutes? If five, what about ten? Following the same logic, then theoretically it would then be possible to be sin-free for a day, then a week or month...

[Knight]

Well, lets follow this. Do you think it's possible to be sin-free for five minutes? If five, what about ten? Following the same logic, then theoretically it would then be possible to be sin-free for a day, then a week or month...
Let's not go too far with this... The OP was questioning about a day. I was merely trying to illustrate that if we seriously could stop sinning in our own strength then Christ's death was for naught.

Granted, following that logic your point is equally valid.

[EdmundBlackadderTheThird]

I disagree with some of the points made here, we cannot in and of ourselves be sin free. But through the Holy Spirit why would it not be possible? Christ's death covered our sin prior to our being saved and that after we were saved. Why would believing that someone could be sin free POST salvation make Christ's death in vain? I do not think I have ever been sin free for a full day, but would stop us from praying for just that and having God answer our prayer?

[Knight]

Note the key phrase in my last post. "in our own strength."

For the believer, I am not prepared to say for sure if one could spend 24 hours sin-free. Suffice it to say that I doubt it. As Christians we will always struggle with the flesh in this life.

The purpose of my point was to provide a bit of perspective.

[JOYfulbeliever]

Sounds to me like something we should all be striving for daily. To be sin-free for one day...then one more day...then one more day. Taking it one day at a time. Aren't we supposed to be striving for that? Will we fall - surely. But it is still something we should be working towards.

[Gunny]

Sinfree for 24 hrs... Possible ?


No.




14 For we have known that the law is spiritual, and I am fleshly, sold by the sin; 15for that which I work, I do not acknowledge; for not what I will, this I practise, but what I hate, this I do. 16And if what I do not will, this I do, I consent to the law that it is good, 17and now it is no longer I that work it, but the sin dwelling in me, 18for I have known that there doth not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh, good: for to will is present with me, and to work that which is right I do not find, 19for the good that I will, I do not; but the evil that I do not will, this I practise. 20And if what I do not will, this I do, it is no longer I that work it, but the sin that is dwelling in me. 21I find, then, the law, that when I desire to do what is right, with me the evil is present, 22for I delight in the law of God according to the inward man, 23and I behold another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of the sin that is in my members. 24A wretched man I am! who shall deliver me out of the body of this death? 25I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord; so then, I myself indeed with the mind do serve the law of God, and with the flesh, the law of sin.

[/url] (#_ftn1)Young, R. (1997). Young's literal translation (Ro 7:14). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems.




7:14–25 Some interpret this chronicle of Paul’s inner conflict as describing his life before Christ. They point out that Paul describes the person as “sold under sin” (v. 14); as having “nothing good” in him (v. 18); and as a “wretched man” trapped in a “body of death” (v. 24). Those descriptions seem to contradict the way Paul describes the believer in chap. 6 (cf. vv. 2, 6, 7, 11, 17, 18, 22). However, it is correct to understand Paul here to be speaking about a believer. This person desires to obey God’s law and hates his sin (vv. 15, 19, 21); he is humble, recognizing that nothing good dwells in his humanness (v. 18); he sees sin in himself, but not as all that is there (vv. 17, 20–22); and he serves Jesus Christ with his mind (v. 25). Paul has already established that none of those attitudes ever describe the unsaved (cf. 1:18–21, 32; 3:10–20). Paul’s use of present tense verbs in vv. 14–25 strongly supports the idea that he is describing his life currently as a Christian. For those reasons, it seems certain that chap. 7 describes a believer. However, of those who agree that this is a believer, there is still disagreement. Some see a carnal, fleshly Christian; others a legalistic Christian, frustrated by his feeble attempts in his own power to please God by keeping the Mosaic law. But the personal pronoun “I” refers to the apostle Paul, a standard of spiritual health and maturity. So, in vv. 14–25 Paul must be describing all Christians—even the most spiritual and mature—who, when they honestly evaluate themselves against the righteous standard of God’s law, realize how far short they fall. He does so in a series of 4 laments (vv. 14–17, 18–20, 21–23, 24, 25).

7:14 the law is spiritual. I.e., it reflects God’s holy character. carnal. Lit. “of flesh.” This means earthbound, mortal, and still incarcerated in unredeemed humanness. Paul does not say he is still “in the flesh” (see note on 7:5), but the flesh is in him. sold under sin. Sin no longer controls the whole man (as with an unbeliever; cf. 6:6), but it does hold captive the believer’s members, or his fleshly body (v. 23; cf. v. 18). Sin contaminates him and frustrates his inner desire to obey the will of God.

(#_ftn1) 7:15 understand. This refers to knowledge that goes beyond the factual and includes the idea of an intimate relationship (cf. Gal. 4:9). By extension, this word was sometimes used to express approving or accepting (cf. 1 Cor. 8:3). That is its sense here, i.e., Paul found himself doing things he did not approve of.

7:16 I agree with the law that it is good. Paul’s new nature defends the divine standard—the perfectly righteous law is not responsible for his sin (v. 12). His new self longs to honor the law and keep it perfectly (v. 22).

7:17 no longer I who do it. The Gr. (#_ftn1) adverb for “no longer” signifies a complete and permanent change. Paul’s new inner self (see note on 6:6), the new “I,” no longer approved of the sin that was still residing in his flesh, like his old self did (cf. v. 22; Gal. 2:20), but rather, strongly disapproved. Many have misconstrued Paul’s comments as abdicating personal responsibility for his sin by embracing a form of Greek dualism (which would later spawn Gnosticism; see Introduction to 1 John). Dualism taught that the body is evil and the spirit is good, so its adherents sinned with impunity by claiming they were not responsible; their sin was entirely the product of their physical bodies, while their spirits remained untouched and unsullied. But the apostle has already acknowledged personal guilt for his sin (v. 14; cf. 1 John 1:10). sin that dwells in me. His sin does not flow out of his new redeemed innermost self (“I”), but from his unredeemed humanness, his flesh “in me” (Gal. 5:17).

7:18 in me … nothing good dwells. The flesh serves as a base camp from which sin operates in the Christian’s life. It is not sinful inherently (see note 6:6), but because of its fallenness, it is still subject to sin and is thoroughly contaminated. my flesh. The part of the believer’s present being that remains unredeemed (see notes on 6:6, 12; 7:5).

7:20 no longer I who do it, but sin. See note on v. 17.

7:21 law. Not a reference to God’s law, but to an inviolable spiritual principle.

7:22 I delight in the law of God. The believer’s justified, new inner self no longer sides with sin, but joyfully agrees with the law of God against sin (Pss. 1:2; 119:14, 47, 77, 105, 140; cf. 2 Cor. 4:16; Eph. 3:16).

7:23 another law. A corresponding spiritual principle to the one in v. 21. But this principle, which Paul identifies as “the law of sin,” operates in the members of his body—that is, his unredeemed and still sinful humanness (see note on 6:6)—waging war against his desire to obey God’s law. law of my mind. Equivalent to the new inner self (2 Cor. 5:17; see notes on 6:6), which longs to obey the law of God (see notes on vv. 21, 22). Paul is not saying his mind is spiritual and his body is inherently evil (see note on v. 17).

7:24 wretched man. In frustration and grief, Paul laments his sin (cf. Pss. 38:14; 130:1–5). A believer perceives his own sinfulness in direct proportion to how clearly he sees the holiness of God and perfection of His law. deliver. This word means “to rescue from danger” and was used of a soldier pulling his wounded comrade from the battlefield. Paul longed to be rescued from his sinful flesh (cf. 8:23). body of death. The believer’s unredeemed humanness, which has its base of operation in the body (see notes on 6:6, 12; 7:5). Tradition says that an ancient tribe near Tarsus tied the corpse of a murder victim to its murderer, allowing its spreading decay to slowly infect and execute the murderer—perhaps that is the image Paul has in mind.

7:25 The first half of this verse answers the question Paul just raised (v. 24)—he is certain that Christ will eventually rescue him when He returns (cf. 8:18, 23; 1 Cor. 15:52, 53, 56, 57; 2 Cor. 5:4). The second half summarizes the two sides of the struggle Paul has described (vv. 14–24). with the mind. See note on v. 23. I myself. Paul’s new redeemed self (see note on 6:6). the flesh. See notes on 6:6, 12; 7:5. law of sin. See note on v. 23.

(#_ftn2)[url="#_ftnref1"]MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ro 7:23). Nashville: Word Pub.

[Svt4Him]

I disagree with some of the points made here, we cannot in and of ourselves be sin free. But through the Holy Spirit why would it not be possible? Christ's death covered our sin prior to our being saved and that after we were saved. Why would believing that someone could be sin free POST salvation make Christ's death in vain? I do not think I have ever been sin free for a full day, but would stop us from praying for just that and having God answer our prayer?
To be sin free isn't the same as not sinning. Can you not sin for five minutes?

[J.A.I]

When I said sinfree, it does mean the same as not sinning... just like sugar free means no sugar.

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

It is not only possible, it has been done. But, we should try to live like this everyday

[Asar'el]

My vote is no.

Now, of course, with God all things are possible; but I believe it's pride (and that's the original sin!) that often leads to such statements (evil conditioner indeed, lol).

At times it seems other saints do much better than us - sometimes it can look as thought they have an easy time not sinning; but each of us must need battle with sin, and it is not an easy fight. To love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind, is no easy commandment; especially since the heart of flesh we have has an uncanny memory for the stone it was before the Lord changed it. And the mind ... how easy that 'sin which doth so easily beset us' enters it.

Maybe if we were unconscious (I suspect sleep won't quite cut it, lol) for 24 hours... :)

[Svt4Him]

When I said sinfree, it does mean the same as not sinning... just like sugar free means no sugar.
Ok, I believe it is possible to go a day without sinning. But I do not believe it's possible to go a life without sinning. So how long can someone go without sinning? I have no idea. Every time I think I've gone for a long time, my pride wells up, and I have to start all over again...:cry:

[ChrisB]

I think it would be a bit like trying not to think of an elephant for 24 hours - just try it, you'll find that you inevitably can't stop thinking of elephants :D

[Gunny]

If I would dare say that I am without sin (thought, word & deed) for 24 hours then my statement in of itself would be the sin of pride, plus others.



I JOHN 1:8
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
I JOHN 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I JOHN 1:10
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
KJV




1:8Not only did the false teachers walk in darkness (i.e., sin; v. 6) but went so far as to deny totally the existence of a sin nature in their lives. If someone never admits to being a sinner, salvation cannot result (see Matt. 19:16–22 for the account of the young man who refused to recognize his sin). Not only did the false teachers make false claims to fellowship and disregard sin (v. 6), they are also characterized by deceit regarding sinlessness (Eccl. 7:20; Rom. 3:23).

1:9Continual confession of sin is an indication of genuine salvation. While the false teachers would not admit their sin, the genuine Christian admitted and forsook it (Ps. 32:3–5; Prov. 28:13). The term “confess” means to say the same thing about sin as God does; to acknowledge His perspective about sin. While v. 7 is from God’s perspective, v. 9 is from the Christian’s perspective. Confession of sin characterizes genuine Christians, and God continually cleanses those who are confessing (cf. v. 7). Rather than focusing on confession for every single sin as necessary, John has especially in mind here a settled recognition and acknowledgment that one is a sinner in need of cleansing and forgiveness (Eph. 4:32; Col. 2:13).

1:10 make Him a liar. Since God has said that all people are sinners (cf. Ps. 14:3; 51:5; Is. 53:6; Jer. 17:5,6; Rom. 3:10–19,23; 6:23), to deny that fact is to blaspheme God with slander that defames His name.



lit. (http://www.christianforum.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=8158918#_ftnref1)literally

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (1 Jn 1:8-10). Nashville: Word Pub.

[Fun_Fundie]

I do not think this is possible; we are God-hating humans who are freed from the bondage of sin by God's grace.

[Svt4Him]

If I would dare say that I am without sin (thought, word & deed) for 24 hours then my statement in of itself would be the sin of pride, plus others.

I have been sin free for five minutes. That is not proud to say that. If I start thinking it's because I'm a great person, then it becomes proud.


I do not think this is possible; we are God-hating humans who are freed from the bondage of sin by God's grace.

I am not a God-hating human. If God has made me free from some of my past sins, I am free.
make Him a liar. Since God has said that all people are sinners
If you lie, you are a liar. You do not need to be constantly lying to be a liar, one will do. We have all sinned, but that doesn't mean we walk around in a constant state of sinnning. But again, I have no idea how long someone can go before they sin again, and in all honesty, neither does anyone else.

[J.A.I]

Wow, what responses. Maybe I should use that conditioner more often.

Well, if I could, it wouldn't be a pride thing. It'd be more of an awe thing, a realization thing at just how powerful the Holy Spirit is. Man can't do good on his own such as that. Only the Holy Spirit can enable you for such things. But as it's been said on this thread..... to be sinfree, we should strive for daily...

And I am with Svt.. I am far from a God hating human. I love Him with all my heart.

[Gunny]

There is only One who was without sin(thought, word & deed) -24/7, that being my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

For me to presume I have or can live a sinless life for 24 hrs. would be a sin of spiritual pride-the most crafty sin to fall prey to for the Christian.

One of the aspects of my daily prayer life is to ask the Lord to serach my heart and strip me of any pride, including but not limited to spiritual pride.



Our souls have been saved by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the flesh(body) is corrupt.




ROMANS 12:1
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.


12:1 beseech. This Gr. (http://www.christianforum.com/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=8162471#_ftn1) word comes from a root which means “to call alongside to help.” Jesus used a related word, often translated “comforter,” in reference to the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). This family of words later came to connote exhorting, encouraging, or counseling. Paul was speaking as a counselor to his readers, but his counsel carried the full weight of his apostleship. therefore. This refers to the last refrain of his doxology of praise in 11:36. Since all things are for His glory, we must respond by offering ourselves for that purpose. mercies of God. The gracious, extravagant, divine graces Paul expounded in the first 11 chapters, including God’s love (1:7; cf. 5:5; 8:35, 39), grace (1:6, 7; 3:24; 5:2, 20, 21; 6:15), righteousness (1:17; 3:21, 22; 4:5, 6, 22–24; 5:17, 19), and the gift of faith (1:5, 17; 3:22, 26; 4:5, 13; 5:1; 10:17; 12:3). present your bodies a living sacrifice. Under the Old Covenant, God accepted the sacrifices of dead animals. But because of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, the OT sacrifices are no longer of any effect (Heb. 9:11, 12). For those in Christ, the only acceptable worship is to offer themselves completely to the Lord. Under God’s control, the believer’s yet-unredeemed body (see note on 6:6, 12; 7:5; cf. 8:11, 23) can and must be yielded to Him as an instrument of righteousness (6:12, 13; cf. 8:11–13). reasonable service. “Reasonable” is from the Gr. for “logic.” In light of all the spiritual riches believers enjoy solely as the fruit of God’s mercies (Rom. 11:33, 36), it logically follows that they owe God their highest form of service. Understood here is the idea of priestly, spiritual service, which was such an integral part of OT worship.[/url]
Gr. (http://www.christianforum.com/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=8162471#_ftn2)Greek

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ro 12:1). Nashville: Word Pub.








The War Within Us

14 We know that the law is spiritual, but I am not spiritual since sin rules me as if I were its slave. 15 I do not understand the things I do. I do not do what I want to do, and I do the things I hate. 16 And if I do not want to do the hated things I do, that means I agree that the law is good. 17 But I am not really the one who is doing these hated things; it is sin living in me that does them. 18 Yes, I know that nothing good lives in me—I mean nothing good lives in the part of me that is earthly and sinful. I want to do the things that are good, but I do not do them. 19 I do not do the good things I want to do, but I do the bad things I do not want to do. 20 So if I do things I do not want to do, then I am not the one doing them. It is sin living in me that does those things.21 So I have learned this rule: When I want to do good, evil is there with me. 22 In my mind, I am happy with God’s law. 23 But I see another law working in my body, which makes war against the law that my mind accepts. That other law working in my body is the law of sin, and it makes me its prisoner. 24 What a miserable man I am! Who will save me from this body that brings me death? 25 I thank God for saving me through Jesus Christ our Lord!So in my mind I am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful self I am a slave to the law of sin.

(http://www.christianforum.com/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=8162471#_ftnref2)[url="http://www.christianforum.com/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=8162471#_ftnref1"]The Holy Bible : New Century Version , containing the Old and New Testaments. 1991 (Ro 7:14-25). Dallas, TX: Word Bibles.


Paul's words are of one who is the a very, very mature, Christian.

As one matures as a Christian they examine themselves diligently
knowing how corrupt the flesh is and the spiritual war that takes place.

As many Christians, I have a hatred for the sin that God reveals to me as I walk my journey with He that spared me.

God's Word states He hates sin, I hate any and all sin in my life.

A Pastor that was a dear friend of mine stated to me on many occassions that if we as Christians do not hate known sin in our lives we are playing church vs. picking up the Cross of Jesus Christ, daily.

[Svt4Him]

For me to presume I have or can live a sinless life for 24 hrs. would be a sin of spiritual pride-the most crafty sin to fall prey to for the Christian
Can you go for five minutes without sinning? If so, is that pride? You can quote all you want about being without sin, that is not my question. Can you go for five minutes, or are you walking around in a constant state of sinning?

[Gunny]

Can you go for five minutes without sinning? If so, is that pride? You can quote all you want about being without sin, that is not my question. Can you go for five minutes, or are you walking around in a constant state of sinning?
The OP concerns being without sin for a period of 24 hours, not five minutes.

[Svt4Him]

The OP concerns being without sin for a period of 24 hours, not five minutes.So can you go for five minutes? And there are 1440 five minute blocks in 24 hours, so I am focusing on the first one, then getting to the 1439 after that.

But let me again say there is no way you can know, so it's all speculation. I went up camping in an area in the middle of nowhere. The whole time I'm there, I focus on creation, and God, and sometimes just spend my whole time in awe of who God is. Do I sin as much there as I do when I'm doing my day to day activities? No I don't. To say we are walking around constantly sinning doesn't put much weight in the freedom God gives us.

[Perceivence]

Ugh.

If you think that it's impossible to be sin-free for 24 hours, then what is your goal? Aren't we supposed to try to be like Christ in righteousness?

And wasn't it said that Enoch (was it Enoch?) walked with the Lord and was without sin for several hundred years?

It's looking to me that the mind-set that being sinless is impossible is just creating an atmosphere to make being sinless impossible...that and it denies the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who yield.

[Knight]

The Bible says that Enoch walked with God. It does not say that he was without sin.

[Gunny]

I truly commend those of you that state with complete assurance that you do not/will not sin in a 24 hour period of time. I commend you for being without sin by one thought, one word or one deed in a 24 hour time span.

You are far more spiritual than, I.

[Kelly]

On thought I'd fail without a doubt.
On word...most likely.
On deed...probably.

Thank you Jesus.

[Gunny]

On thought I'd fail without a doubt.
On word...most likely.
On deed...probably.

Thank you Jesus.
AMEN.

[Svt4Him]

I truly commend those of you that state with complete assurance that you do not/will not sin in a 24 hour period of time. I commend you for being without sin by one thought, one word or one deed in a 24 hour time span.

You are far more spiritual than, I.
All sarcasm aside, you have yet to answer my question. Instead of making this about how great I am, perhaps answer if it's possible to go for five minutes without sinning, or are you constantly walking around in sin? Personally I don't find this a difficult question.

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

5 mins without sin isn't hard. A day is

[Svt4Him]

Now when Moses was in the presence of God for forty days, do you think he was sinning?

[Asar'el]

Still evil conditioner, lol.

Still voting no.

We can TRY not to sin for a moment, a minute, an hour, a day ... but keep in mind that it is not only absence from doing wrong, or even thinking wrong. We SHOULD be spending all our strength for God, for His glory. Sins of omission - not doing what we should be doing - are sins nonetheless.

Perhaps the closest we come to a quiet time is the time of prayer. But I find even in those times when I come closest to the Lord, I bring my sinful flesh with me; in my deepest meditation and prayer, my flesh, and no doubt the devil beside it, whisper thoughts to disrupt that joy. When I read of saints gone before that seem to have found it easy to pray for hours, I feel ashamed that I can hardly go on for minutes... but I praise God that He accepts my meager service as it is....

This thread reminds me of the second part of Pilgrim's Progress, Christiana's journey - I would recommend Bunyan's works to any that have not come across them... In the palace, where the spider webs are ... it looks like none, then one, then a great many number. Even so, when in honesty we look at ourselves, we can hardly fail to see the many sins that beset us; and knowing God's eye sees all, we would surely despair if not for the grace of God; and surely no Christian can ever get past the mixed awe and sadness and thankfulness, of knowing Christ's blood paid for each of those.

By all means let us strive not to grieve the Spirit of God. Being thankful that we have salvation in His name, let us fight to stand, and not to fall; not looking in vain to try and pridefully waste our gifts on 'little sins' (for a lack of a better description - not that I would make less of sin, nor forget they are ALL bought with that precious blood), but for the greater glory of our Father. Our witness is not better by trying to prove we can go without any sin for whatever period; at best, others will think us hypocrites; at worst, we will be.

[Eusebios]

Yes, it can and has been done.
Should have made this a poll JAI!
His unworthy servant,
Eusebios.
:prayer:

[Gunny]

All sarcasm aside, you have yet to answer my question. Instead of making this about how great I am, perhaps answer if it's possible to go for five minutes without sinning, or are you constantly walking around in sin? Personally I don't find this a difficult question.
The question proposed in the op has nothing to do with a time period of five minutes. It speaks specifically of a 24 Hour period of time.

Con Biet?

[EdmundBlackadderTheThird]

I think that of our own volition it is impossible, but through Christ within us it may be. I know I have never been sin free for 24 hours, but I refuse to discount the possibility that Christ in us, through the Holy Spirit, could make it so.

[Svt4Him]

I think that of our own volition it is impossible, but through Christ within us it may be. I know I have never been sin free for 24 hours, but I refuse to discount the possibility that Christ in us, through the Holy Spirit, could make it so.Do you think Moses was sinning?

The question proposed in the op has nothing to do with a time period of five minutes. It speaks specifically of a 24 Hour period of time.

Con Biet?
Would you suggest I start another topic to ask if you can go for five minutes without sinning? Then perhaps start another one to see if you could then go ten minutes? Or start a topic for each two minute increment? Or is it too much to expect that people would understand what I was getting at? And that's 'too much' not 'two much' as I'd need to start yet another for the 'two much' one.

[Gunny]

I think that of our own volition it is impossible, but through Christ within us it may be. I know I have never been sin free for 24 hours, but I refuse to discount the possibility that Christ in us, through the Holy Spirit, could make it so.

AMEN, Fellow Brother in Christ!

[Asar'el]

I think that of our own volition it is impossible, but through Christ within us it may be. I know I have never been sin free for 24 hours, but I refuse to discount the possibility that Christ in us, through the Holy Spirit, could make it so.
Amen indeed! With God all things are possible. And I don't think anyone argues the 'could'; but I don't expect it to ever turn to 'would'; for I don't see what such a thing would accomplish, save tempt one to pride.

Do you think Moses was sinning?
I'm not sure if you had a specific time-frame in mind. Yes, Moses sinned. Daniel (one of my favourites heroes) no doubt sinned also, tho God was pleased not to record any of his falls; Solomon in his wisdom sinned; and, yea, all have sinned but Christ Jesus our Lord. Not one has, to my knowledge, claimed a sinless day...

[Svt4Him]

Was Moses sinning during the forty days he was with God.

[EdmundBlackadderTheThird]

Was Moses sinning during the forty days he was with God.

If he wasn't, which would be only conjecture, it was not of his own volition.

[Asar'el]

Was Moses sinning during the forty days he was with God.
When was Moses forty days with God? Rather, when was Moses NOT with God?
You are, no doubt, referring to the forty days and forty nights Moses was up in the mount. You think Moses came no closer to God at other times? Or is it the length of time that impresses you?
Your question, in reference to the thread implies you believe Moses was sinless for this period - is that the case?

As flesh99 says, any answer is conjecture; we are not told whether Moses sinned or not during that time - it is not the important lesson of the passage. But you may recall that Moses, when first called to the mountain, and was at the bush that burned, and was not consumed, was told to take of his shoes (for he was on holy ground); and later he provoked the Lord with his argument about God's choice of him as messenger - sins, surely? So, God's proximity did not remove sin from him - why should it be expected to be different at other times?

Again I say, not I, nor anyone, would argue that God cannot do this, or any other thing. We all believe, For with God nothing shall be impossible. - but remember also, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. This conjecturing about (or wishing for) sinless for a day, for an hour, or a minute, seems to me not to fit well with the good of God's people, for it seems to serve only vainglory.

[Svt4Him]

To you it may seem that way, but to me the mindset that says we are no different than sinners except we're saved is a dangerous one. As Christians, being changed into the image of Christ, having our minds renewed and given the mind of Christ, we are not sinners who constantly walk around sinning but saved. We should be sinning less as we mature. So I'll have to disagree with the conjecturing about sinning constantly does not fit well with the good of God's people. See, my whole point is it is conjecturing one way or the other. And to falsely walk around bowing our heads in shame that we're such bad sinners to me seems to serve only self-righteousness.

[Gunny]

To you it may seem that way, but to me the mindset that says we are no different than sinners except we're saved is a dangerous one. As Christians, being changed into the image of Christ, having our minds renewed and given the mind of Christ, we are not sinners who constantly walk around sinning but saved. We should be sinning less as we mature. So I'll have to disagree with the conjecturing about sinning constantly does not fit well with the good of God's people. See, my whole point is it is conjecturing one way or the other. And to falsely walk around bowing our heads in shame that we're such bad sinners to me seems to serve only self-righteousness.




The War Within Us

14 We know that the law is spiritual, but I am not spiritual since sin rules me as if I were its slave. 15 I do not understand the things I do. I do not do what I want to do, and I do the things I hate. 16 And if I do not want to do the hated things I do, that means I agree that the law is good. 17 But I am not really the one who is doing these hated things; it is sin living in me that does them. 18 Yes, I know that nothing good lives in me—I mean nothing good lives in the part of me that is earthly and sinful. I want to do the things that are good, but I do not do them. 19 I do not do the good things I want to do, but I do the bad things I do not want to do. 20 So if I do things I do not want to do, then I am not the one doing them. It is sin living in me that does those things.

21 So I have learned this rule: When I want to do good, evil is there with me. 22 In my mind, I am happy with God’s law. 23 But I see another law working in my body, which makes war against the law that my mind accepts. That other law working in my body is the law of sin, and it makes me its prisoner. 24 What a miserable man I am! Who will save me from this body that brings me death? 25 I thank God for saving me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So in my mind I am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful self I am a slave to the law of sin.

[/url][url="http://www.christianforum.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=8215167#_ftnref1"] (http://www.christianforum.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=8215167#_ftn1)The Holy Bible : New Century Version , containing the Old and New Testaments. 1991 (Ro 7:14). Dallas, TX: Word Bibles.

[Asar'el]

To you it may seem that way, but to me the mindset that says we are no different than sinners except we're saved is a dangerous one. As Christians, being changed into the image of Christ, having our minds renewed and given the mind of Christ, we are not sinners who constantly walk around sinning but saved. We should be sinning less as we mature. So I'll have to disagree with the conjecturing about sinning constantly does not fit well with the good of God's people. See, my whole point is it is conjecturing one way or the other. And to falsely walk around bowing our heads in shame that we're such bad sinners to me seems to serve only self-righteousness.


Actually, I never suggested we are no different than sinners, except we're saved; the fact is, we are still sinners, saved by grace. Nor do I suggest we constantly walk around sinning.
And as to falsely walking around bowing our heads in shame ... I'm not even sure where this came from! How easily you seem to have turned shame into self-righteousness, and removed pride from aspiring to a sinless state here on earth...

If we acknowledge our sins, you say we must be false? If we detest sin, and are ashamed of our failure, we must be hypocrites?

I rejoice in the salvation of the Lord; I am glad that the blood of Christ covers me, even as I weep that my sin doth require nothing less than the precious life-blood of the Son of God!

When Paul, as the post above demonstrates, can see and bemoan sin in himself, and recognize the solution, for in the next verse he says...
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
... is it not pride for us to say, we can do better?

I do not say we should not hate sin, not strive against it, nor seek to diminish it by saying, 'Well, everyone sins therefore so might I' - but I can see nothing good in saying 'Though the gospel says we are not going to be perfected in this life, I will be different, and attain it in this life.' - for that is what this amounts to, at least to me.

So we will hate sin, and will strive not to grieve the Spirit of God - and thank the Lord always that it is not our perfection in being sinless (for any particular period of time), but the capacity of His blood to cover, that is sufficient for us.

[Ponder]

No Way Not Ever Possible

[Svt4Him]

Actually, I never suggested we are no different than sinners, except we're saved; the fact is, we are still sinners, saved by grace. Nor do I suggest we constantly walk around sinning.
And as to falsely walking around bowing our heads in shame ... I'm not even sure where this came from! How easily you seem to have turned shame into self-righteousness, and removed pride from aspiring to a sinless state here on earth...
Don't take what I said as a personal attack. I thought I was saying that the 'mindset that says...' not your mindset. But I can turn shame into self-righteousness as you can turn a desire for perfection into "vainglory". I agree the temptation is there, but when I overcome a temptation, I'm grateful that God has allowed me to, not proud. Sure there are times I am, but I can be equally proud that I'm a humble sinner who admits he's a humble sinner. I believe one can be so in the presence of God as not to sin, and I believe Moses was in such a place, for a brief time, as I believe John was when he was receiving the revelation of Jesus Christ. That is my assumption, if you choose not to believe it, it is an equal assumption, but it is still an assumption. I do not dispute that we all will sin, but any timeline put on that is subjective.

[Asar'el]

Don't take what I said as a personal attack. I thought I was saying that the 'mindset that says...' not your mindset.
I did not take it personally - I appreciate you clarifying it though :)

But I can turn shame into self-righteousness as you can turn a desire for perfection into "vainglory".
Good point. But I believe our shame is declared, and we acknowledge it; the desire for perfection, while commendable, is troubling when we attempt it this side of heaven, when the indication is that it is only achievable on the other; and the degree (i.e. arguing it is not full perfection, but only a fraction) is just a small (and dangerous) step.

I agree the temptation is there, but when I overcome a temptation, I'm grateful that God has allowed me to, not proud. Sure there are times I am, but I can be equally proud that I'm a humble sinner who admits he's a humble sinner.
Amen! And thus far I have no trouble.

I believe one can be so in the presence of God as not to sin, and I believe Moses was in such a place, for a brief time, as I believe John was when he was receiving the revelation of Jesus Christ. That is my assumption, if you choose not to believe it, it is an equal assumption, but it is still an assumption. I do not dispute that we all will sin, but any timeline put on that is subjective.
Perhaps; I believe I've shown the nearness of God did not prevent Moses from sinning; and while the joy of the nearness of God cannot be understated, I do not think it can be turned into what the thread considers, enablement to (even partial) sinless state.
One might also see the wisdom of that saying, abscence makes the heart grow fonder; some of David's writtings show his heart so panting for God when he could NOT feel the nearness of the Lord.

[brinley45cal]

I was in the shower, waiting for my deep conditioner to set in, and a thought came into my mind.

Is it possible to go a day sin free ? If you tried really hard, kept your mind stayed on the Lord and what we are here to do... would it be possible to go a whole 24 hrs sin free ? With the help of the Holy Spirit of course.

We cannot do good on our own. This I know.

This passage comes to mind....

Romans 7:15-25
15 For that which I do, I know not. For what I desire, that I do not do; but what I hate, that I do.
16 If then I do that which I do not desire, I consent to the law that it is good.
17 But now it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwells no good thing. For to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I do not find.
19 For I do not do the good that I desire; but the evil which I do not will, that I do.
20 But if I do what I do not desire, it is no more I working it out, but sin dwelling in me.
21 I find then a law: when I will to do the right, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the Law of God according to the inward man;
23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin being in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then with the mind I myself serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

I dunno... just something to ponder... Because if one could go for 24 hrs, then that means it is possible to go a whole lifetime.

But then again, I think of Romans 3:23......
Romans 3:23
23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God

Hmm, does anyone catch my drift ? It's late so my thoughts may be scrambled.. lol.


Sure its possible,its possible to go longer than that,but is it probable probably not.The bible says i can do all things through Christ who streangthins me.

[theFijian]

If I would dare say that I am without sin (thought, word & deed) for 24 hours then my statement in of itself would be the sin of pride, plus others.

I JOHN 1:8
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
I JOHN 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I JOHN 1:10
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
KJV
Amen!! Let the word speak for itself! You decieve yourself if you think you can go without sinning for 24 hours, 24mins or even 24 nanoseconds. We sin in thought, word and deed.

As RC Sproul succinctly put it: "We aren't sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners"

[theFijian]

It is not only possible, it has been done.
I assume you are refering to Christ himself as being the one who was without sin. If you mean anyone else, you are sorely mistaken.

Andy

[theFijian]

Do you think Moses was sinning?

Do you think Moses stopped being a sinner?

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

I assume you are refering to Christ himself as being the one who was without sin. If you mean anyone else, you are sorely mistaken.

Andy
If we are free from sin's power, then it is far from impossible.

[theFijian]

If we are free from sin's power, then it is far from impossible.
We were only be completely free from sin when we are made perfect in Glory. Until then we will continue to struggle with our sinful nature.

Andy

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

We were only be completely free from sin when we are made perfect in Glory. Until then we will continue to struggle with our sinful nature.

Andy
True, but at least we are no longer slaves to sin.

[Svt4Him]

Do you think Moses stopped being a sinner?Did you actually read what I posted? I thought I was pretty clear, so which part of it wasn't?

Can someone be in the full presence of God, in all His glory, and stop sinning? Can someone be in the full presence of God, in all His glory, and sin?

[PaladinGirl]

I honestly believe it would be hard for me to do but I am still growing in Christ. For once, I have actually decided to recommit my life to Christ and to stick with it for good. So, being new in Christ, I feel it would be hard for me to not sin at all for one day. I am still struggling to overcome habits such as cussing and such. However, all things are possible with Christ who strengthens us so I would say that yes, it is possible to go one day without sinning. But just remember that because it is possible that doesn't mean it's easy.

[on fire 4 christ]

there is no way we are in the world of sin at wat we watch at wat we do the only thing to stay sin free is to be with God 24 hrs a day

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

there is no way we are in the world of sin at wat we watch at wat we do the only thing to stay sin free is to be with God 24 hrs a day
I can definately agree. We can be sinfree for periods of time when we are totally in a state of aloneness with God. However, bring in the world, and bring in sin.

[Svt4Him]

Being in the world doesn't make us sin. I don't start lying because there are non-Christians around.

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Being in the world doesn't make us sin. I don't start lying because there are non-Christians around.
You'd be surprised the actual effects it has however.

[ChiRho]

If one is sinless, what use is Christ?

Pax Christi,

ChiRho

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

If one is sinless, what use is Christ?

Pax Christi,

ChiRho
One is a slave to sin unless he/she is in Christ.

[ChiRho]

What does that mean?

Pax Christi,

ChiRho

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Romans 6

16Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

[ChiRho]

Romans 6

16Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

But what do the verses mean?

Pax Christi,

ChiRho

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Sin can no longer control us. We are still tempted, but we no longer have to obey our old master.

[ChiRho]

Sure about that?

What do you make of Paul and the thorn in his flesh. He was tormented by his inward struggle with sin.

What those verses mean is that we are pardoned from our sin according to the achievements and sacrifice of Christ. If we violate the Law we are forgiven on account of Christ. Does this mean that we are to indulge in our Christian Liberty? Absolutely not. But we cannot prevent sin. Sin is more than our actions, words, and thoughts...more than what we have done and what we fail to do...sin is the condition in which we live. We should constantly be in a state of repentance. But we even fail in that. We are never repentant enough....but the God-given faith keeps our trust in Him. He forgives us...continually.

Pax Christi,

ChiRho

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Don't you see? Christ frees us from that condition. Like Adam and Eve, we have the knowledge of sin and still chosse to do it, but we are free from it.

[ChiRho]

"If the free will and not God is the decisive factor in salvation, as Arminianism [holds], then God is already relagated to a subsidiary role. A logical step is to deprive Him of a special advantage in determining the world's destiny."

Dr. David P. Scaer

If man boasts that it is his choice to do good (spiritual matters) then he is diminishing God to a subordinate role and man is the source of his salvation.

If you were completely liberated from your flesh, then why would you ever "choose" to sin?

Pax Christi,

ChiRho

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Adam and Eve did. If we accept a calvanist view then we do worse, we make God not only the author, but the agent, of evil.

Romans 8:2 "because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."

[ChiRho]

Adam and Eve did. If we accept a calvanist view then we do worse, we make God not only the author, but the agent, of evil.

Romans 8:2 "because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."

My friend, I am not a Calvinist, but a Confessional Lutheran. God is responsible for nothing evil and damns no one to Hell. It is His will that all be saved. We do believe in single predestination and the elect. Unbelieving sinners damn themselves. Lutherans do not hold to double-predestination, that is the position of the Reformed.

Pax Christi,

ChiRho

[theFijian]

Did you actually read what I posted? I thought I was pretty clear, so which part of it wasn't?I did read it and it was all too clear. You seem to think that salvation is works based.

Can someone be in the full presence of God, in all His glory, and stop sinning? Yes: In heaven we will be in the full presence of God and be without sin.

Can someone be in the full presence of God, in all His glory, and sin?Moses could well have sinned in the situation you were describing. Why what were you imagining? That someone God might make someone perfect and without sin for a while? There was only one who was without sin, the Lamb without blemish - Jesus Christ.

Your turn to answer my question: Did Moses stop being a sinner?

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Oh, well that's good then. I don't know what a Lutheran is though. But, as scripture say, we are free from the law of sin. I know I've been able to turn completely around after I was saved.

[ChiRho]

Oh, well that's good then. I don't know what a Lutheran is though. But, as scripture say, we are free from the law of sin. I know I've been able to turn completely around after I was saved.


You have kept the Law?

Pax Christi,

ChiRho

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

You have kept the Law?

Pax Christi,

ChiRho
What law? I am free from the law of sin.

[ChiRho]

Are you claiming sinlessness?

Pax Christi,

ChiRho

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Nope, but I am free from the law of sin and death.

[ChiRho]

We agree then.

Pax Christi,

ChiRho

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

:)

By the way, do you speak Latin?

[ChiRho]

:)

By the way, do you speak Latin?

I am fluent. Spucatum Tauri! ;)

Pax Christi,

ChiRho

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Wonderful, do you just write it or actually converse in it?

[ChiRho]

Wonderful, do you just write it or actually converse in it?

I was kidding... look up Spucatum Tauri.

Pax Christi,

ChiRho

[Asar'el]

I was kidding... look up Spucatum Tauri.

Pax Christi,

ChiRho
Let's just say there's bovine matter involved, lol.

And the law of sin is, The soul that sinneth, it shall die.

We are free of the penalty - not of sin itself. And we are regenerated by God's Spirit so that we may choose good - but without His upholding, we sink fast. We still stumble and fall - but not completely. Again, I don't think anyone disputes that with God's help a sinless state is as easy as anything else - but the evidence seems to be against such a state being maintained in us in this life. Any attempts on our part to bring such to pass are, I believe, fundamentaly flawed, and doomed to utter failure. Let us run the race now and keep our eyes on Christ, and not our feet.

[snoopyloopysk8a]

I think it might be possible if we spent practically the whole time in prayer and Bible study.