Ellen wrote they will have "a nature far above that which Adam forfeited by transgression" and will "reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression". In such a state, do prayers, praise, and obedience pass through corrupt channels? Or, do they bypass them and, like Jesus, pass through the divine nature?

I've found an interesting passage related to this:

"Jesus bears tenderly with them [James and John], not rebuking their selfishness in seeking preference above their brethren. He reads their hearts, He knows the depth of their attachment to Him. Their love is not a mere human affection; though defiled by the earthliness of its human channel, it is an outflowing from the fountain of His own redeeming love. He will not rebuke, but deepen and purify" (DA 548).

I think the thread proposition is nothing less than blasphemy, ascribing sin to the gifts of God. God is holy and does not sin, neither does he lead anyone into sin. Saying otherwise is directly devilish.

Then maybe it is time to reexamine this doctrine and align it to the bibles teaching again.

Thomas, I agree we shouldn't say the fruits of the Spirit are contaminated with sin. True, sanctified fruits ascend to God sweetened with the blood and righteousness of Jesus. But the idea that Jesus' blood and righteousness somehow sanitizes sinful fruit is . . . well, rather outrageous.

Simple, sinful fruit does not come from the Spirit and should therefore not be called "fruits of the Spirit".

Hi Mike, welcome back. I see you didn't comment about the last EGW passage I posted.

Thank you. It's good to be back. Nice quote. I was listening to DA on my Ipod the other day and recall that quote. Again, though, it doesn't say their love for Jesus was sinful. I don't think "defiled" means sinful. I suspect it means something similar to the less than perfect results of a child baking cookies for her family.

However, James and John's attempt to have a higher place than the other disciples was motivated by selfishness and was sinful.

James and John's requested was motivated by two things: 1) their love for Christ and desire to be as near to Him as possible; and 2) their desire to have a higher place than the other disciples.
Do you see two motivations for a single act? That's precisely what I'm saying: our love may be unconsciously mixed with selfishness. That's why it's defiled by the earthliness of its human channel. God's Spirit does not produce selfishness, of course. He produces love. But since in us there is still traces of selfishness, this love is mixed with selfishness, and that's why it needs to be purified by Christ's blood. What exactly do you disagree with?

So.. God gives us gifts, which the instant we recieve them become tainted and require purification? So even God possesses only one gift which He can bestow upon man that will remain good after reception. This sounds like "Total Depravity". Do you also add to it predestination?