Restin, thank you for explaining how you feel about my ideas on perfection and rebirth. Thank God there are people out there you feel good about seeking spiritual advice and counsel. God is good.

I will humbly attempt a reply to the questions addressed to Daryl by Mike. I believe we are all very close to the same understanding on this :

1. What will God do differently in future, that He is unwilling or unable to do for us now, that will make it possible for the 144,000 to completely cease sinning?

Answer: He will for those saved, including those sealed, ETERNALLY blot out their sins from the records AND from their CONSCIOUSNESS:

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“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19.

“For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more CONSCIOUSNESS of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every YEAR.” Hebrews 10:1-3. (An obvious reference to the Day of Atonement).

“I saw that it would take time to lead away the Scape Goat into the land of forgetfulness after the sins were put on his head.” EGW in Spalding-Megan Collection p 2.

“Their sins had been borne away into the land of forgetfulness, and they could not bring them to remembrance.” 3SG 134.

“When Jesus leaves the sanctuary, then they who are holy and righteous will be holy and righteous still; for all their sins will then be blotted out, and they will be sealed with the seal of the living God.” EW 48.

“We may talk of the blessings of the Holy Spirit, but unless we prepare ourselves for its reception, of what avail are our works? Are we striving with all our power to attain to the stature of men and women in Christ? Are we seeking for his fullness, ever pressing toward the mark set before us,--the perfection of his character? When the Lord's people reach this mark, they will be sealed in their foreheads. Filled with the Spirit, they will be complete in Christ, and the recording angel will declare, ‘It is finished.’” EGW in RH 6-10-1902.

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2. What does 1 John 3:9 literally mean when it says born again believers do not and cannot sin?

Answer: It means the powerful “LAW of the Spirit of life” (the mind set on “things of the Spirit”) working in us, to develop the motive of love in our hearts for God and man, will enable us to overcome all temptations and trials. Romans 8:2-6; 13-14. 1 Corinthians 13:13 nasb.

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“No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he CANNOT go on sinning, because he has been born of God.” 1 John 3:9 niv. Why? Because, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 nkjv.

“Christ came to make us ‘partakers of the divine nature,’ and His life declares that humanity, combined with divinity, does not commit sin.” MH 180. But note these words of caution: “It takes TIME to transform the human to the divine, or to degrade those formed in the image of God to the brutal or the satanic. By beholding we become changed.” 2T 478. We are to “GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18 nkjv. “Speaking the truth [Eph 1:4] in love, we are to [Eph 2:21] grow up in all aspects into Him who is the [Eph 1:22] head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 niv.

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3. Where in the Bible does it teach we are saved and justified after we sin but before we repent?

Answer: Surely, God expects us ALL to repent of any known sin, when we can. But God understands the complexities of a busy life; and it is often while on our knees at the close of the day that we finally consider, remember, and ask Him for forgiveness. (For David it took MUCH longer. 2 Samuel 11-12). But note the PEACE and ASSURANCE that should be ours THROUGHOUT the GROWTH process:

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”By faith we have been made acceptable to God. And now, because of our Lord Jesus Christ, we live at PEACE with God. Christ has also introduced us to God's undeserved kindness on which we take our stand. So we are happy, as we look forward to sharing in the glory of God. But that's not all! We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:1-5 cev.

“Bible history stays the fainting heart with the hope of God's mercy. We need not despair when we see that others have struggled through discouragements like our own, have fallen into temptations even as we have done, and yet have recovered their ground and been blessed of God. The words of inspiration comfort and cheer the erring soul.” 4T 15.

“God's all-seeing eye notes the defects of all and the ruling passion of each, yet He bears with our mistakes and pities our weakness. He bids His people cherish the same spirit of tenderness and forbearance.” 5T 95.

“Do not draw back in despair. We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. No; Christ is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Said the beloved John, "These things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." 1 John 2:1. And do not forget the words of Christ, "The Father Himself loveth you." John 16:27. He desires to restore you to Himself, to see His own purity and holiness reflected in you. And if you will but yield yourself to Him, He that hath begun a good work in you will carry it forward to the day of Jesus Christ. Pray more fervently; believe more fully. As we come to distrust our own power, let us trust the power of our Redeemer, and we shall praise Him who is the health of our countenance.” SC 64.

“Our infirmities may be many, our mistakes and sins numerous, but forgiveness is for all who, with contrition of heart, will confess and forsake their sins.” The Upward Look 82.

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Now note what is MOST VALUED by God:

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“Of all things that are sought, cherished, and cultivated, there is nothing so valuable in the sight of God as a pure heart, A DISPOSITION IMBUED WITH THANKFULNESS AND PEACE.” 4T 559.

Jesus said: “I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn't like the peace that this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid.” John 14:27 cev.

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Stan, thank you for answering the questions. I hope you don't mind me asking for further clarification.

1. Does blotting out our memry of specific sins empower us to cease sinning? or does Jesus do it because we have already ceased sinning?

5T 472-476
Zechariah's vision of Joshua and the Angel applies with peculiar force to the experience of God's people in the closing up of the great day of atonement… [Satan] endeavors to affright the soul with the thought that their case is hopeless, that the stain of their defilement will never be washed away. He hopes to so destroy their faith that they will yield to his temptations, turn from their allegiance to God, and receive the mark of the beast…

But while the followers of Christ have sinned, they have not given themselves to the control of evil. They have put away their sins, and have sought the Lord in humility and contrition, and the divine Advocate pleads in their behalf… The people of God are sighing and crying for the abominations done in the land. With tears they warn the wicked of their danger in trampling upon the divine law, and with unutterable sorrow they humble themselves before the Lord on account of their own transgressions…

As the people of God afflict their souls before Him, pleading for purity of heart, the command is given, "Take away the filthy garments" from them, and the encouraging words are spoken, "Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment." … Their names are retained in the Lamb's book of life, enrolled among the faithful of all ages… While Satan was urging his accusations and seeking to destroy this company, holy angels, unseen, were passing to and fro, placing upon them the seal of the living God. These are they that stand upon Mount Zion with the Lamb, having the Father's name written in their foreheads.

EW 71.2
I saw that none could share the "refreshing" unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action.

2. Are we born again with or without our moral defects of character? When is it true that we do not and cannot commit a known sin?

3. When does God offer us the gift of repentance - immediately after we sin or several hours after we sin? And are we saved or unsaved if we delay exercising the gift of repentance?

Mike,

Please be careful. Your questions seem to illustrate a pharisaical works-approach to perfection and overcoming sin. But the Bible clearly explains that “we are HIS workmanship.” Eph 2:10. We must cooperate; but we cannot press ahead of the Master Workman in our lives:

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“At EVERY stage of development our life may be PERFECT; yet if God's purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be CONTINUAL advancement.” COL 65.

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Jesus is looking for this state of CONTINUAL ADVANCEMENT (Phil. 1:9-11), in developing the fruit of the Spirit— which He called the “weightier provisions of the law” Matt. 23:23; Luke 11:42—while we avoid known sins. James 4:17.

Compare the same balance in Romans 12:1-2 and Philippians 2:12-13. And remember what Jesus said: “If you love Me, you WILL keep my commandments.” John 14:15 nasb.

Notice how development of this heart-love motive by the Spirit is illustrated and emphasized in the Good Samaritan story:

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“The lawyer's question to Jesus had been, ‘What shall I do (to be saved)?’ And Jesus, recognizing love to God and man as the sum of righteousness, had said, ‘This do, and thou shalt live.’ The SAMARITAN had obeyed the dictates of a kind and loving heart, and in this had proved himself A DOER OF THE LAW.” DA 504.

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Compare that with what Paul wrote about DOING BY NATURE what the law requires:

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“For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, DO BY NATURE things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the REQUIREMENTS of the law are WRITTEN ON THEIR HEARTS, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them. Romans 2:13-15 niv.
"LOVE does no wrong to a neighbor. LOVE, therefore, IS THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW.” Romans 13:10 nasb.

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“Wherever there is an impulse of love and sympathy, wherever the heart reaches out to bless and uplift others, there is revealed the working of God's Holy Spirit...The Holy Spirit has implanted the grace of Christ in the heart of the savage, quickening his sympathies contrary to his NATURE, contrary to his education. The ‘Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world’ (John 1:9), is shining in his soul; and this light, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God.” COL 385.

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Now, Mike, here’s your questions:

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1. Does blotting out our memory of specific sins empower us to cease sinning? or does Jesus do it because we have already ceased sinning?

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Blotting out our memory of past sins is just one part of the process. So far, Christ alone has lived with no memory of past sins. An even greater part is explained by Peter in that same verse: “...So as may come” the latter rain of the Holy Spirit. Acts 3:19. It is this full and final display of the Holy Spirit’s power that will strengthen us to overcome. Christ “proved that humanity and divinity combined can obey every one of God's precepts.” COL 314.

It is this power of the Holy Spirit that will produce in us “a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so (we) cannot be moved.” Manuscript Releases Volume One, page 249-250.

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2a. Are we born again with or without our moral defects of character?

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To be "born again" means a new start. “It takes time to transform the human to the divine>“ 2T 478.

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2b. When is it true that we do not and cannot commit a known sin?

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“So long as Satan reigns, we shall have self to subdue, besetting sins to overcome; so long as life shall last, THERE WILL BE NO STOPPING PLACE, no point which we can reach and say, I have fully attained. Sanctification is the result of lifelong obedience.” AA 560-561.

But remember those promised “times of refreshing.” Acts 3:19. AND the assurance that, “...humanity and divinity combined can obey every one of God's precepts.” COL 314.

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3. When does God offer us the gift of repentance - immediately after we sin or several hours after we sin? And are we saved or unsaved if we delay exercising the gift of repentance?

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I believe those are poorly stated questions. On the cross Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34. So forgiveness is ALWAYS freely offered; but it is for us to accept it by repentance (the recognition of wrong and sincere desire for forgiveness). This comes through the working of the Spirit on our hearts to CONVICT us of sin. John 16:8 nasb. Naturally, it’s dangerous to delay repentance; but remember that Christ ALONE will be the Judge. John 5:22. Don’t try to do that for Him.

Mike. Remember that “we are accepted in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:6. Ellen White emphasizes this 91 times. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Titus 3:5. And it’s the TREND OF THE LIFE that counts:

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“Our CHARACTERS are not to be weighed by smooth words and fair speeches manufactured for set times and occasions; but by the spirit and TREND of the whole life.” EGW in RH 8-16-1892. “The harvest of life is CHARACTER, and it is this that determines destiny, both for this life and for the life to come.” Ed 108. “Any ONE act, either good or evil, does NOT form the CHARACTER, but thoughts and feelings indulged, prepare the way for acts and deeds of the same kind.” EGW in YI 12-15-1886.

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Stan, again thank you for taking the time to thoroughly address the issues I've raised. Please forgive me for being so slow. But it appears from the way you answered my questions, and please correct me if I'm wrong, that you are of the school of thought which teaches 1) we can, by the grace of God, live up to all the light we have been given, but that 2) we will come short of moral character perfection this side of eternity, and 3) we will not experience complete moral character perfection until the investigative judgment when our past sins and our remaining unknown defects of character are blotted out.

1) As Peter discovered, we do not know our own hearts until tested. Matthew 26:33-35.

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“Until tested and proved in the furnace of trial, we do not know ourselves.” 6T 396.

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.” Proverbs 21:2.

“There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness.” Proverbs 30:12.

“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:21.

“God is pleased with men who do not think that they have attained perfection, but who are constantly trying to improve. He would have us come into connection with Him, and increase in understanding, and reform our habits, ever rising higher, and approaching nearer the standard of perfection.” EGW in RH 2-5-1880.

“Do not be discouraged because you see that your character is defective. The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in distinct contrast with his perfect character. EGW in Bible Echo 12-1-1892.

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2) “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7. So motives are the critical factor for God; and we cannot read motives.

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“Every course of action has a twofold character and importance. It is virtuous or vicious, right or wrong, according to the MOTIVE which prompts it.” EGW in RH 5-17-1898.

“The religion of Christ is something more than talk. The righteousness of Christ consists in right actions and good works from pure, unselfish MOTIVES. Outside righteousness, while the inward adorning is wanting, will be of no avail.” 3T 528.

“The righteousness of Christ will not cover one cherished sin...Every act is judged by the MOTIVES that prompt it.” COL 316.

“The great MOTIVE powers of the soul are faith, hope, and love; and it is to these that Bible study, rightly pursued, appeals.” ED 192.

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3) We should never expect to reach a plateau of spiritual perfection. As with any living thing, LIFE IS MADE EVIDENT BY GROWTH.

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“We shall never graduate in this life, but should keep every power upon the stretch for more knowledge….Never feel that you have attained to the highest point, and can therefore rise no higher….The very work that is essential for every one who receives the present truth, is to aim at perfection of character, and thoroughness in winning souls to Christ. Be determined that you will advance and improve in your work, and then you will be CONTINUALLY progressing; for those who have received this light feel that they must bring more of the Spirit of Christ into their own life and character as they advance, else they cannot bring it into the lives of others.” EGW in RH 7-26-1887.

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4) This PROGRESSIVE experience will certainly lead us to a closer relationship with Jesus AND prepare us for TRANSLATION:

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“We are living in an evil age. The perils of the last days thicken around us. Because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. Enoch walked with God three hundred years. Now the shortness of time seems to be urged as a motive to seek righteousness. Should it be necessary that the terrors of the day of God be held before us in order to compel us to right action? Enoch's case is before us. Hundreds of years he walked with God. He lived in a corrupt age, when moral pollution was teeming all around him; yet he trained his mind to devotion, to love purity. His conversation was upon heavenly things. He educated his mind to run in this channel, and he bore the impress of the divine. His countenance was lighted up with the light which shineth in the face of Jesus. Enoch had temptations as well as we. He was surrounded with society no more friendly to righteousness than is that which surrounds us. The atmosphere he breathed was tainted with sin and corruption, the same as ours; yet he lived a life of holiness. He was unsullied with the prevailing sins of the age in which he lived. SO MAY WE remain pure and uncorrupted. He was a representative of the saints who live amid the perils and corruptions of the last days. For his faithful obedience to God he was translated. So, also, the faithful, who are alive and remain, will be translated. They will be removed from a sinful and corrupt world to the pure joys of heaven.” 2T 121.

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5) Let’s maintain the attitude of Paul, who obeyed God’s commands as he understood them; but had no confidence in them. Instead, his confidence was in Christ. Paul also said he had not already reached perfection; but he pressed toward the mark of the high calling of God. Philippians 3:3-14.

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“The germination of the seed represents the beginning of spiritual life, and the development of the plant is a beautiful figure of Christian growth. As in nature, so in grace; there can be no life without growth. The plant must either grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but continuous, so is the development of the Christian life. At EVERY stage of development our life may be PERFECT; yet if God's purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be CONTINUAL advancement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime.” COL 65.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2.

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Stan, I'm still not clear on your position regarding moral perfection. Again please forgive for being so slow. The answers and quotes you shared above lead me to wonder the following:

1. Once we're born again what does growth in grace and spiritual advancement toward perfection involve? Does it involve sinning and repenting less and less often? or does it involve maturing in the fruits of the Spirit?

The reason I ask is because I'm under the impression Jesus demonstrated what it means to grow in grace and to advance in spiritual perfection. In His case, and as our example, growth in grace and spiritual advancement toward perfection did not involve sinning and repenting. Jesus was born perfect and yet He also became perfect.

Thus, I am assuming we too are born again morally perfect and that we too must advance toward perfection, which I take to mean we must mature in the fruits of the Spirit. But the growth we experience as we copy the Pattern, as we advance toward perfection, does not involve becoming less and less defective, but rather as it was with Jesus it involves becoming more and more mature in the fruits of the Spirit.

Do you see why I'm having trouble understanding your thoughts on perfection?

Mike,

Sorry I haven’t been more clear on this; but I’ll try again. It will be lengthy; but I hope it will be complete. Emphasis is mine in all references.

I agree that we need to accept the words of Jesus, when He said:

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“If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and NOTHING shall be impossible unto you.” Matthew 17:20.

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Another time He said,

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“ALL things are possible to the one who believes.” Mark 9:23.

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Add these words by EGW:

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“He who has not sufficient faith in Christ to believe that He CAN keep him from sinning, has not the faith that will give him an entrance into the kingdom of God.” EGW in RH 3-10-1904.

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So why did James say that “we ALL stumble in many ways”? James 3:2 nasb. And why did John write, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us”? 1 John 1:8.

Because, “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41.

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“Human frailties and human feelings are CONTINUALLY striving for the mastery.” 5T 109.

“I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for THE WILLING is present in me, but THE DOING of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want....I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I JOYFULLY concur with the law of God in THE INNER MAN, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.” Romans 7:18-19, 21-23 nasb.

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So, Mike, I look at the new birth experience as a change from being a WILLING sinner to being a WILLING servant of Jesus Christ. But while ”the WILLING is present in me...the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” Romans 7:18-19 nasb.

Does this mean I don’t have sufficient faith in Christ to believe that He CAN keep me from sinning? Absolutely not! Why? Because He offers a solution, and I DO BELIEVE His words. It means I recognize that for me to win in that “good fight” against sin, I must continue to BELIEVE in Jesus AND submit to His instructions. I must enter by the Door that He provides, and not try to climb up by any other way. John 10:1, 9. And the way that He provides is one of continual spiritual growth that works FROM THE INSIDE OUT:

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“Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse FIRST that which is WITHIN the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matthew 23:26.

“The heart is the treasure house of sin. Not being expelled, it is hidden until an hour of opportunity, and then is revealed and springs into action. The FIRST work is with the heart. (See Romans 12:2). Truth, the love of Jesus must supply the vacuum, Saith Christ, Make the tree good and the fruit will be good. . . .” Paulson Collection of EGW letters 344.

“As the leaven, when mingled with the meal, works FROM WITHIN OUTWARD, so it is by the renewing of the heart that the grace of God works to transform the life. No mere external change is sufficient to bring us into harmony with God. There are many who try to reform by correcting this or that bad habit, and they hope in this way to become Christians, but they are beginning in the wrong place. OUR FIRST WORK is with the heart.” COL 97.

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Please note that this is exactly the solution Paul gives to that Romans 7 dilemma. And it is such a positive solution that he calls it A LAW:

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“For THE LAW of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death…(Not so we can keep on sinning, but) so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:2, 4 nasb.

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And what is the essential FIRST step in walking according to the Spirit?

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“For those who are according to the flesh SET THEIR MINDS ON the things of the flesh (see James 1:14-15 & GC 558), but those who are according to the Spirit, (SET THEIR MINDS ON) the things of the Spirit. For THE MIND SET on the flesh is death, but THE MIND SET on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so...If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will ALSO GIVE LIFE (right actions) TO YOUR MORTAL BODIES through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:5-7, 10-11 nasb. “For it is God who is at work in you BOTH to will AND TO WORK for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 nasb. “Divine agencies are combining with the human in reshaping the character according to the perfect pattern, and man is to work out that which God works in.” 6T 129.

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As we behold Jesus, the Holy Spirit is transforming us more and more (spirit, soul, and body) into the same image—”from glory to glory.” 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:23. And this CONTINUAL GROWTH is the process Paul referred to in Romans 5:1-2. By grace through faith, our past sins are forgiven; giving us peace with God. Then we enter (also by faith) into this grace period in which we stand. That grace is still needed because of our imperfections. And we hope for continual growth into the glorious likeness of our Savior.

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“The natural, selfish MIND, if left to follow out its own evil desires, will act without high motives, without reference to the glory of God or the benefit of mankind. The thoughts will be evil, and only evil, continually. The soul can be in a state of peace ONLY by relying upon God, and by partaking of the divine nature through faith in the Son of God. The Spirit of God produces a new life in the soul, bringing the thoughts and desires into obedience to the will of Christ, and THE INWARD MAN is renewed in the image of Him who works in us to subdue all things unto himself.” EGW in RH 6-12-1888.

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Paul prayed that God “would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be STRENGTHENED WITH MIGHT” HOW? “by His Spirit in THE INNER MAN.” Ephesians 3:16.

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“You should begin to act upon the light that God has given you. YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DO THIS ALL AT ONCE, but you can do much by moving out GRADUALLY in FAITH, believing that God will be your helper, that He will strengthen you.” 3T 76.

“By taking one step after another, the highest ascent may be climbed, and the summit of the mount may be reached at last. Do not become overwhelmed with the great amount of work you must do in your lifetime, for YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO IT ALL AT ONCE.” EGW in YI 1-5-1893.

“We need to CATCH THE INSPIRATION of God's Spirit, AND THEN WORK with all the power He has given us to co-operate with Him in restoring the moral image of God in man. When we have done this, we shall feel indeed that we have not lived in vain.” EGW in Australian Union Conference Record 7-26-1899.

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While walking the tightrope of life, SIMPLE COMMON SENSE DICTATES THAT WE MUST ALWAYS DO OUR BEST with God’s help to keep from falling; while ALWAYS remembering that the grace of Jesus is our Safety Net if we do fall. 1 John 2:1-2.