Years ago I was exposed to the idea positing the possible attainment of “the eradication of the old nature” meaning that I could become so holy as to never think about sinning, let alone actually commit such a thing. Oh, that it was so. As this missile goes forth the return mail will deliver numerous lines, filled with vitriol assuring me that although they wish me dead, they have not sinned in twenty years! The words prove my point. You may have been deceived for twenty years, but your “old nature eradicated? Keep on dreaming.
Even the Apostle Paul wrote, long after his Damascus Road experience, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24.
Note Paul does not refer to his wretchedness in the past tense. Even though we are saved by the pure and free grace of our Lord Jesus, we are going to need His power, not daily as some think, but moment by moment.
Along the same line an old African proverb states, “If there’s no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm.” Pogo also stated, “We have discovered the enemy and he is us!”
So, when asked, “Larry, do you believe in the eradication of the old nature?” I boldly say, Yes, yes I do.” To which the reply comes back, “I thought you are a Baptist.” Certainly, I am a Baptist, but also a Bible believer. My Old Nature will be totally abolished when I see Jesus face to face upon my physical death or upon His return. So, those who walk around bragging about their old nature having been abolished in the now and I actually believe the same thing except for the timing.
My observation over many years is that the larger body of believers that do not believe in the abolishing of the carnal nature experientially in the now, expect this to happen in others upon whom they sit in judgment!
How many verses/passages deal with the necessity of coming to the Lord, regularly for cleansing inwardly. I have decent control of carnal impulses as far carrying them out physically. But the inward feeling and thought require numerous visits to the cleansing verses!
Here's a little food for thought as we have begun our 2016 walk with Jesus:
1John 1:8, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”
One of my 2016 resolutions involves being honest with me about myself. Not as easy as you might think. John said the same thing.
Copyright © 2016 Larry Lilly
For 2016 IT work Click Oral Deckard
Even the Apostle Paul wrote, long after his Damascus Road experience, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24.
Note Paul does not refer to his wretchedness in the past tense. Even though we are saved by the pure and free grace of our Lord Jesus, we are going to need His power, not daily as some think, but moment by moment.
Along the same line an old African proverb states, “If there’s no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm.” Pogo also stated, “We have discovered the enemy and he is us!”
So, when asked, “Larry, do you believe in the eradication of the old nature?” I boldly say, Yes, yes I do.” To which the reply comes back, “I thought you are a Baptist.” Certainly, I am a Baptist, but also a Bible believer. My Old Nature will be totally abolished when I see Jesus face to face upon my physical death or upon His return. So, those who walk around bragging about their old nature having been abolished in the now and I actually believe the same thing except for the timing.
My observation over many years is that the larger body of believers that do not believe in the abolishing of the carnal nature experientially in the now, expect this to happen in others upon whom they sit in judgment!
How many verses/passages deal with the necessity of coming to the Lord, regularly for cleansing inwardly. I have decent control of carnal impulses as far carrying them out physically. But the inward feeling and thought require numerous visits to the cleansing verses!
Here's a little food for thought as we have begun our 2016 walk with Jesus:
1John 1:8, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”
One of my 2016 resolutions involves being honest with me about myself. Not as easy as you might think. John said the same thing.
Copyright © 2016 Larry Lilly
For 2016 IT work Click Oral Deckard
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