“Neither sins as long as they do not ACT on their inclinations.”
Actually, Jesus would not agree with that. Matthew 5:28 sets it on the HEART and not the ACT.
Precisely, thank you. That statement by Jesus shows just how far below His standards we really are. It also shows just how impossible it is to get into Heaven on our own.
You posted, in part: Actually, Jesus would not agree with that. Matthew 5:28 sets it on the HEART and not the ACT.
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I agree with you, with the caveat that being inclined to commit a certain sin (and resisting) is different than lusting or actively hating. That is, it isn’t that the sin popped into your head, but activley wanting to commit the sin, or surrendering to it even without actually physically committing it that violates Christ’s teachings.
I went to Catholic school all my life. I remember one particular nun when I was in grade school giving us an example. Say I want to steal Jane’s purse which she has left unattended upstairs in an empty classroom. I go upstairs to do the deed, but there is a teacher in the classroom and I do not get to steal the purse. Have I committed a sin, even though I didn’t actually steal the purse? According to my teacher, she says yes I did. The only thing that stopped me was the opportunity, not the desire not to commit the crime.