*** MB: ***Intriguing. Hypothetically, what happens to the Reformed if they resist this desire?***
IT: Sometimes, like Jonah, they do resist. Didnt work for Jonah, wont work for us, either.
***MB: So therefore, there would be no reason to avoid committing future sins, since they are already forgiven.***
IT: Theoretically, yes. Practically, no. Once you are forgiven, there is a strong desire to do what God wants.***
Are you saying that there is only a tendency coming from desire to avoid future sin?
***We still sin. but we do now have the desire to avoid it, because it doesnt really make us happy, Obeying God does.***
The prime motivation of sin is the immediate gratification, or surface happiness, that it brings. For example, the sin of theft. It brings instant gratification because one has material goods.
Are you saying that the Reformed do not, for example, steal, because it no longer brings them that instant gratification?
***Are you saying that the Reformed do not, for example, steal, because it no longer brings them that instant gratification?***
All people sin, it is our natural state. Whether it is stealing, adultery, ignoring God, worshipping idols, or coveting your neighbor’s assets, we all sin. No one is exempt, no one is superior. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. If you say you have no sin, well, you have already broken one of the commandment :>)
With God, we can ignore the base joys, the instant gratification, in exchange for the greater joy of following Christ. We don’t always do that, but with Christ we have the ability.