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To: PetroniusMaximus
You know, Mary isn't the only one called "full of grace" (Charitoo) in the NT...

Yes.

That doesn't make mean that Christians are sinless too does it?

Of course. What do you think baptism is for? It removes Original sin and places us in the same sinless state that Mary was conceived in, and that Adam and Eve were born in.

Unfortunately, it doesn't necessarily keep us from commiting further actual sin in our lives.

According to Paul, Christian's are made "full of grace" just like Mary

Yes, they are. At baptism. But most of us are either spiritually weaker or not as amply blessed as Mary and we soon return to sin. Thankfully, we have sacramental ways of returning to this sinless state.

SD

523 posted on 04/08/2005 8:37:34 AM PDT by SoothingDave
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To: SoothingDave
*** Of course. What do you think baptism is for?***

It is an outward sign of an inward repentance.



*** But most of us are either spiritually weaker or not as amply blessed as Mary and we soon return to sin. ***

So if Mary's extra something was not this being "full of grace" as we have seen, then what was it? Some special strength on her part? She was fully human right?

And what of her mother? Wouldn't she have to be immaculately conceived also to keep from staining Mary?
524 posted on 04/08/2005 9:01:01 AM PDT by PetroniusMaximus
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To: SoothingDave
SD - Perhaps I'm focusing on the wrong scripture but I've been looking at Luke 1:48

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. (KVJ, other translations use the same lowly state or something close).

My Strong’s Concordance says "lowly state" in the Greek meant spiritual abasement, leading one to perceive and lament his (moral) littleness and guilt.

But then the scripture goes on to the ...called me blessed..section. Perhaps that means from that point on?

It's entirely possible I'm being myopic here by focusing too tightly but take verse 47:

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

If Mary is in a state of sinlessness and grace does she need a Savior?

I feel uncomfortable with what I might be taking away from the that verse and I'm not nearly completed in my study but I thought I'd pass it by you.

Thanks again for your time and thoughts. Also I was remiss in not thanking you for your kind words in a previous post, so allow me to do so now.

540 posted on 04/09/2005 2:59:43 AM PDT by Proud_texan (May the Blessings of God be among all faithful people)
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