"Born Again" in John Piper's new book "Finally Alive"

[annsni]

I believe "new" is positional...the addition of spiritual life to go along with physical life, unlike the lost. Has nothing to do with the ability or scope of the potential to commit any sin. The new creation in us is the addition of the new nature, not the eradication of the old. Since we can suppress the Spirit, any sin a lost person can commit can also be committed by a saved person.

That is true but there is a big difference in the heart of a believer over an unbeliever, IMO. One where we KNOW what's right and wrong - and as my pastor says "know it in our knower". Of course we still sin but with the Holy Spirit inside us, we are convicted of our sin rather than comfortably living in it. We also now have a newfound love for fellow believers, desire the Word of God and begin to grow in the grace and the knowledge of Him. I know there was a difference in me even at age 7 and I've seen it in each of my children. So while "new" doesn't mean we won't sin or can't sin, that sin has a totally different affect on us than when we were "old".

 

[donnA]

I believe "new" is positional...the addition of spiritual life to go along with physical life, unlike the lost. Has nothing to do with the ability or scope of the potential to commit any sin. The new creation in us is the addition of the new nature, not the eradication of the old. Since we can suppress the Spirit, any sin a lost person can commit can also be committed by a saved person.

True, but the lost live in continual pratice of that sin, is it ok for christians, have they no power of the Holy Spirit to obey God, does the indwelling Holy Spirit make no difference in their lives, that they would live a life in the pratice of obedience? Which in no means they do not sin, but that they no longer live in slavery to it. If they still don't mind their sin, then how can they be new.

 

[donnA]

That is true but there is a big difference in the heart of a believer over an unbeliever, IMO. One where we KNOW what's right and wrong - and as my pastor says "know it in our knower". Of course we still sin but with the Holy Spirit inside us, we are convicted of our sin rather than comfortably living in it. We also now have a newfound love for fellow believers, desire the Word of God and begin to grow in the grace and the knowledge of Him. I know there was a difference in me even at age 7 and I've seen it in each of my children. So while "new" doesn't mean we won't sin or can't sin, that sin has a totally different affect on us than when we were "old".

what she said