Originally posted by ScottEmerson:
I have to agree with Daniel David on this. As Christians, our sins are already forgiven! Why would we, then need to have God "forgive our sins" by us "turning from our wicked ways?" The forgiveness of sins is contingent upon us turning (if...then statement), and we've already done that! When we accept the forgiveness of Christ, God provides complete forgiveness of the sins that we have ever committed or will ever commit. His forgiveness is total. That is why this verse does not apply to us - God's people now are already forgiven of their sins.
Good call Daniel.
SINCE THE "General Epistles" are written to the church of already born again believers, then it's obvious that we are in a continual state of repentence. Though we have in our attitude towards God made a 180 degree turn around, God is still "perfecting" us, continually showing us areas of our life that need to be changed. Until we get to Heaven, I'm afraid we still need to repent of some things not yet revealed, else no need for our perfecting.
"Perfecting" is an action verb in the present tense. We are not yet in our glorified bodies and the flesh we are enrobed in is still tempted and subject to sin.
Many are ensnared by satan, and until shown the error of their ways, through preaching, they are in a continual state of sinning, though already forgiven, they must repent of that present sin, "so the Heavens won't become brass", being under judgement for that "regarded" sin.
Any of us who have been saved for any real amount of time already know the reality of "sin in the camp". God does not allow us to continue in sin that grace might abound, He reproves us of sin, has given space of repentence, opened the altar of forgiveness, His Son being our Advocate and the Propitiation for our sin.
Yes, all our sins are forgiven, past, present, and future, but that is never a license to continue in sin.
Two well educated men as DD and Scott know the passages dealing with wrong doing amongst the body of Christ, knowing full well that sinless perfection isn't accomplished in the flesh, and if they happen not to be educated in that respect, then I will gladly bring to their attention the passages in Our New Testament for them.
The soul of a man is sinless after salvation, the flesh is not eradicated, and must be given a new body, the spirit of a man is effected by his emotions, and wavers.
We are to put on the Mind of Christ, but at times we fail to do so, standing in need of humblin g ourselves and praying.
We all will admit pride is a sin, but many fail to even sense the level of pride within them and satan has them blinded and thereby preventing them from what God has further in store for them in this life.
Pride is killing the "outreach" of the Body of Christ, shamefully, much of that pride in the IFB, but definitely not limited to us.