Christ's Love and the New Believer - Part 1
As a believer, there are heritage in Christ and numerous privileges accrued to the new believer in Christ. This article tries to lay a background knowledge of who a believer is and what they should as they begin a new walk with Christ Jesus. Since the topic of discussion is broad, this article will be in series to make it wholistic.
WORKS BEFORE JUSTIFICATION
Because they do not result from faith in Jesus Christ, neither do they qualify mankind to receive grace, or (as the school-authors say) merit grace of congruity. Therefore, deeds done before the grace of Christ, and the Inspiration of his Spirit, are not pleasing to God. We are confident that they exhibit the characteristics of sin since they are not carried out as God has instructed and willed.
WORKS OF SUPEREROGATION
Voluntary works outside of, above, and beyond God's commandments, also known as works of supererogation, cannot be taught without haughtiness and impiety because they imply that people do more for God than is required of them by law, contrary to what Christ explicitly commands: "When ye have done all that is commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants."
CHRIST ALONE WITHOUT SIN
With the exception of sin, from which he was obviously devoid both in his flesh and in his soul, Christ was truly designed to be like us in all aspects. As stated by Saint John, sin was not present in him as he assumed the role of the spotless Lamb who would atone for the world's sins via the offering of himself once. However, despite being baptized and born again in Christ, the rest of us still commit numerous sins. If we claim to be sinless, we are only fooling ourselves because the truth is not in us.
SIN AFTER BAPTISM
Not all deadly sins committed voluntarily after baptism are sins against the Holy Ghost and are therefore unforgiveable. Therefore, those who commit sin after receiving baptism should not be denied the opportunity to repent. After receiving the Holy Spirit, we may turn away from the grace that has been extended to us and fall into sin. However, by God's grace, we are able to rise up and make changes to our life. And as a result, those who assert that they cannot sin while they are here or who refuse to provide forgiveness to those who really repent are to be condemned.
References
Churchofengland, 'Articles of Religion' (online) <https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/book-common-prayer/articles-religion#II>.
