Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Hello from the middle of the day, dear one.

Lots of talk in person and on cell phones. And little Nicholas is here. I had hoped to be off by now to my sawmill less than 10 miles away. I’ll try to do so after a little lunch and, hopefully, a little nap. But first I want to get this little piece of brain work sent off. In it I am being as objective and honest as I can, although not exhaustive, in grappling with the issue I’ve taken on. I can understand how it could appear too hard-line to some. If you hold a different position that you believe is important and can offer some compelling Scriptural support, please don’t keep it to yourself.

I remind you again of our plan to assemble an updated recipient list on December 5. Only those who tell me they want to stay on that list will stay on that list.

Time to go. Blessings on your unfolding day. I’m glad this one I’m looking at has unfolded dry—no rain at present.

Love, Dad/Ray.

For many part-time believers, that statement by John prompts an uncomfortable reaction. After all, they will argue, we are just a bunch of sinners saved by grace. While there is a technical truth in that defense, there is also technical danger.

Allow me to cite more from this passage to help us catch the fuller impact of John’s point. I’ll do so from The Message translation: “So, my dear children, don't let anyone divert you from the truth. It's the person who acts right who is right, just as we see it lived out in our righteous Messiah. Those who make a practice of sin are straight from the Devil, the pioneer in the practice of sin. The Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil's ways. People conceived and brought into life by God don't make a practice of sin. How could they? God's seed is deep within them, making them who they are. It's not in the nature of the God-begotten to practice and parade sin. Here's how you tell the difference between God's children and the Devil's children: The one who won't practice righteous ways isn't from God, nor is the one who won't love brother or sister. A simple test” (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved).

The potential danger that I see in the statement, “I am a sinner saved by grace” is that it can offer a spiritual and humble-sounding cover for allowing a little sin here and a little sin there as no big deal—a justification for giving in to wrong doing that is clearly known to be wrong. “God knows that I’m a weak human sinner. After all, He loves me with His big unconditional love with unconditional grace in spite of my sloppy irresponsibilities. Surely He will not judge me harshly for a little slip-up and indulgence now and then.” Hmm—I have reason to be nervous with that version of confidence. Doesn’t that imply that the Father is happy as can be to have His own Son die for our sins on the cross so we can be lifted only slightly above sin but still dabble in it? I suppose every believer must work these technical details out for themselves. It’s supposed to be done with “fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

One of the most sobering disclosures that Jesus ever gave, in my opinion, is from the “Sermon on the Mount” in Matthew 7: “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” (Matthew 7:21-23).

For reasons like this I place major importance on a HEART AFTER GOD—because I believe that a HEART AFTER GOD, properly understood and properly practiced should not, cannot, will not, and must not tolerate any form of intentional pre-meditated sin. If it does, it’s simply not the real deal.