The Alleged Claim and The Admonishing Censure

1 John 1:10

If we claim that we have not sinned [and remain in a state of sinless perfection], [then] we keep on making Him a liar and His Word [Bible Doctrine] does not reside in us.

THE ALLEGED CLAIM

The denial in the third claim is different than the second, although logically follows for if I have no sin nature, then I no longer sin. The claim is that in the past, the believer reached perfection. Now they are boasting that this has remained true of them in the present. They still haven't sinned and likely will never sin again.

It is here that the tense of the verb "have not sinned" paints a rather startling picture. The perfect tense advances the idea that sinless perfection is achievable. The Gnostics were not the only groups who have held this view throughout the centuries of the Church Age. In an article on "Christian Perfectionism," many modern groups are cited as holding this view today. ¹ They list Catholics, Methodist, Holiness Pentecostal groups, and others.

What is perfectionism?

As a theological term, a teaching, sometimes known as entire sanctification and often associated with John Wesley and the Wesleyan theological tradition, that declares that moral perfection can be attained in this life. The basis of the idea lies in the biblical injunctions to be perfect as God is perfect (Mt 5:48), holy as God is holy (Lev 19:2; 1 Pet 1:15–16) or move toward perfection (Heb 6:1). ²

The modern version comes from the teaching of James Arminius (1560–1609), the founder of Arminian Theology, in which one of the tenants was about perfection. He said, "It is possible for a believer to live in such conformity to God's will so as to be called perfect." ³ Dr. Ryrie says:

Unbiblical perfectionism teaches that the believer does not sin at all because he has rooted out the principle of sin. No believer can experience this kind of sinless perfection until the resurrection when he will be free from the sin principle within.⁴

True Christian perfectionism occurs when the believer reaches the high ground of spiritual maturity, Philippians 3:12-16. This should be the goal of every born again believer, reaching Christlikeness. Now, let's turn to the fact that this false teaching requires censure.

THE ADMONISHING CENSURE

There is a twofold condemnation for holding this error. First, we make God a liar.

A Great Blasphemy

Any teaching that is contrary to the Scripture makes God a liar. It is blasphemy! This may sound like a very harsh statement, but we only echo what the Scripture says about false teachers. In fact, this is a mild statement in lieu of the pronouncement made against apostate teachers in the Word of God. For instance:

2 Timothy 2:16 -18

But avoid worldly and empty chatter [talk], for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection [Rapture of the Church] has already taken place, and thus they upset the faith [doctrine] of some.

In a future passage, we will be studying in detail what the Scripture says about false teachers. But for now, in the above passage, Hymenaeus and Philetus were two believers at Ephesus during Timothy's ministry. Paul wrote this passage about 67 A.D. At this time, Paul was a prisoner in a Roman dungeon. In the absence of Paul and during a time when the church was without a pastor, these two men emerged as leaders. Timothy was sent by Paul to pastor Ephesus and correct the problem of apostasy, "they had gone astray from the truth." When they were opposed, they left the main church at Ephesus, starting their own splinter ministries. Furthermore, in 2 Timothy 2:18-20, their false teaching is identified. They taught that the Rapture (resurrection) had already occurred, and therefore, everyone was living in the Tribulation.

We know this is false for the truth is that the Rapture terminates the Church Age, and all believers are removed from the earth in this return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Then the Great Tribulation begins. The church does not go through the Tribulation. Apostate teaching in this area of the Doctrine of Eschatology abounds even today with the mid and postribulational views. ⁵

Any deviation from the truth, the Word of God, is an insult to the God of Truth. Paul calls their teaching like gangrene. A little harsh, wouldn't you say? He says their teaching is disease-like, rotten, and infecting the good tissue around it. When you get gangrene, on any part of your body, the remedy is amputation. His direction in this passage is a command "to avoid" such teachers. To the Romans, he wrote that if you find someone teaching doctrine that is "contrary to the teaching which you learned, then turn away from them," Romans 16:17. The Apostle John, twenty years later, says to the same church, "you are making God a liar." No, we make no apology for a strong statement regarding apostate teachers.

A Great Tragedy

The second condemnation reveals the consequence of an indifferent and apathetic attitude toward the Word of God. It is found in the statement, "and the truth does not reside in us." There seems to be complete ignorance today among Christians that the Word of God is to be learned. Learning means Bible instruction is to be retained in our hearts and minds. It is not "in the Bible"; it is in us. There is a place where it is stored. All of us have memory centers where we keep important facts. What is more important than the Word of God? This passage says the truth is not in us. If we turn it around and state it positively, notice what the Apostle John is saying, the truth is to be IN us. David said it this way:

Psalm 119:11

I have hidden [stored up] your Word IN my heart [mentality of the soul] that I might not sin against you.

In verse six of 1 John 1, the censure was that they "did not practice THE TRUTH." You cannot apply the Word of God in life's circumstances if your soul is empty of it. You cannot apply the truth until you know the truth. It is probably one of the greatest failures of the 21^st-century church that we have not made this clear to our generation. The truth of God's Word needs to be in you.

The fact that truth does not reside in them is a picture of negative volition toward the Word of God. This concept is frequent in Scripture and so much so that a doctrine has been formed. It is called “The Arrogance of Negative Volition.”

The Arrogance of Negative Volition occurs when the believer or an unbeliever becomes apathetic, indifferent, or rejects the Word of God, in part or the whole. ⁶

There are many different words, phrases, and verses that teach this principle. We can only touch on it here. The teaching of the truth has caused an antagonism to arise between believers. The separation is between those who love the teaching of the Word and those who have gone negative toward it.

1 John 2:19

They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.

In this passage, we have negative volition due to the content of the teaching of the Word. There are other reasons, but this split was due to the false view of spirituality that some believers in the church embraced. Negative volition toward the Word is a real problem for it hinders spiritual growth, produces the human viewpoint of life, and places the believer under divine discipline. Just a few of the repercussions. However, before we delve into the subject of negative volition, let us state clearly the opposite.

Positive Volition Toward the Scripture

How do you view the Bible? Your success as a believer will depend on your love and appreciation for the Word of God.

Let's take a test! How would you rate the importance of the Bible in your life?

1. Absolutely essential to read and be studied daily.

2. Very desirable and should be studied often.

3. All right and studied if you have time.

4. When you really have a problem, it is an excellent time to turn to the Bible.

5. It makes no difference; it is up to the individual.

The question forces us to ask what value do we place on the Word of God, and it requires us to back it up with actions.

Reflect for a moment:

According to Job 23:12, how would Job have answered this question?

Job 23:12

l have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

Job points out that all of us have physical appetites. Hunger motivates us to eat. If we eat the right things, we will have good health, strength, and stamina. This is compared to a spiritual appetite that he has, an appetite for God's Word. His motivation to spend time in God's Word is expressed by the high regard that he has for it. We asked how important the Scripture is? Job says, "I treasure it." I count it more valuable than any detail of life. It is number one to me.

According to Psalm 119:72, 82, 92, how would the Psalmist have answered this question?

Psalm 119:72

The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.

What is more valuable than money, wealth, riches?

Psalm 119:82

My eyes fail from searching Your Word, Saying, "When will You comfort me?"

What is more valuable than sleep?

Psalm 119:92

Unless Your law had been my delight, l would then have perished in my affliction.

David came to value God's Word because it brought great encouragement to him in difficult times. "I would have become depressed and ended my life if it wasn't for the Word of God," he said. The Word of God saved his life. This is his testimony. If I thought the Word of God is alright if you have time for it, "l would have died in my afflictions." However, because I value the Word of God above all else, it kept me alive. It kept me sane. It kept me from falling apart.

According to Jeremiah 15:16, how would Jeremiah answer this question?

Jeremiah 15:16

Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.

God's Word was found. Jeremiah searched the Scripture, diligently studied the law, and found in it great joy. Great way to cure sadness. Read and meditate on the Word of God. Again the same eating metaphor is used as a witness for the importance of the Word of God. How important is food? Well, stop eating, and you will find out. Yet, we do not treat the Word fo God in the same manner. Why? What is wrong with us? Jeremiah was hungry for the spiritual nourishment that comes from the study of God's Word. He didn't snack on the Word; he feasted upon it. Not just a nibble but ate them. They were a welcome to me, as food is to someone hungry.

According to 1 Peter 2:2, how would Peter have answered this question?

Like a newborn infant eagerly desire the spiritual, unadulterated milk so that by means of it, you might grow [spiritually] as a result of salvation. Expanded Translation

It is vital if you want to grow spiritually. A baby desires one thing, milk! It doesn't care about anything else. It doesn't care about what color the curtains are or the carpet, it doesn't care what the color of the booties or nightgown it's wearing. It only wants milk. Peter says, "Just as a baby has a single-minded desire for milk, so should our hunger be for the Word." This eager desire is a part of the new spiritual life that begins at salvation. Here is a question of momentous importance. Do you eagerly desire [positive volition for the Word of God] the spiritual, unadulterated milk of the Word of God? It is abnormal for any believer not to have a love and appreciation for the Bible. So, what happens to your desire?

Peter's answer is fundamental:

1 Peter 2:1

Therefore, rid yourself from all malice, and all deceit, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all slanders

Sin squashes spiritual appetites.

According to Colossians 3:16 and 2 Timothy 2:15, how would Paul have answered this question?

Colossians 3:16

Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Paul appreciated the Word of God, for he understood the blessings it brings into a believer's life. In this new way of life, Christians must "put on" the Word of Christ. These words of the Bible, God's written Word, are to dwell in believers. That is, by study, meditation, and application of the Word, they become a permanent abiding part of one's life. The results are phenomenal. They teach us and counsel us and lift our hearts in singing praises to God.

According to 2 Timothy 2:15-17, how valuable is the Word of God?

They Provide the Words that lead to salvation.

15) and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

They Provide the Words that enable us to grow.

16) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

They provide us with the opportunity for service and ministry.

17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

According to Matthew 4:4; Mark 12:24; and John 15:7, how do you think Jesus would have answered this question?

Matthew 4:4

But He answered and said, "lt is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Jesus said, just as we must eat each day to sustain and maintain good physical health, so each day we must partake of spiritual food.

Mark 12:24

Jesus answered and said to them, "Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?

Jesus knows it is essential because it keeps us from error.

John 15:7

"if you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

Jesus says His word must be in us so that our prayers would be effective.

Many well-named believers have expressed the importance of the Word of God:

D.L. Moody: (Moody, Dwight Lyman 1837-1899) From 1875 until 1899 Dwight L. Moody was unquestionably the chief spokesman for American evangelicals of his day.

He said, "l prayed for faith and thought that someday faith would come down and strike me like lightning, but faith did not seem to come. One day I read in the tenth chapter of Romans, "Now faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." I had closed my Bible and prayed for faith. I now opened my Bible and began to study, and faith has been growing ever since."

George Mueller (1805-1898) Leader in the Plymouth Brethren movement; founder of Christian orphanages:

The power of our spiritual life will be according to the measure of the room that the Word of God takes up in our life and in our thoughts. After an experience of fifty-four years, I can solemnly declare this. For three years after my conversion, I used the Word little. Since that time, I searched it with diligence, and the blessing was wonderful. From that time, I have read the Bible through a hundred times in order, and at every time with increasing joy. Whenever I start afresh with it, it appears to me as a new book. I cannot express how great the blessing is to me of a faithful, daily, regular searching of the Bible. The day is lost for me on which I have no rounded time to enjoy the Word of God. ⁷

John Murray (1898-1974) A Reformed theologian.

Before I take leave of my readers, I would come back to this all-important point. I cannot too earnestly and urgently address this call to my beloved young brothers and sisters: Upon your use of the Word of God your spiritual life in great measure depends_{. 8}

How about the Bible's own testimony of itself:

Food for spiritual strength, 2 Peter 2:2

A lamp for guidance, Psalm 119:105

A weapon against our spiritual enemies, Ephesians 6:17

Equipment for every good work, 2 Timothy 3:16,17

The Word of the believer's God, Hebrews 11:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

If we do not place upon the Bible the highest value, we will not spend time studying it. Lack of appetite for the Word of God is a deeply troubling spiritual problem. It is a condition called in this study, "The Arrogance of Negative volition." Indifference and apathy toward the Word of God demonstrate a lack of appreciation, a disrespectful attitude toward, and a failure by the believer to recognize the importance of the Word of God. My prayer for this study is that you commit yourself to a lifestyle of living in the Word.

__________

ENDNOTES

¹ Wikipedia "Christian Perfectionism."

² Grenz, S. J., & Smith, J. T. (2003). In Pocket Dictionary of Ethics (p. 87). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

³ Ryrie, C. C. (1999). Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth (p. 380). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

⁴ Ibid. Ryrie, p 264.

⁵ The Midtribulation view holds that the church will be raptured in the middle of the tribulation period, before the final three and a half years. The Postribulation rapture view holds that the Lord will return and will remove His church from the earth at the end of the Tribulation, just before His second advent. In both views, the church will go through the Tribulation.

⁶ When posted, The Arrogance of Negative Volition will be found in the Doctrinal Section of this website.

⁷ quoted in Andrew Murray's The New Life, Chapter 51, "Searching The Scripture," 1891.

⁸ op cit.