Habitual Sin and the Christian

In Greek class we were discussing the Middle/Passive form of the verb and looking at 1 John 3:9. I know I started speaking grammar, but don’t let that intimidate you, the truth we learned from this passage is incredible. Our major translations in English make the statement “and he cannot sin” as active; the one born from God is the one inhibiting the ability for that saint to habitually sin; however, the form of the verb is middle or passive so it actually cannot be translated that way.

Quick grammar lesson.

Middle is a voice in Greek that does not exist in English and means the subject is not only producing the action of the verb, but also receiving the action. We would express a similar idea with “he did this for himself (or his own benefit)”; although that is a bit more reflective than middle voice.

Passive means that the action of the verb is being acted upon the subject.

To justify an active translation on a middle/passive form of Greek, some grammarians have come up with the concept of a “deponent verb” in error. A deponent verb is a verb that never occurs in Scripture in an active form, but these grammarians think that it should be translated as active. This not only violates the normal grammar of the Kione Greek, it is actually unsupported when you examine the words they think must be translated as active, even though their form is passive or middle. Without justifiable evidence to show that in the original language exceptions were made on a regular basis by using the wrong form of a verb to express an idea that is not inherent to its form, […]

Habitual Sin and the ChristianLuther Walker2023-12-14T11:21:18-08:00

The Calamity of Disobedience

Because of this, just as through one man the sin entered the world and through the sin the death, also thus unto all men the death passed, on the basis that all sinned. – Romans 5:12

Through Adam sin came into the world and the impact of his action was a penalty of death upon all those who come from him. When Adam took of the fruit from the tree in the garden, which God specifically instructed him not to eat from, he knowingly broke God’s rule.

and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was thoroughly deceived and came to be in a transgression- 1 Timothy 2:14

God told Adam that if he ate from this tree, it would bring death.

But from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you will not eat, because in the day in which you eat dying you will die. – Genesis 2:17

As humans at this time, we were in a state of innocence. This means we relied solely upon God to instruct us on what was beneficial and what caused calamity in our lives. God walked with Adam each day for this very purpose. Eve was tricked into believing that by eating she would be more like God with the knowledge of good and evil, not understanding the full ramifications of her actions. However, Adam did understand and still chose to eat of the fruit. It was never about the fruit, it was about obedience. In each dispensation God shows us something about ourselves. Why does God permit wickedness? It comes down to the fact that we as humans chose it. In the garden there was no wickedness among humans. We lived in a perfect environment totally relying upon God. This […]

The Calamity of DisobedienceLuther Walker2023-12-14T08:37:35-08:00

Romans

The Letter to the Saints in Rome

Originally penned by the Apostle Paul through the leading of the Holy Spirit

Translation by Pastor Luther Walker

PDF Version

This translation is intended to give a clear understanding of the original language, taking into consideration all available manuscripts to reproduce the original letter Paul wrote to Rome. The original language should always be considered the only authority by which each word, phrase, and all other parts of speech are based upon. Where additional information is needed to better explain the meaning and use of a word, a footnote has been added.
Because the book of Romans was originally a letter, it has been returned to its original form to reduce confusion to the reader by breaks in the middle of sentences and concepts caused by the addition of chapters and verses. However, to ensure ease in finding sections within the letter while still avoiding breaking the original form of the letter, the chapters and verses have been superscripted along with the addition of paragraphs and punctuations. Brackets and paratheses are used for clarification within the text.

Within this letter we find the Gospel of the Christ, which goes beyond initial salvation into the Christian life. Paul explains why humans who reject God are so corrupt in their lifestyles, the fact that they will face judgment for their actions, and that we as Saints should reject their way of life, choosing to be holy and follow God rather than men. Paul also explains the fact that we have a Sin Nature. A part of us that seeks to do the things that are […]

RomansLuther Walker2021-06-10T13:07:35-07:00

The Basics of the Christian Life – Salvation

Salvation

Salvation comes by faith through grace. Today a person is saved by believing that Christ died for their sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4¹. God is offering salvation by grace, not works2. Grace is God’s attitude whereby He gives a benefit without the consideration of merit. In other words, you cannot earn salvation because God is not offering salvation based upon works, who you are, or even who you will become – no merit is considered3. What God requires for salvation is that you take Him at His Word. Faith is the undergirding4 of that which is hoped for, the evidence of accomplished deeds5 not seen and is always based upon a promise6. Direct faith at Christ through the facts of the good news by which we are saved (believing that He died for your […]

The Basics of the Christian Life – SalvationLuther Walker2016-10-12T06:02:30-07:00

The Second Dispensation

The Dispensation of Conscience

In the Second Dispensation, now that man has the knowledge of good and evil, through his conscience he is to seek out and do good.

Cain is the Steward of the Dispensation of Conscience.

God gives Cain instructions concerning how he, and those of the household, are to govern their lives. After Cain attempted to offer the works of his hands as a peace offering to God. When God rejects the offer, Cain is very upset. God speaks to him at this time, giving him specific instruction concerning the standard he is to live by.

Whether if you do good, you will be lifted up, but if you do not do good, the sin at the opening is laying and unto you its desire and you are to rule over it, Genesis 4:7

Failure of the Steward:

Rather than doing what is good and offering a peace offering according to how God stated it was to be offered, Cain slays his brother as a sacrifice, since he is seen as righteous. When God confronts Cain on what he has done and punishes him, his response is that his sin nature is very difficult to manage.

Genesis 4:13 – And Cain said to Jehovah, “My perversity is greater than I can bear.”

The reason Cain offered the works of his hand rather than a lamb out from faith was more than just someone wanting recognition for what they had done. Satan had persuaded Cain to follow him rather than God. Cain’s actions were out from what Satan wanted. In his frustration for not getting what he wanted, Cain slew his […]

The Second DispensationLuther Walker2023-12-27T11:18:18-08:00

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