Brenda, in all my books I teach what I see clearly in scripture: the lusts of the flesh are suppressed by walking in the spirit. Instead of sins being able to "rise" intrinsically from "within" the new heart, I see the new heart instead as being indwelt by the inner man and in need of daily guardianship, rejuvenation and strengthening. Which explains Christ's instruction to us in the taking up of the cross of self-denial, and in Paul's exhortation to put on the armor of God for spiritual defense and to bring each thought into captivity to prevent strongholds. These are not effectuated by "working hard" as you claim I teach, but rather through the peace of surrender. This act of surrender, I suppose, is the altertness you seem to think is so fleshy. But this "altertness" is all throughout New Testament scripture. If "entire sanctification" existed to where this kind of altertness were no longer necessary, the Holy Spirit would have mentioned it and Paul would have written of it. But instead we see the exact opposite: the further we progress in the Pauline letters, the more wretched he comes to see himself, the deeper the admission of not yet having attained (though always pressing forward), the more weak and in need of grace. In the end he could verily tell Timothy he fought the "good fight" of faith.
Yes, and even more than this! We are able to overcome all things through this blessed rest, as Christ makes us more than conquerors through His own life! Bad moods, impatience, depression, anger, unforgiveness, criticism, negativism, religious contention, sexual lust, malice, grudges, the love of money, revenge, fear of the future, anxiety -- total victory over all these is God's will for us each and every day through the New Covenant. By the grace of God, I have witnessed the victory of this life for over two years now, and know that what Paul speaks of is real. This is what I teach in my books, and as you saw if you downloaded the kindle, I give hundreds and hundreds of scriptures to reference and corroborate this truth. It is simply entering into the grace of the New Covenant, through faith. It is the taking on of the form of a servant, becoming of no reputation, and humbling oneself unto the death of the cross so the Resurrected Life of Christ can be exalted through you. When this happens the Holy Spirit will begin to flow through you to water other believers and set captives free and not just be a theory to debate in an internet forum. Anyone can have this life if certain precautions are made, for God is no respecter of persons.
Totally agree. Where have I ever taught otherwise?
Sister, I will not turn this into a debate and grieve the Holy Spirit. I am sorry you did not find the work edifying. But I felt I should answer some of your points lest a weaker believer read them and be swayed from perusing the book's contents.
Brother Paul
