Dr. Bruce A. Klein Th.D., President ATSeminary
Would Jesus Christ command us to do something impossible?
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
No, through the anointing of the Holy Ghost, we must be “holy” and “perfect”!
If an overcoming Christians does commit a sin, he:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9-10
Our attitude as a Christian should be of overcoming sin. If we have the attitude, I am a “sinner”, then we are a “sinner”. We must have the attitude of being sin free. We must acknowledge we are “righteous”.
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: ... .”
Proverbs 23:7
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” 1 John 2:1
Theological Note
‘Progressive sanctification’ is what I was taught in Baptist seminaries. The doctrine states everyone is a sinner till he or she arrives in Heaven. Hopefully, they will have less sin as they mature, but everyone continues to sin daily until they arrive in Heaven.
‘Perfective sanctification’ is based on the Biblical mandate/command that every Christian must be “perfect” and “holy”.
Everyone has a decision to make; will you be a “sinner” or will you be “righteous”?
Ending
The "Baptism of Fire" will cause divisions.
Would it be hard to live with someone who is “perfect”? Would it be hard to live with a “sinner”? Would we want a spouse who is “perfect” or a “sinner”?
“I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! 51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:” Luke 12:49-51
My confession is ‘I am not a “sinner”. I am “righteous”.’
I have a textbook with about 100 pages developing this teaching; it has been difficult to condense this teaching to a few words. This course can be taken as a part of the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies.
Dr. Bruce Klein is the President, Founder, and Dean of Theology at Apostolic Theological Seminary. He has ministered around the world and lived in Asia/China for three years planting house churches. Currently the Kleins reside in the state of Louisiana . They pastor The Bible Church in Abbeville, La.