What does EGW write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "We can only overcome sin when we have understood the cause and effect of sin."
Answer
To truly overcome sin, a deep understanding of its nature and the connection between cause and effect is essential. Many people try to avoid the negative consequences of sin, but neglect to combat the cause, which prevents sincere repentance. Without the recognition of one's own character flaws through God's law, the spirit remains blind to the corruption of sin, blocking the path to liberation and healing.
The Connection of Cause and Effect
God's will establishes the connection between cause and effect. Even the slightest transgression of God's law is associated with terrible consequences. All will try to avoid the result, but they will not strive to avoid the cause that produced the result. The cause is wrong, the effect is right; recognizing this should restrain the transgressor.
Sin as the Cause of All Suffering
Sin is the cause of all our misery. If we want true peace and spiritual happiness, sin must be removed. But if the spirit is blind to sin, if its nature is not understood, how can it then be removed? How can those who do not feel the sin and do not recognize the flaws in their character sufficiently experience the consequences of their course to bring about thorough repentance?
Dangerous Misunderstandings About Sin
False views about sin cause great damage in every respect. We are constantly in danger of misinterpreting our true character and our relationship with God. [...] Through the deception of sin, efforts and endeavors in the right direction are paralyzed. We might consider sin a minor matter ... and conclude that, fundamentally, we are quite all right and that sin is not exceedingly sinful.
The Necessity of Recognizing Sin
The first step to reconciliation with God is the conviction of sin. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” “Through the law comes the knowledge of sin.” To see his guilt, the sinner must examine his character on the great scale of God's righteousness. He is a mirror that shows the perfection of a righteous character and enables him to recognize the flaws in his own.
Blindness to One's Own Character
When sin has numbed moral perception, the wrongdoer does not recognize the flaws in his character and does not comprehend the enormity of the evil he has committed; and as long as he does not submit to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, he remains partially blind to his sin.
- Recognition of Sin
- Spiritual Cause and Effect
- True Repentance and Character Change
Original Sources (English)
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