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The measure is absolutely divine(God -ordained) so that every person can make a personal decision to trust in God for victory! And this decision starts with battle of all battles-'the battle against sin'! Ignoring or de-emphasizing nature of sin does not give real victory to anyone that has ever lived on this planet! And everyone born into this world is born as a victim-a victim remains a loser until he/she is transformed into a victor through a real personal encounter with Jesus Christ.Christ Jesus carried all our sins on Calvary in our place so that we can be saved from sin when we individually trust him as Lord and Saviour! All other battles are just offspring or consequences of sin whether it is battle against sickness,poverty,terrorism, or ignorance! If anyone thinks he has won any of those 'lesser' battles without winning main battle (against sin) is still a loser/sinner. Within context of quote and more importantly,the scriptures,a saint is not someone who has exceptional pure character but is someone who is joined to Jesus Christ who has sent him/her apart to be holy unto God-this involves theologically both positional and progressive sanctification. Philippians 1(KJV) verse 1 "Paul and Timotheus, servants of Jesus Christ, to all saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with bishops and deacons:"
This is brand of righteousness that exceeds that of Pharisees because it is grounded in faith of Christ and empowered by Spirit of God. Matthew 5(KJV) verse 20 " For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed righteousness of scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into kingdom of heaven."
A saint is not a 'religious superman or superwomen'! In summary, a saint/victor/winner is simply a sinner/victim/loser saved by God's grace through personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. 1 John 4(KJV) verse 4 "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in world." The saints already have victory because of what Christ has done for mankind on cross! They only have to enforce this victory both singly and corporately as led by Spirit of God through battles of life!
British-born Nigerian christian writer living and working in London,UK with website:www.firstloveministries.org.uk