J Heinrich Arnold-Freedom from sinful thoughts.pdf

FREEDOM FROM SINFUL THOUGHTS -P U R I F I C A T I O NIf we look at ourselves honestly, we must humblyadmit that each of us is in daily need of God’s forgiveness.Our human weakness is no hindrance to the kingdom ofGod, however, as long as we do not use it as an excusefor our sins. Paul even writes that “the Lord will showhimself in the most glorious way through ourweakness” (2 Cor. 12:7–9).In the end, then, purification depends on our readinessto dedicate our lives to God; and when we stumble orfall, to get up and dedicate ourselves anew. We willnever be perfect, but we will always remain focused onour goal, and give everything we have to reach it:Not that I have already obtained all this, or been made perfect;but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold ofme…Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what isahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which Godhas called me heavenward…(Phil. 3:12–14)68