So, by definition, the answer to "Are you abiding in Jesus?" is always the same as the answer to "Are you sinless?" Is that what you believe?

Has any true Christian ever claimed to be abiding in Jesus?

There is a difference between cultivated and inherited defects, weaknesses, and imperfections. Jesus did not have cultivated ones. He was born with inherited ones. He never acted them out.

Hating someone is acting them out. Having them and not acting out is the difference I'm talking about. Do you see a difference?


Yes, as Jesus grew from childhood to manhood He became more keenly aware of the defects, weaknesses, and imperfections He inherited. He never acted them out.

Whether inherited or cultivated, character defects are character defects. So you believe Christ had character defects?

Believers who claim the promises, while abiding in Jesus, are experiencing them. See 1 John 3:6-9. They do not claim to be sinless. To say so, draws attention to themselves and away from Jesus - a sin if there was ever was one. Knowing we are 1) right with God, 2) growing in grace, and 3) maturing in the fruits of the Spirit is as important to the plan of salvation as embracing Jesus as our personal Savior. See 1 John 5:13.

How did He become aware of them?

In the different ways He was tempted as He grew older.

I disagree with the idea people inherit cultivated character. Character is the result of repetitious choices. We inherit traits of character - not character itself.

Here are some quotes on character:

Any one act, either good or evil, does not form the character; but thoughts and feelings indulged prepare the way for acts and deeds of the same kind. (CG 199)

It is not through one act that the character is formed, but by a repetition of acts that habits are established and character confirmed. (ST 4-30-1894)

Character does not come by chance. It is not determined by one outburst of temper, one step in the wrong direction. It is the repetition of the act that causes it to become habit, and molds the character either for good or for evil. (CG 164)

A well-balanced character is formed by single acts well performed. One defect, cultivated instead of being overcome, makes the man imperfect, and closes against him the gate of the Holy City. (FLB 44)

Mental ability and genius are not character, for these are often possessed by those who have the very opposite of a good character. Reputation is not character. True character is a quality of the soul, revealing itself in the conduct. (CG 161)

Mike,

When one has an evil trait of character, he/she is destitute of the opposite good trait of character. If by nature you are impatient, your nature is obviously opposed to patience.

The duty of intelligent souls is to hold to the truth, to practice virtue. We are born with a disinclination to both. It is sad to find in one's own constitution an opposition to virtues that are commendable in the sight of God, as submission, charity, sweetness of spirit, and patience that will not be provoked. Say to yourselves, dear children, I am weakness, but God is my strength. He has given me my post of duty. The General whom I serve bids me be an overcomer. . . . {TDG 34.4}

Both the inclination to wrong and the disinclination to right, the opposition to virtue, obviously constitute a transgression of God's law.

Men must be truly converted. Their natural defects of disposition must be changed for the virtues of Christ’s character, else they will never enter the kingdom of heaven. They must be humble, charitable, kind, merciful; then they will be called, Blessed of the Lord. {PCO 110.2}