What We Do Not Teach
We do not teach that we can avoid temptation, sin, make mistakes, or live a life where everyone thinks we're living right, but rather we are human and subject to these imperfections.
Samuel Alexander Danford clarifies common misunderstandings about the doctrine of holiness. He emphasizes that believers will always face temptation, just as Jesus did, but that being tempted does not equate to sinning. Danford also highlights that while Christians may make mistakes due to imperfect judgment, it does not mean they are free from sin. Additionally, he points out that living a righteous life does not guarantee universal approval, as even Jesus faced condemnation from religious authorities.
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As there is some misunderstanding as to what we teach, we wish to call the attention of candid, sober-minded people to the true doctrine of holiness as we understand it. We do not teach:
1. That we can ever get to the place where we cannot be tempted. If we were never tempted, we should get beyond the experience of Jesus Christ, who "was tempted in all points like as we," and Who "suffered being tempted."
2. We do not teach that we cannot sin. We shall always be liable to sin, therefore John says, "If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father." But because we are liable to sin, we are not compelled to commit it. A man may be saved from the sin of taking strong drink, so that he can let it alone, but he could drink if he wished. So with any other sin. There is a difference between being able not to sin and not being able to sin."
3. We do not teach that we are free from making mistakes. Freedom from mistakes only exists where there is a perfect judgment. There is but one Being who has a perfect judgment, that is God. Freedom from mistakes would make us equal to Him.
4. We do not teach that we can live so that everybody will think that we are living right. Even Jesus could not do that, but was put to death as a criminal in the sight of the church and the world.
These are the most common points where we are misunderstood.
Sermon Outline
- What We Do Not Teach
- Freedom from Mistakes
- Living Right in the Eyes of Others
- Jesus' Example
- The World's Judgment
- Sin
Key Quotes
“We do not teach that we can ever get to the place where we cannot be tempted.” — Samuel Alexander Danford
“A man may be saved from the sin of taking strong drink, so that he can let it alone, but he could drink if he wished.” — Samuel Alexander Danford
“Freedom from mistakes only exists where there is a perfect judgment.” — Samuel Alexander Danford
Application Points
- Recognize that you are human and subject to temptation, sin, and mistakes, and that it's okay to make mistakes.
- Don't strive for perfection, but rather strive to be holy and live a life that honors God despite your imperfections.
- Understand that you will be judged by the world, but your worth and value come from God's judgment, not the world's.