AN OXYMORON

It seems to me that to say or indicate that we are sinful overcomers is an oxymoron. To say that we are sinners overcoming would seem much more appropriate. Overcoming is a process that we must day by day do if we are to ever be overcomers. A good example is overcoming an addiction such as smoking. I can relate to this because as a young man I became addicted to nicotine. Upon coming to Christ I made a vow to God that I would never again smoke. For weeks I went through withdrawals. For two years I desired to smoke. I dreamed of smoking and enjoying it for many more years. I overcame day by day, denying my desire, dying to the lust that oftentimes drove me to my knees in prayer lest I sin against God. I overcame by the process of denying daily to that which was inordinate. By overcoming I overcame, and can now rejoice in the knowledge that I am an overcomer of nicotine. I through overcoming reached a place where I am no longer was tempted to do that which I once was tempted to do. When I became, as differentiated from which I did do, an overcomer I no longer had to overcome. The wicked thing can now come and find nothing in me that would desire it. When we deny the goal of becoming a total overcomer and supplant it with the thought that we can never achieve the place where we cannot be tempted we limit the work of the Grace of God by the Holy Ghost to lead us into all righteousness. Works are by Grace Ephesians 2:8-10, not grace by works. I overcame nicotine by the Grace of God. Remember as taught in Romans 6:12-23 ............. it is obedience unto righteousness............. righteousness unto holiness..................... holiness unto everlasting life. Progressive salvation by Grace through the power of the Holy Ghost. We are not earning our salvation; we are abiding in it unto full salvation.