There are many unstated assumptions that divide the progressive and conservative camps in the Churches of Christ. One of these is the conservative assumption that while our moral nature is fallen and so not capable of perfection, our intellect is not fallen and so is capable of perfection. Let me explain.
When it comes to the ordinary moral sins, the conservative writers will generally explain that grace continuously forgives our sins.
For example, Wayne Jackson writes in the Christian Courier,
While many Bible students are aware of the fact that the blood of Jesus is applied to their souls in their initial obedience to the gospel, which occurs at the point of baptism (Acts 22:16), some do not realize that the Lord’s cleansing blood continues to function on their behalf as they struggle with sin in their Christian lives.
John speaks to this very point. He says “if we walk in the light. . . the blood of Jesus. . . cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
There are several important notes that you can make in connection with this passage. First, the promise of the passage is conditional. Circle the term “if” and note that point. Second, the verb “walk” is a present tense form, denoting a consistent pattern of life. It represents the activity of one who is sincerely striving, on a sustained basis, to serve God. It does not suggest that he is perfect, but that he is trying diligently.
Amen. Continue reading
I read a lot of books. Lately, the books that come from evangelical publishers have lots of stories. People like stories. But I usually skip the stories. You see, the real points usually come later in the chapter. Sometimes I think the stories are there just because publishers like for books to have stories.
There are plenty of other proof texts for both sides that we could dig into. And I enjoy the digging. But feelings are getting a bit on edge, and I imagine we’ve tested the reader’s endurance and tolerance quite enough. Maybe we’ll come back to the topic later.
John Mark Hicks has posted a series of articles on the scriptural roots of communion, and he’s provided some very helpful observations. We begin with his article 
