Originally Posted by John_C
Has anyone actually ran across anyone who asserts that this passage is describing an unbelieving person? Everytime we study it, the leader will make a statement as to the controversy about whether the passage is talking about an unbeliever or a believer, yet everyone comes out on the side of it being a believer. So, why even refer to it as being a controversy when in all practical purposes it is not.
Yes, I have known several people who take the position that the passage is to be understood as Paul's description of himself while yet uncoverted. In fact, Anthony Hoekema of Calvin Seminary in days gone by took that position in his book, The Christian Looks at Himself.

I am agreement with Robin and have stated so before, even recently on this board, that it is impossible that any regenerated sinner could experience what Paul wrote about himself in that section. For, the thoughts and intents of an unregenerated person are evil continually. All who are unregenerate hate God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength and likewise, they hate the perfect law of God without reservation.


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simul iustus et peccator

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