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The Golden Chain - Robert J. Wieland

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2, pages 2157 and 2158 under "Propensity." Every<br />

statement cited can be reasonably understood as<br />

consistent with the idea that an "evil" or "sinful<br />

propensity" is an indulged lust created by a<br />

previous environmental involvement in acts of sin,<br />

strengthened by repetition. An alcoholic has a<br />

propensity for alcohol because he has used it<br />

previously. "Not for one moment was there in<br />

[Christ] an evil propensity"—this does not mean<br />

He did not "take" our fallen, sinful nature, because<br />

those who have the faith of Jesus (within mortal,<br />

sinful flesh) "need not retain one sinful<br />

propensity." God's grace "works in us ... to<br />

overcome powerful propensities" (7BC 943; COL<br />

354, emphasis supplied). But even after God's<br />

people "overcome" fully, they will still be in<br />

"sinful flesh," with a "sinful nature," until<br />

glorification.<br />

3. Does the 1888 view transgress Ellen<br />

White's counsel in this letter by giving the<br />

"slightest impression ... that a taint of, or<br />

inclination to, corruption rested upon Christ, or<br />

that He in any way yielded to corruption" (5BC<br />

115

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