JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning Matthew 5:29-30 and Mark 9:43-48.

Christ did not intend that this instruction be taken literally. The eye, the hand, or the foot cannot sin of and by themselves. Sin originates in the mind. A person who is totally blind, for example, or one who is missing a limb can still sin.

Jesus was simply using parts of the body to illustrate an important principle. He was explaining that a Christian SHOULD NOT TOLERATE SIN as an integral part of his life. If, for example, an individual has a sinful habit, he ought to totally eradicate that habit even though the process may be as painful as losing an arm or a leg. What Christ is saying is that it would be far better to give up a sinful pleasure than to lose out on salvation (also see Colossians 3:5-17).

If you would like to receive information on overcoming sins and faults, please write for our article "How to be an Overcomer." There is no charge or obligation.

Thank you again for your question. we appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT