Can a true Christian sin or not?

[Christ4Ever]

@Christ4Me,

Though I used the term “obtain,” that was not the term used in scripture. The term scripture uses is, “inherit” eternal life. The term “inherit” is used in the sense of acquiring it. We already have the promise of Eternal Life by faith, but we must lay hold on to it through faith.

1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, “lay hold on eternal life,” whereunto thou are also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

1Ti 6:19 “Laying up in store for themselves” a good foundation against the time to come, that “they may lay hold on eternal life.”

The scriptures I’ve presented in my last post should clarify even more. We know faith without work is dead. We as believers express our faith through our works. Love is expressed through works.

I would still like your thoughts on Eph. 2:8, 9. What is your scriptural evidence these verses are taking about Eternal Life?

Webster Dictionary: (inherit)
: to come into possession of or receive especially as a right or divine portion and everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters … for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life

The only way we can acquire Eternal Liife now is in manifestation. Yes, we now must acquire it through obedience.

Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

I answered to what you perceive Scripture to say to you by the words you used and not to how I understand Scripture to be. Now Scripture says and you have said rightly "inherit", but your words showing that this is to mean "acquire", which in a sense is true but too general, needs to be more specific. For "inherit" speaks to a specific acquisition that can only happen one of two ways. You can acquire it through thievery or inherit it through having it bequeathed to you. Do you following the reasoning brother? Even in inheritance it is not by our actions, but by God's Grace and Mercy through Jesus that this inheritance can be so.

With the Love of Christ Jesus Brother.
YBIC
Nick
<><

 

[Christ4Ever]

@Christ4Ever,
I didn't see the post I asked for Eph. 2:5-9. Sorry!
Yes, the context is not about Eternal Life, but the context is about being saved from sin; not Eternal Life.

No problem brother.
That sin is what separated us from God, and is death goes without question. That really is not the point is it?

Scripture and verses have one meaning but can have other associated points to it. Eternal life is one of those points. That is the reason I asked

For to be quickened in the present tense with Christ and in the ages to come implying a future, speaks to those who are reading his words in the church of Ephesus and himself of what if not Eternal life?

With the Love of Christ Jesus Brother.
YBIC
Nick
<><

 

[regibassman57]

@Christ4Ever,

Abraham received the promise by faith.

Gen 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

We have received the promise by faith.

Joh 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Rom 10:9 That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.

Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Abraham inherited the promise through his works.

Gen 22:2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and “offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.”

Gen 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for “now I know that thou fearest God,” seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

These scripture teach and show why God promised and performed His oath unto Abraham.

Gen 22:16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:

Gen 22:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

Gen 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

God was talking to Isaac telling him why He would bless Abraham:

Gen 26:3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and “I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;”

Gen 26:4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;

Gen 26:5 “Because” that “Abraham obeyed my voice,” and “kept my charge,” “my commandments,” “my statutes,” and “my laws.”

Believers inherit the promise through their works.

Luk 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Jesus, saying, Master, “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

Luk 10:26 Jesus said unto him, “What is written in the law? how read thou?

Luk 10:27 And he answering said, “Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,” and “with all thy soul,” and “with all thy strength,” and “with all thy mind;” and “thy neighbor as thyself.”

Luk 10:28 And “Jesus said unto him,” “you have answered right:” “this do,”and “you shall live.”

 

[Sue D.]

The passage you quoted -- Luke 10:27 "thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul...... do you really think that a non-believer is going to be doing that? And THAT would Not be a 'work'.
Going back to Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by Grace you are saved through faith, and this is Not of yourself it is a gift from God NOT OF WORKS , lest any man should boast." meaning that No one can be 'saved' because "I've given x amount of money to the church or I've gone to church every Sunday this year, etc.

1 Corinthians 15: 1-3 the message that we need to hear and accept to be saved is that Christ died for our sins and rose again on the 3rd day as per Scripture saying so. and in Romans 10 for with the heart man believes and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 

[R. Roger Harris]

Here are some bible verses about the assurance of salvation?
John 10:28-29 “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
Romans 8:38-39 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
First John 5:11-13 “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.”
John 6:37, 39 “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out…And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.”
John 5:24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”

 

[R. Roger Harris]

Can a Christian lose salvation?
Question: "Can a Christian lose salvation?"

Answer: First, the term Christian must be defined. A “Christian” is not a person who has said a prayer or walked down an aisle or been raised in a Christian family. While each of these things can be a part of the Christian experience, they are not what makes a Christian. A Christian is a person who has fully trusted in Jesus Christ as the only Savior and therefore possesses the Holy Spirit (John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8–9).
So, with this definition in mind, can a Christian lose salvation? It’s a crucially important question. Perhaps the best way to answer it is to examine what the Bible says occurs at salvation and to study what losing salvation would entail:

A Christian is a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). A Christian is not simply an “improved” version of a person; a Christian is an entirely new creature. He is “in Christ.” For a Christian to lose salvation, the new creation would have to be destroyed.

A Christian is redeemed. “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18–19). The word redeemed refers to a purchase being made, a price being paid. We were purchased at the cost of Christ’s death. For a Christian to lose salvation, God Himself would have to revoke His purchase of the individual for whom He paid with the precious blood of Christ.

A Christian is justified. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). To justify is to declare righteous. All those who receive Jesus as Savior are “declared righteous” by God. For a Christian to lose salvation, God would have to go back on His Word and “un-declare” what He had previously declared. Those absolved of guilt would have to be tried again and found guilty. God would have to reverse the sentence handed down from the divine bench.

A Christian is promised eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Eternal life is the promise of spending forever in heaven with God. God promises, “Believe and you will have eternal life.” For a Christian to lose salvation, eternal life would have to be redefined. The Christian is promised to live forever. Does eternal not mean “eternal”?

A Christian is marked by God and sealed by the Spirit. “You also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13–14). At the moment of faith, the new Christian is marked and sealed with the Spirit, who was promised to act as a deposit to guarantee the heavenly inheritance. The end result is that God’s glory is praised. For a Christian to lose salvation, God would have to erase the mark, withdraw the Spirit, cancel the deposit, break His promise, revoke the guarantee, keep the inheritance, forego the praise, and lessen His glory.

A Christian is guaranteed glorification. “Those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified” (Romans 8:30). According to Romans 5:1, justification is ours at the moment of faith. According to Romans 8:30, glorification comes with justification. All those whom God justifies are promised to be glorified. This promise will be fulfilled when Christians receive their perfect resurrection bodies in heaven. If a Christian can lose salvation, then Romans 8:30 is in error, because God could not guarantee glorification for all those whom He predestines, calls, and justifies.

A Christian cannot lose salvation. Most, if not all, of what the Bible says happens to us when we receive Christ would be invalidated if salvation could be lost. Salvation is the gift of God, and God’s gifts are “irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). A Christian cannot be un-newly created. The redeemed cannot be unpurchased. Eternal life cannot be temporary. God cannot renege on His Word. Scripture says that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2).

Two common objections to the belief that a Christian cannot lose salvation concern these experiential issues: 1) What about Christians who live in a sinful, unrepentant lifestyle? 2) What about Christians who reject the faith and deny Christ? The problem with these objections is the assumption that everyone who calls himself a “Christian” has actually been born again. The Bible declares that a true Christian will not live a state of continual, unrepentant sin (1 John 3:6). The Bible also says that anyone who departs the faith is demonstrating that he was never truly a Christian (1 John 2:19). He may have been religious, he may have put on a good show, but he was never born again by the power of God. “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). The redeemed of God belong “to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God” (Romans 7:4).

Nothing can separate a child of God from the Father’s love (Romans 8:38–39). Nothing can remove a Christian from God’s hand (John 10:28–29). God guarantees eternal life and maintains the salvation He has given us. The Good Shepherd searches for the lost sheep, and, “when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home” (Luke 15:5–6). The lamb is found, and the Shepherd gladly bears the burden; our Lord takes full responsibility for bringing the lost one safely home.

Jude 24–25 further emphasizes the goodness and faithfulness of our Savior: “To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”

Recommended Resource: Eternal Security by Charles Stanley

 

[regibassman57]

@Sue,
Ephesians 2:8,9 is talking about being saved from sins.

Do you believe a man cannot learn obedience to Christ? They are obedient to many more rules and regulation in this world. Jesus didn't say you must be perfect, He said develop character in Him.

The question of the Lawyer to Jesus was very specific. What shall I do to inherit Eternal Life? Jesus told the lawyer exactly what he had to do. refute Jesus' words here.

Other scripture are being presented but none of the scripture are canceling out 10:27. They confirm Luke 10:27. A person can only inherit or receive life in manifestation if they love Jesus according to how Jesus has said. James conforms this (Jam. 1:12; 2:5). They will never lose life if they take hold of it through obedience. It can only be taken through continual faith. This is a fight.

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

A believer has Eternal Life by faith, but faith must be walked out. Faith without obedience, which are works, are dead.

Hebrews 5:9
And being made perfect, Jesus became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

A person coming to Jesus learns to develop in Christ character. Believers are required to bring forth fruit/character. (Mat. 13:18-23).(Joh. 15:1-16).

 

[regibassman57]

@Life,
A man "cannot" be obedient to "do works" to be saved from sins.
A man "can" be obedient to "do works" to be saved Eternally.

Hebrews 5:9
And being made perfect, Jesus became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

John 6:54
Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

Jesus is making a point about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. The point is you must be a doer of the word and not hearers only deceiving yourselves (Jam. 1:22)

We are not saved by (Faith only) and scripture does not teach this. We are saved by faith which works by love.

The lawyer asked what shall I do to inherit life and the rich young ruler asked what shall I do to inherit life (Luke 10:25 and Luke 18:18).

Jesus told them both to keep His commandments. Jesus also explained what commandments they are to keep.

Out of the mouth if two or three witnesses every word shall be established.

 

[regibassman57]

@Life,
James 2:24
You see then how that "by works" a man is justified, and "not by faith only."

1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not Love, I am nothing.

 

[regibassman57]

@R. Roger Harris
You said:
A Christian is a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). A Christian is not simply an “improved” version of a person; a Christian is an entirely new creature. He is “in Christ.” For a Christian to lose salvation, the new creation would have to be destroyed.

I agree believers are a new creation, but after the born again experience does the believer have responsibility to Christ? If so, what is their responsibility? Also, in 2Corinthians, what is the old that has gone?

 

[R. Roger Harris]

Sin is always present while we live in this life.

@Life,
James 2:24
You see then how that "by works" a man is justified, and "not by faith only."

1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not Love, I am nothing.

@Life,
James 2:24
You see then how that "by works" a man is justified, and "not by faith only."

1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not Love, I am nothing.

Do Christians sin?
Do Christians sin?

Question: "Do Christians sin?"

Answer: Before exploring whether or not Christians sin, let’s define a couple of terms. Regardless of how tattered the word Christian has become throughout history, the biblical definition of a “Christian” is one who is a Christ-follower, a disciple of Jesus (Acts 11:26). A Christian is NOT someone who has ascribed to a particular set of religious beliefs or practices, joined a church, prayed a prayer, or participated in certain sacraments or rituals. A Christian is a person who has responded to the conviction of the Holy Spirit (John 6:44) by putting his or her whole faith in the finished work of Christ for salvation (Ephesians 2:8–9; John 3:15–18). Christians are those who have repented of their sin and have made Jesus Lord of their lives (Romans 10:9–10; Acts 2:38). They are born again by the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:6–7).

“Sin” is any thought, word, or action that is contrary to the character or law of God. We all sin (Romans 3:23), and even what we consider good deeds are often tainted by selfish motives or pride (Isaiah 64:6). Left to ourselves, it is impossible to please God or to be completely free from sin (Romans 3:10; Ecclesiastes 7:10).

When we come to Christ by faith and trust Him to forgive and cleanse us of all our sin, we are in that moment born again (John 3:3). That new birth of the spirit results in a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). God gives the repentant sinner a new heart that is now turned toward obeying and pleasing Him rather than self (2 Corinthians 5:9; Romans 8:5–6). Whereas we were formerly slaves to sin, we are now “slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:16). Sin’s control has been broken by the power of Jesus (Romans 6:6; Titus 2:14).

However, we still live in the flesh, and the flesh is prone to want what it wants. In Romans 7:21–23, Paul admits the battle between flesh and spirit in his own life: “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.” Each battle with temptation is won or lost based upon how fully we are surrendered to the control of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16–17).

The book of 1 John was written to Christians. The apostle says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8–9). It is clear from this passage that even those who have been born again and redeemed by the blood of Jesus will still sin. Through thought, attitude, or action, we will “grieve” (Ephesians 4:30) and “quench” (1 Thessalonians 5:19) the Holy Spirit at times. But this passage also reassures us that God offers continual, ongoing grace whenever we agree with Him about our sin and ask for His cleansing.

However, other passages clarify the boundaries of this ocean of grace. First John 3:6 says, “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.” Verse 9 says that those who have been “born of God” will not continue to live sinfully. The implication is that this is not a matter of trying harder. Rather, it is the equivalent of saying, “A fish cannot remain on land for long because its nature is to seek water.” A fish could flop onto the shore and survive for a short time. But it was not made for land and cannot continue there. When we are born again, our natures change, and we cannot continue in sin. Christ not only erases our past sin; He also transforms our hearts so that we no longer desire it (Colossians 2:13–14).

Paul asked, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1–2). Although Christians will still sin after being saved, the heart change that the Holy Spirit brings will result in a new attitude toward sin. Sin cannot continue being a lifestyle choice if we have surrendered our lives to Jesus. That’s what it means to say that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9; Colossians 2:6). We have a new boss. We cannot be followers of Christ and followers of sin at the same time. They are going in opposite directions (Luke 9:23; 14:33). Romans 12:2instructs, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Renewal can take some time, but it is a process that produces a change of behavior.

When a true child of God goes astray, our Father administers discipline to bring him back into obedience. Hebrews 12:7–8 says, “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.” If a professing Christian can choose a lifestyle of sin without experiencing enough discipline to bring him to repentance, then according to this Scripture, it is highly unlikely that that person is a child of God.

Do Christians sin? Yes. Do they willfully continue in sin? No. Scripture indicates that, while we will always “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), we have the hope that the power of God is at work in us to “make us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NLT).

Recommended Resource: Experiencing the Cross: Your Greatest Opportunity for Victory Over Sin by Henry Blackaby

 

[regibassman57]

@R. Roger Harris,
Hello Roger, what do these scriptures mean to you? And are they true?

2Corithians 5:17 teaches old things are passed away and all things become new.

What are the old things that have passed away (died)?

1Corithians 15:36 teaches whatever is sown is not made alive unless it dies first.

When Jesus sows His seed of the Kingdom what do believers die to?

 

[regibassman57]

@R. Roger Harris,
You said:
God gives the repentant sinner a new heart that is now turned toward obeying and pleasing Him rather than self (2 Corinthians 5:9;

Do you believe this new heart can be defiled with sin? Do you believe that sin defiles?

 

[R. Roger Harris]

Do Christians sin?

Question: "Do Christians sin?"

Answer: Before exploring, whether or not, Christians sin, let’s define a couple of terms. Regardless of how tattered the word Christian has become throughout history, the biblical definition of a “Christian” is one who is a Christ-follower, a disciple of Jesus (Acts 11:26). A Christian is NOT someone who has ascribed to a particular set of religious beliefs or practices, joined a church, prayed a prayer, or participated in certain sacraments or rituals. A Christian is a person who has responded to the conviction of the Holy Spirit (John 6:44) by putting his or her whole faith in the finished work of Christ for salvation (Ephesians 2:8–9; John 3:15–18). Christians are those who have repented of their sin and have made Jesus Lord of their lives (Romans 10:9–10; Acts 2:38). They are born again by the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:6–7).

“Sin” is any thought, word, or action that is contrary to the character or law of God. We all sin (Romans 3:23), and even what we consider good deeds are often tainted by selfish motives or pride (Isaiah 64:6). Left to ourselves, it is impossible to please God or to be completely free from sin (Romans 3:10; Ecclesiastes 7:10).

When we come to Christ by faith and trust Him to forgive and cleanse us of all our sin, we are in that moment born again (John 3:3). That new birth of the spirit results in a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). God gives the repentant sinner a new heart that is now turned toward obeying and pleasing Him rather than self (2 Corinthians 5:9; Romans 8:5–6). Whereas we were formerly slaves to sin, we are now “slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:16). Sin’s control has been broken by the power of Jesus (Romans 6:6; Titus 2:14).

However, we still live in the flesh, and the flesh is prone to want what it wants. In Romans 7:21–23, Paul admits the battle between flesh and spirit in his own life: “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.”(Romans 7:15-25) Each battle with temptation is won or lost based upon how fully we are surrendered to the control of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16–17).

The book of 1 John was written to Christians. The apostle says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8–9). It is clear from this passage that even those who have been born again and redeemed by the blood of Jesus will still sin. Through thought, attitude, or action, we will “grieve” (Ephesians 4:30) and “quench” (1 Thessalonians 5:19) the Holy Spirit at times. But this passage also reassures us that God offers continual, ongoing grace whenever we agree with Him about our sin and ask for His cleansing (an important thought).

However, other passages clarify the boundaries of this ocean of grace. First John 3:6 says, “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.” Verse 9 says that those who have been “born of God” will not continue to live sinfully. The implication is that this is not a matter of trying harder. Rather, it is the equivalent of saying, “A fish cannot remain on land for long because its nature is to seek water.” A fish could flop onto the shore and survive for a short time. But it was not made for land and cannot continue there. When we are born again, our natures change, and we cannot continue in sin. Christ not only erases our past sin; He also transforms our hearts so that we no longer desire it (Colossians 2:13–14).

Paul asked, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1–2). Although Christians will still sin after being saved, the heart change that the Holy Spirit brings will result in a new attitude toward sin. Sin cannot continue being a lifestyle choice if we have surrendered our lives to Jesus. That’s what it means to say that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9; Colossians 2:6). We have a new boss. We cannot be followers of Christ and followers of sin at the same time. They are going in opposite directions (Luke 9:23; 14:33). Romans 12:2 instructs, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Renewal can take some time, but it is a process that produces a change of behavior.

When a true child of God goes astray, our Father administers discipline to bring him back into obedience. Hebrews 12:7–8 says, “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.” If a professing Christian can choose a lifestyle of sin without experiencing enough discipline to bring him to repentance, then according to this Scripture, it is highly unlikely that that person is a child of God.

Do Christians sin? Yes. Do they willfully continue in sin? No. Scripture indicates that, while we will always “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), we have the hope that the power of God is at work in us to “make us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NLT).

Recommended Resource: Experiencing the Cross: Your Greatest Opportunity for Victory Over Sin by Henry Blackaby
Do Christians sin?

 

[regibassman57]

@R. Roger Harris,
What you sent did not answer my question.
A change of attitude is not nor is a defiled heart.

 

[Dave M]

@R. Roger Harris,
You said:
God gives the repentant sinner a new heart that is now turned toward obeying and pleasing Him rather than self (2 Corinthians 5:9;

Do you believe this new heart can be defiled with sin? Do you believe that sin defiles?

this is the freedom we now have in Christ to say no to sin, before we had no such freedom and were slaves to sin. but if you give in to temptation and sin its still a sin weather you want to change the name of it or not

 

[Sue D.]

Romans says 'for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God'. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Old Testament speaks of things being 'defiled'. The Levitical laws and such.
Sin separates a person from God. Once a person has accepted Jesus Christ as personal Savior -- we Won't Want to Habitually 'sin'. But when we Do sin -- it Will affect our relationship with God. Jesus Christ is our mediator. The Holy Spirit lets us know when we've done something displeasing to God. It strains our relationship to God. So we'd want to take away the 'strain' and get closer to God.

I'd compare it to having a really good friend. We say something offensive / do something offensive and the other person gets upset with us. We'll want to restore the close friendship by apologizing to the friend. He accepts our apology and relationship is close again. With people, sometimes friendships are ruined. We mourn the loss of that friendship. With God, though, He won't leave us / forsake us -- we get convicted, repent and He is gracious to forgive.

Why do you use the term 'defiles'. Sin comes between us and God.

 

[R. Roger Harris]

this is the freedom we now have in Christ to say no to sin, before we had no such freedom and were slaves to sin. but if you give in to temptation and sin its still a sin weather you want to change the name of it or not

Understanding the battle of the Unseen World,
excursus ((expanded exposition in the text, p.458) on Daniel 10
Although Daniel had already experienced angelic appearances, this chapter gives an unusual insight into the unseen world around us. Without much explanation in the text we can still infer that there was a battle going on between good and evil spirit beings in relation to the nations of the world.
These verses have been the primary cause for conjecture about what has been termed “territorial spirits” and for the alleged importance in dealing with them in what has been called “spiritual warfare.” It is important that we understand the true nature of our spiritual conflict. Never-the-less three truths address the major errors and misunderstandings about this battle of the unseen world.

• Spirit beings, both good and evil, exist in the unseen world around us.

A materialistic culture denies an unseen world. A newer generation in the West accepts the idea of a spiritual world, but does not distinguish between evil and good. Both are wrong.

• Regarding their origin all spirit beings were part of the original, good creation of God (Genesis 1:31). Evil spirit beings are probably angels who, like Satan, rebelled against God.
• Good spirit beings are also called angels in the Bible. Those which are evil are also called demons and unclean (Matthew 10:1) or evil (Luke 7:21) spirits.
• Both good and evil spirit beings are personal beings. They possess all will, emotions, moral responsibility, intellect, and self-consciousness (2Samual 14:20; Job 38:7; 2Timothy 2:26). Spirit beings have no physical bodies (Luke 24:39; Ephesians 6:12), are without gendered Mark 12:25; Matthew 19), and do not die (Luke 20:36; 1 Corinthians 15:54-56). They appear to have rinks (Ephesians 1:20-21; 6:12; Romans 8:38). Satan is the first among people spirit beings (Matthew 12:24; 25:41). Good spirit beings worship and serve God (Hebrews 1:6-7); evil spirits are destructive and oppose God.
• A battle is being fought in this unseen world affecting both heaven and earth.
• Failing to accept the existence of an unseen world and failing to distinguish good from evil are both dangerous. We need to recognize that a battle is going on which affects the world.
• It affects having to which Satan at the time I’m Joe had access (Job 1:6) and from which he and his host will be cast out (Revelation 12:6-9).
• It affects the earth globally as seen in the example of Daniel 10:10-21, the role of Satan as a deceiver of nations (Revelations 20:3), and the connection between idolatry and the worship of demons(1 Corinthians 10:19-21).
• It affects individuals since Satan is adversary seeking prey(Peter 5:8) and believers battle against evil spirit beings(Ephesians 6:10-20). Compare the Satanic attack on Job (Job 1-2).
• As there was a beginning, so will there be an end to the spirit conflict. Satan lost his position in heaven, was cursed after the man’s fall (Genesis 3:15), was effectively defeated by the death of Christ (John 12:31; 16:11), will suffer defeat during the tribulation(Revelations12:7-12), be imprisoned during the millennium(Revelations 20:1-3), and cast finally into the lake of fire with all his angels(Revelations 20:10; Matthew 25:41).
• Scripture gives adequate explanation concerning our position in this spiritual battle.
• Awareness of the unseen world and its battle has not delivered multitudes from their fears and oppression. Victory is available in Jesus Christ but even some Christians are unaware of their own position in this battle. They either wrongly estimate the danger, or they may fail to understand what they have been given to ensure victory in this conflict.
• We should understand the extent of our danger. Satan is out to devour us (1 Peter 5:8) although the one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world (John 4:4). No temptation comes upon us which God does not provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13) but we can willingly allow ourselves to be influenced by Satan (Acts 5:3-4). Our fallen sinful nature and its temptations our greatest drive to sin (Galatians 5:16-17; James 1:14) but Satan is the great tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Corinthians 7:5 and 1 Thessalonians 3:5).
• We should understand and fulfill our responsibilities. John knew to God, resist Satan and he will flee ((James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9). Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10). Pray (Ephesians 6:18-19). Be aware of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). Put to death sin in us (Colossians 3:15).
• We can have confidence in the sufficiency of Christ and his word. In Christ, we have all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3). By his word we are equipped for every good deed (2 Timothy 3:17). Know that Scripture nowhere says that children of God can be demon possessed, that we must bind evil spirits, or that we must determine the names of evil spirits or identify their dominions.

Knowing that there is an unseen world and a spiritual battle we should draw near to God and resist Satan. We do this first of all by coming to God through Jesus Christ. Only my faith in what Christ has done we have the basis to draw near. We continue to draw close to God by being hearers and doers of the word of God. We live truthfully, righteously and in faith. We rest in the peace and hope of our salvation. We pray. We put on the whole armor of God.

 

[regibassman57]

@Sue,

You said: Romans says 'for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God'. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

This is true, All “have sinned,” this is past tense. Once you come to Jesus He forgives you of “all” your sins. This is also what 1John 1:10 teaches.

1Jo 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

There are no believers that say they “have not sinned.” You must confess your sins in order to be forgiven of your sins at the day of your rebirth.

Again Sue, you call it sin and I call it unfruitful works. One term says Jesus did not take away all sins, and the other says, Jesus took away all sins, forgave all sins and will not remember any of the sins He’s forgiven once for all time.

A believer is convicted because of the works of unfruitful actions. God is not convicting a believer of sin, but He convicts an unbeliever of sins because they are still dead in sins and condemned. Sin has been condemned; any person that sins is also condemning themselves.

Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

You said: Why do you use the term 'defiles'. Sin comes between us and God.

Sin defiled and corrupted the hearts of unbelievers that has not been born again..

Hos 9:9 They have deeply corrupted themselves, as in the days of Gibeah: therefore he will remember their iniquity, he will visit their sins.

Eze 37:23 Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.

 

[regibassman57]

@Life,

God does not remember forgiven sins. If God has forgiven your sins, He is not going to remember them. This is also why God will not impute sin unto a believer (Rom. 4:8; 2Cor. 5:19).

Heb 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Heb 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Unbelievers have been forgiven of “all” their sins before they even come to Jesus Christ. This was done when Jesus took away the sins of the world; past, present and future sins.

Joh 1:29 The next day John sees Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.

1Jo 2:2 And Jesus is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

God has already told believers He has forgiven their sins when we first come to Him.

1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We know that “all” unrighteousness is sin, but God is showing us His mercy; He is not imputing sin to us because He has “already forgiven us” of past, present and future sins eternally.

Heb 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by Jesus’ own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained “eternal redemption” for us.

Redemption of sins is the same as forgiveness of sins. Unlike Israel, believers have been forgiven of sins forever. When a believer is ransomed, they are automatically forgiven of their sins from day one. A believer is ransomed and forgiven eternally from sin at the time of their new birth (1Joh. 1:9).

1Jo 2:12 I write unto you, little children, because “your sins are forgiven you” for his name's sake.