What is Sin & is it OK to be Sin Free?

[Br. Bear]

Greetings,

Before I begin, may I ask that anyone who decides to reply here be prayerful before posting and to remember that this is not about the other person but about the topic.

• Please do not make remarks about each other.
• Please keep it Scriptural
• Please seek to be edifying
• Please be honest
• Please allow the Lord to minister in His time and way rather than attempting to force ministry upon another or each other.

and.... please remember all the above!!
===============================================>

This is a two sided topic but putting them together might help us to see better each part.

What is Sin?

• Or, do we simply decide for ourselves?
• How can we be sure about what is sin?
• Does it matter?
• Do we have Scripture to define it?

These are important questions and there are many, many people the world over who would like answers to these questions.
Can we help them?

Is it OK to be Sin Free?
This sort of speaks for itself but at the same time, it has a reverse side, namely is it NOT OK?
Also, if someone either claims to be or believes that they are sin free, is that OK or should we (anyone) try to convince them otherwise?
If so, and this is where the two parts come together, on what grounds, as in by what standard; by whose determination can someone be sin free (or believe that they are)?

If someone says they are sin free, should we be happy for them or warn them that they are deceived or deluded?

It is a strange sort of concept and question but something we can talk about as honest, mature and loving Christians, for the Glory of God in Jesus Christ the Lord.

Are there Scriptures that tell us definitely one way or another? If so, what are they?

Finally, what does God want and expect from us.

• From us who say we are Christian
• and from us, as mankind?

I know there is a lot in this to look at but I also know that the Lord is able to help us look at this topic and discuss it in His presence.

Grace and Peace are not cheap.

Grace and Peace to each of you, in Jesus Christ the Lord,


Bless you ....><>

 

[B-A-C]

For me... and I think many Christians... it is indeed "OK" to be sin free.
But that isn't really the issue here. One side isn't saying it's OK... they are saying it's a requirement.

In other words, if you sin at all... (after being saved).. you aren't saved at all.
At least that is the impression I get from the conversation.

But I'm not sure you can answer that question until you define "what is sin"?
It has been asked many times over the last 10 years.... no clear answer so far.
Or.. should I say... everyone has their "own" answer.

 

[Br. Bear]

For me... and I think many Christians... it is indeed "OK" to be sin free.
But that isn't really the issue here. One side isn't saying it's OK... they are saying it's a requirement.

In other words, if you sin at all... (after being saved).. you aren't saved at all.
At least that is the impression I get from the conversation.

Thank you B-A-C.
Yes, I realise what you are saying. However, I am also interested that we can look at the subject without there being any sides, so to speak.

I also realise that some of this topic has been looked at considerably before now.
This thread is not here to keep going with the same interaction amongst members but is an invitation for all to participate and look at the questions raised in the OP.

One of the problems we tend to run into, be it ourselves or others, but let us say, we, is that we can get so caught up in our personal take on a subject and forget to consider the Scripture and match it with the Spirit and allow the LORD to minister to each and every one of us as individuals, together as One Body. There is no perfection outside of that Body. We can find ourselves choosing to be outside if we are not careful, no matter what we say or preach or teach or claim or profess or any other such thing.

What does the Lord say and can we find what He says in Scripture and if so, what do we each and together do with that which we find?

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I look forward to more from you, in Jesus Name.


Bless you ....><>

 

[Lanolin]

Brother bear am looking at some scripture and you raise a good question its important to know so others are edified.

What is sin?

Reading chapter 14 of Romans it is a meaty chapter (excuse the pun) right at the end Paul has a good answer to this question he writes in verse 22-23 check it out.

Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Theres more to this question though and its good to start from the beginning to find out what is sin and what displeases God, starting with adam and eve. The first word mention of sin in the Bible though is actually with Adam and eve's firstborn son Cain. Check out Genesis 4 esp verse 7. What did Cain do that caused him to be cursed? Its in verse 8.

Will pray about the second part of your question brother bear and see what scriptures God gives me. I know there are a heap of them!
From the top of my head (and bottom of my heart) and as a christian I can tell you right now that Jesus sets us free from sin and that is ok to be sin free!

Ok some scripture to share on that one...looking at Peter's second letter check out 2 Peter 1:1-11 esp verse 9

Peter talks about being purged from his old sins. Well what does purge mean. Its another word for being cleansed.

There is definitely more so I encourage everyone to search scripture and find what the Word has to say on the topic. God DOES give us clear answers in His word. We just need to prayerfully seek them out.

What does Jesus say about this topic. Well check out John chapter 9. This chapter is where the blind man is healed by Jesus and the Disciples are disputing this and wondering if he was blind cos he or his parents sinned. Well they were completely missing the point. Then the pharisees couldnt believe he was healed either. But all the blind man knew was he could now see! The pharisees then tried to say Jesus was a sinner!

When you read this chapter dont you find yourself rolling your eyes?! Interesring that Jesus himself said that blind man had not sinned, nor his parents. Yet even the disciples had this idea that just cos he was blind, he had.

 

[Dave M]

1 John 1:8-10
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

These above versus are clear we are all sinners, so now the question is are these above versus to saved people as well as unsaved people?

My thought is a saved person will not be practicing sin, but even that is a process (sanctification) , I was not cured of sexual immorality over night but yes I was cured from it, I remember the first time I repented and I tell you after I repented it was the longest I had ever gone with out practicing it again, but I did fail and did it happen again yet I repented true repenting and then I went longer then I have ever before, I also fasted to show my heavenly Father I was truly sorry and did not want to do this, over time he removed the desires from me that I used to have. So this was a process a slow one yet I still see a magazine cover that may be revealing and I may loose focus for a few seconds that is a sin I on not act on it but the mere 30 second thought that goes through my mind that is not pure is a sin, but thankfully the Lord has shown me to just look the other way and be strong in Christ and he will take the desire away from NO WAY COULD I EVER ESCAPED THIS ON MY OWN THANK YOU JESUS. Yet I am still tested and for a brief 30 seconds or mor or less I may have a impure thought that is sin I do not act on it I resist it yet it is still sin.

So the way I see it is that my flesh is weak because I do have the desire sometime even if its just for a few seconds or minutes (thats sin), but my spirit has become much stronger through Christ because when my flesh struggles my spirit comes in and say hey look the other way you do not want to disappoint your heavenly Father and through obedience it is much easier. As long as we are in flesh we will struggle between spirit and flesh. Flesh is sin, when we become born again Through Jesus we have the power to over come sin, but we still have to over come it, if we were sinless we would not have to overcome it !!

Galatians 5:16
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

 

[Lanolin]

Can I add another scripture to edify others

Check out what Jesus said Matthew 5:30

I dont think he meant literally cut off your hand but applying it to some things we deal with for example I threw a lot of ungodly things away after I got saved cos they were just tempting me to sin. This was stuff like occult books, magazines, idols etc. I used to work in a library where I was exposed to this stuff everyday I worked. Well God made a way for me to do something else. As I grew in faith am much stronger so that If I did go back there I can just pass this stuff by. But even with things like tv, perhaps its in your living room and other people watch it, does not mean you have to as well, you can read the Bible instead.

Not that i would go back as God closed the door on that (as a career) but I mean I still use the public library just checking out the books He wants me to check out. Also He got me to use my skills in church libraries.

 

[Born Again 2004]

I know several here disagree and most know how I feel about this subject and I will comply and not get engaged in a debate. I am simply posting some scripture and and how interpret them. I will be limiting myself to a specific area of the Bible where St. Paul addresses love.
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

• I would say that this a description of some points that Paul probably thinks is an examples of perfect or, Agape / God's love (sinless actions).
• If any Christian says that they are doing all of these points perfectly..24/7 as long as the live, then I would say they do not sin and are perfect.
• If any Christian says they can't do all these points perfectly 24 / 7, they are sinful but they are still forgiven, in Christ with no condemnation.

 

[At Peace]

Greetings,
What is Sin?

I use John's description from 1 John 5:17..."All unrighteousness is sin:"

Is it OK to be Sin Free?

Not only is it "OK", it is commanded by Jesus in Matt 5:48..."Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
The subject is also touched upon by Paul in 1 Cor 15:34..."Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame."
And by Peter in 1 Peter 4:1..."Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;"
Peter also gave us..."Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:" (2 Peter 1:10)
To Timothy, Paul wrote...""Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (2 Tim 2:19)
The writer of Hebrews wrote..."But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." (Heb 10:39)

Freedom from sin is the manifestation of a real repentance, "turn from", from sin.
It is the testimony of our crucifixion, burial, and resurrection with Christ. (Rom 6:3-7) Be especially aware of verse 7..."For he that is dead is freed from sin."

 

[KingJ]

Nobody is sin free. 1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Only God is perfect Mark 10:18 Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good except God alone.

The difference between the saved and the unsaved is sincere repentance Psalm 51:17. The saved choose to hate what is evil more then they love it Rom 12:9. We choose to fight sin. Put the flesh under on a daily basis Rom 8:13. We are never sin free but we are also never a slave to sin 2 Cor 5:17. A good guideline is to ensure we are not ever in mortal sins (murder, adultery, homosexuality, stealing from widows, false teaching). Rather we should all be battling with venial sins (immoral thoughts, cursing, white lies, dirty jokes). When Paul said he was battling with the flesh in Rom 7:15, he was not referring to his past sin of murder, rather daily venial sins. We are all called to work out our salvation / discern our intentions harshly in fear and trembling Phil 2:12. If we do this sincerely, God will not need to judge us 1 Cor 11:31.

Not only is it "OK", it is commanded by Jesus in Matt 5:48..."Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

We just need to remember that striving to be perfect is not being perfect. We are perfect to God when we repent sincerely and choose to daily fight sin.

 

[Lanolin]

King J what is venial sins. I dont understand, never heard of it. What does venial mean.
Arent those sins what unsaved people do..i.e tell dirty jokes, curse, have immoral thoughts and white lies. Those set free dont do those anymore.

Sure we battle them cos they around us but christians dont do those things. If they do, well they havent truly repented have they? Jesus said anyone who looks at a woman in lust is an adulterer, well as a woman I want to feel safe at church! Who wants lustful men checking them out while worshipping? Uh, NO!

Do you know Jesus won the victory and put sin to DEATH in the cross. Reckon yourself DEAD to sin. How, by believing Jesus has set you free and conquered the grave. To give you a new life. If theres still sin in your life you havent put it to death! Its really simple, just go to the cross.

 

[KingJ]

Defining sin interesting. Interesting because God wants us to grasp what is sin outside of scripture telling us what it is, so that we can grasp that God is good. So that when we repent, we can repent to Him. We can choose to serve Him. We can be after His heart.

God has given each of us the ability to grasp what sin is. Nobody needs to define or tell us what it is. Our brain matter, our conscience knows.

I would define it as ''All those things we do that cause us to feel guilty and ashamed in the light''.

Of course the common definitions of ''missing the mark or whatever upsets God'' are not in the slightest wrong. As God is the uttermost of ''good / righteousness''.

What happens to Jews and us as Christians, is that we move on in our knowledge sin. We grasp disrespecting God as a sin. Example: 1. Jews disrespecting the Sabbath = A mortal sin of ungratefulness. God helped them escape Egypt. 2. Homosexuality = The God-fearing know it is utter disrespect to God our Creator.

 

[KingJ]

King J what is venial sins. I dont understand, never heard of it. What does venial mean.
1. Arent those sins what unsaved people do..i.e tell dirty jokes, curse, have immoral thoughts and white lies. Those set free dont do those anymore.

2. Sure we battle them cos they around us but christians dont do those things. If they do, well they havent truly repented have they? 3. Jesus said anyone who looks at a woman in lust is an adulterer, well as a woman I want to feel safe at church! 4. Who wants men checking them out while worshipping? Uh, NO!

Venial sins is simply lessor sins. Mortal sins are grievous sins.

1. You have never as a Christian thought immoral thoughts?
2. We are influenced yes, but outside of the influence we would still battle with them. We have a flesh with us. We only lose it in heaven. Then, even in heaven I would argue as to what venial sins will hold us back there. As ...only... God is perfect. Not even the angels in heaven are 'perfect'. That is why you have ranks among them. As Christians we are ''sanctified'' by the blood of Jesus. It is only because of His blood that we are permitted to be in His presence. Those who truly repent are chosen to be washed clean / saved.
3. Jesus says that in Matt 5:28. Jesus then says actual adultery is needed for divorce in Matt 5:32. Jesus is referring to a subject separate from the grievousness of sins in Matt 5:28. Namely that we have all sinned and all need to repent.
4. Men thinking that are in sin, yes. They need to repent and fight those thoughts. But I am sure you will agree that a man following you home and raping you, is worse. A rapist is not a Christian. A person having immoral thoughts, can still be a Christian.

 

[Lanolin]

Nobody is sin free. 1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Only God is perfect Mark 10:18 Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good except God alone.

The difference between the saved and the unsaved is sincere repentance Psalm 51:17. The saved choose to hate what is evil more then they love it Rom 12:9. We choose to fight sin. Put the flesh under on a daily basis Rom 8:13. We are never sin free but we are also never a slave to sin 2 Cor 5:17. A good guideline is to ensure we are not ever in mortal sins (murder, adultery, homosexuality, stealing from widows, false teaching). Rather we should all be battling with venial sins (immoral thoughts, cursing, white lies, dirty jokes). When Paul said he was battling with the flesh in Rom 7:15, he was not referring to his past sin of murder, rather daily venial sins. We are all called to work out our salvation / discern our intentions harshly in fear and trembling Phil 2:12. If we do this sincerely, God will not need to judge us 1 Cor 11:31.



We just need to remember that striving to be perfect is not being perfect. We are perfect to God when we repent sincerely and choose to daily fight sin.

Just looking over the scriptures you posted seems you gettting the wrong idea with 1 corinthians11:31 as it goes to the next verse....you are making it out to be the opposite of what it means.

We are never sin free..where does it say that. Sure all have sinned but thst doesnt mean you continue to so that if you are bought by the blood of the lamb!
We can be sin free...God doesnt remember our sins he removes them as far as east is from west.does he say as you enter into his throne of grace oh its you sinner, what do you want? Or does He welcome you as a saint?

Venial sins is simply lessor sins. Mortal sins are grievous sins.

1. You have never as a Christian thought immoral thoughts?
2. We are influenced yes, but outside of the influence we would still battle with them. We have a flesh with us. We only lose it in heaven. Then, even in heaven I would argue as to what venial sins will hold us back there. As ...only... God is perfect. Not even the angels in heaven are 'perfect'. That is why you have ranks among them. As Christians we are ''sanctified'' by the blood of Jesus. It is only because of His blood that we are permitted to be in His presence. Those who truly repent are chosen to be washed clean / saved.
3. Jesus says that in Matt 5:28. Jesus then says actual adultery is needed for divorce in Matt 5:32. Jesus is referring to a subject separate from the grievousness of sins in Matt 5:28. Namely that we have all sinned and all need to repent.
4. Men thinking that are in sin, yes. They need to repent and fight those thoughts. But I am sure you will agree that a man following you home and raping you, is worse. A rapist is not a Christian. A person having immoral thoughts, can still be a Christian.

Where do you get 'venial sins' and 'grievous sins'. Scripture please.

1. No, why would I want to have immoral thoughts? Dont give the devil a foothold.
2. Battle has already been won...Jesus has won the victory. We need to claim it.
3. Why would you stay married with someone And have your eye on someone else. That is stupid and no marriage at all, its a farce and a lie.
4. No men that do that are just as bad. There are consequences. I wouldnt say a person having immoral thoughts is a christian, because christians have the mind of Christ. Jesus never had immoral thoughts. Or are you calling Him a liar?

 

[KingJ]

Where do you get 'venial sins' and 'grievous sins'. Scripture please.

For mortal sins, you just need to read the OT for every sin that warranted being stoned to death.
For venial sins, every sin that did not warrant being stoned to death.

Outside of the OT, we need to grasp Matt 5:32 with Matt 5:28 for example. We have to grasp that when Paul says '''judge and discern properly'' in 1 Cor 6, suggesting all sin = sin is hardly that. Paul wants us to grasp that stealing all the daily food from an orphan be worse then stealing a single corn from a farm of corn. Both wrong, one considerably worse. All these sins / deeds / actions that are grievous are rather dead obvious indicators as to the current condition of the heart with regards to rebellion / hatred of what is good.

There is a theme throughout scripture of ''sin being full measure'' prompting God's wrath. Mortal sins points to this. The people of Sodom were not obliterated due to immoral thoughts or not helping the elderly cross the road.

 

[Lanolin]

Interesring king j that you say people will sin in heaven I dont read that in scripture! If you do his commandments you have right to the tree of life, if you dont, you will be barred.

Revelation 21:27

Looks like liars will be barred from entry....please make sure your name is written in the book of life and not cause God to blot it out! You can overcome...why are you seem to always imply that people cant? Its through Jesus we can overcome.

For mortal sins, you just need to read the OT for every sin that warranted being stoned to death.
For venial sins, every sin that did not warrant being stoned to death.

Outside of the OT, we need to grasp Matt 5:32 with Matt 5:28 for example. We have to grasp that when Paul says '''judge and discern properly'' in 1 Cor 6, suggesting all sin = sin is hardly that. Paul wants us to grasp that stealing all the daily food from an orphan be worse then stealing a single corn from a farm of corn. Both wrong, one considerably worse. All these sins / deeds / actions that are grievous are rather dead obvious indicators as to the current condition of the heart with regards to rebellion / hatred of what is good.

There is a theme throughout scripture of ''sin being full measure'' prompting God's wrath. Mortal sins points to this. The people of Sodom were not obliterated due to immoral thoughts or not helping the elderly cross the road.

Ok so it just seems you waiting for your sin to pile up then..ok..sinning as much as you can get away wirh before you die. Right.

This is what I seem to get from your posts. Are you still in the OT.
With NT Doesnt God give you a new heart and a new life or are you just wearing out your old life ro maximum capacity before you even think about putting on your new clothes. Oh I will just keep the old thank you. Never mind the new clothes Jesus has given us to wear...

I dont know if you married or not king j but if things are not right ask God for a new heart. Dont pretend if you are married that you love your spouse if you have your eye on someone else. That is not right.

 

[KingJ]

1. Just looking over the scriptures you posted seems you gettting the wrong idea with 1 corinthians11:31 as it goes to the next verse....you are making it out to be the opposite of what it means.

2. We are never sin free..where does it say that. Sure all have sinned but thst doesnt mean you continue to so that if you are bought by the blood of the lamb!
3. We can be sin free...God doesnt remember our sins he removes them as far as east is from west.does he say as you enter into his throne of grace oh its you sinner, what do you want? Or does He welcome you as a saint?

1. 1 Cor 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. Please explain how this is not what I said.
2. Rom 7:15 and common sense. Are you saved? Do you still sin?.
3. God chooses to forget. God chooses to see us through Jesus and the cross. This does not mean, we did not sin or will not sin further.

You have to understand that humans and angels have free will. We never lose it. If we do / did, why have it in the first place?

Interesring king j that you say people will sin in heaven I dont read that in scripture! If you do his commandments you have right to the tree of life, if you dont, you will be barred.

Revelation 21:27

Looks like liars will be barred from entry....please make sure your name is written in the book of life and not cause God to blot it out! You can overcome...why are you seem to always imply that people cant? Its through Jesus we can overcome.

Lanolin, how is it that you attempted to correct me with Matt 5:28 whilst completely oblivious to Matt 5:32? I mean this in a loving spirit, you need to read and discern better.

What do you think Jesus means when He says ''only God is good''?
What are the commandments ''we'' must do? Who are ''we''? Were the commandments not to the Jews? Did Jonah give the law to Nineveh? What are there (the OT commandments) relevance to us? They have got relevance, but what is it?
What gets your name written in the Lambs book of life? Not lying?

Please think on and reply to these.

1. Ok so it just seems you waiting for your sin to pile up then..ok..sinning as much as you can get away wirh before you die. Right.

2. This is what I seem to get from your posts. Are you still in the OT.
3. With NT Doesnt God give you a new heart and a new life or are you just wearing out your old life ro maximum capacity before you even think about putting on your new clothes. Oh I will just keep the old thank you. Never mind the new clothes Jesus has given us to wear...

4. I dont know if you married or not king j but if things are not right ask God for a new heart. Dont pretend if you are married that you love your spouse if you have your eye on someone else. That is not right.

1. No, I say we must hate what is evil and fight it. Not give in and repent at the last second. Doubt that repentance could ever be sincere. If it was, well then who are we to judge God. He knows our minds and hearts Jer 17:9-11.
2. No, but the OT is in the bible. God does not change Num 23:19.
3. Putting on new clothes does not mean you are now perfect. Being perfect to God is not being 'perfect' as God is. Please see the last line in my post # 9.
4. The act of marriage is a considerable depth of intent. It is a depth that can survive all trivial / venial sins. As Jesus says in Matt 5:32 only the mortal sin of adultery is grounds for divorce. All lessor sins are not. As Christians we sink to a depth of intent when first saved. Just like a marriage. We are not ever the perfect spouse, but God sees us as perfect, why? The secret to Christianity is in answering that ''why''.

1. Interesring king j that you say people will sin in heaven I dont read that in scripture! If you do his commandments you have right to the tree of life, if you dont, you will be barred.

Revelation 21:27

2. Looks like liars will be barred from entry....please make sure your name is written in the book of life and not cause God to blot it out! You can overcome...why are you seem to always imply that people cant? Its through Jesus we can overcome.

1. Where did I say that?
2. No, liars can get into heaven. Do you profess to not lie? Be honest now.

What you are completely missing is that we are washed clean and sanctified. It is because we are sanctified by the blood of Jesus, that we are perfect to God.

 

[Dave M]

I cant help but to think of scripture here when I here when I read some of these replies

Luke 18:9-14 ESV / 4 helpful votes
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

Everyone here has scripture to back up what they are saying yet it conflicts with each other as well. To say you are sinless is to say you would lay your life down for a complete stranger, to say you are sinless is to say you love your neighbor at all times as yourself.

We don’t lose our sin nature once we receive Christ. The Bible says that sin remains in us and that a struggle with that old nature will continue as long as we are in this world. Paul bemoaned his own personal struggle in Romans 7:15–25. But we have help in the battle—divine help. The Spirit of God takes up residence in each believer and supplies the power we need to overcome the pull of the sin nature within us. “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God” (1 John 3:9). God’s ultimate plan for us is total sanctification when we see Christ (1 Thessalonians 3:13; 1 John 3:2).
What is the sin nature?


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.
Do Christians sin?
\

 

[B-A-C]

Matt 5:20; "For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

1 Cor 6:9; Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,
1 Cor 6:10; nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

Gal 5:19; Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
Gal 5:20; idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
Gal 5:21; envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Rom 6:13; and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
Rom 6:16; Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?

1 Jn 2:29; If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.
1 Jn 3:7; Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous;
1 Jn 3:10; By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.

Rev 21:7; "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
Rev 21:8; "But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

John 3:19; "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.

John 5:28; "Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice,
John 5:29; and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.

Rom 2:5; But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
Rom 2:6; who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS:

Titus 1:16; They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.

Rev 2:26; 'He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS;

Rev 20:12; And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.
Rev 20:13; And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds.

1 Pet 4:17; For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Matt 25:45; "Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'
Matt 25:46; "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Matt 19:16; And someone came to Him and said, "Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?"
Matt 19:17; And He said to him, "Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments."

Heb 12:4; You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;

1 Pet 4:18; AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?

Php 2:12; So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;

2 Cor 5:10; For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Isa 59:2; But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

Luke 6:46; "Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?

John 14:21; "He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him."

John 15:10; "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.

1 Cor 7:19; Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.

1 Jn 2:3; By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.
1 Jn 2:4; The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;

1 Jn 3:24; The one who keeps His commandments abides in Christ, and Christ abides in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

 

[Born Again 2004]

I know several here disagree and most know how I feel about this subject and I will comply and not get engaged in a debate. I am simply posting some scripture and and how interpret them. I will be limiting myself to a specific area of the Bible where St. Paul addresses love.
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

• I would say that this a description of some points that Paul probably thinks is an examples of perfect or, Agape / God's love (sinless actions).
• If any Christian says that they are doing all of these points perfectly..24/7 as long as the live, then I would say they do not sin and are perfect.
• If any Christian says they can't do all these points perfectly 24 / 7, they are sinful but they are still forgiven, in Christ with no condemnation.

I would like to follow up on this by saying I truly love and mean no offense to anyone who I may disagree with here at TJ. There are many aspects of the faith, especially interpretation, where many of US disagree. Although there is one aspect that, I am sure< we all can agree to and, that is Jesus is Lord and Savior and without him we would be truly lost!

As far as sin goes, I still use the 1 Corinthians 13 scriptures above, as a standard to live a sinless life. So far, I find I fall short on many occasions. I know, without a doubt, that Jesus lives in me and I am very hopeful when I read Roman 8:1 .
For those who say they are sinless...I say again, without a doubt, that God is perfect and we are not. The above standards for love is perfect and he laid those down to Paul and then us to live by. As, even regenerated humans, to say we can accomplish this perfect love 24/7, is incorrect and the truth is not in us.

I have no scripture for this, it is just a feeling I have down deep:
As compared to God I say we sin in ways we don't even see, much less, understand. I tell my kids and grand kids this; As a true , Born Again, Christian, We do not "Practice" sin. To practice sin, for a humans understanding would be to commit one of the Nasty Five or Dirt Dozen sins. I define sin for kids like this: Sin is anything God is not. If you say, do, think or act in anyway that God is not...you sin!

 

[Lanolin]

Wow nobody seems to believe Jesus words that they, like the woman caught in adultery can be forgiven and sin no more. (Amongst other examples)

Or John saying anyone born of God sins not.

Some people seems to think that its ok to lie. So was Jesus lying when he said 'verily verily I say unto you' and he told everyone the truth.

People here are making out Jesus to be a liar that he cant save anyone, wash anyone clean and give them a new heart and new life.

:-(

I had a friend who was saved by grace, five days before she died. She's not sinning anymore because shes dead, but guess how her tragic death glorified God. I may share the story later as I dont think some people on here can handle the truth.

If, in your heart you sin, while pretending you are a christian, you havent been circumcised in the heart. Well good news to anyone who hears Jesus gave his life for you! You can receive a NEW heart. Do you know the heart pumps blood all over the body and this keeps you alive because there is life in the blood. It is one of the three witnesses along with water and spirit.
Why do people give blood?

This will probably be a topic for another thread cos it seems some people arent getting what the blood of Jesus does for us. And how effective it is!