Does A True Christian Stop Sinning?

 

As it says in the book of 1 John, chapter 3 verse 9. "Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin, for His seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." Confused? This question s often misunderstood because we define sin only by behavior. But scripture defines sin much deeper than actions. Sin is rooted n identity. John does not say a believer never struggles, he says a believer is BORN OF GOD. That changes everything.

When you are saved by God's Grace, you are not just forgiven; you are reborn. Listen closely .. God did not clean up your old nature -HE REPLACED IT! The word John uses for seed in the verse above points to life source. The "seed" in every Christian is discipline,  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness , goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control .. its the fruit of God's life in you. That means sin no longer defines who you are.Listen, you can still fall, you can still be tempted, you can still struggle, but you can no longer belong to sin.

Before Christ, sin was your master. After Christ, sin becomes an intruder. This is why Jon can say "he cannot sin." And it isn't because temptation disappears, but because sin no longer owns your identity. A believer may grow weak at times and commit acts of sin, but they can no longer live in it. It's uncomfortable. Why? Because his or her nature has changed. The Bible says a dog returns to its vomit because it is its nature (Proverbs 26:11). A sheep (a true Christian believer) may fall into the mud, but it does not belong there. That is the difference. This is also where the real struggle shows up. You are not a sinner trying to become righteous, you are righteous (in Christ) struggling with the idea that you are still a sinner. That tension is proof of new birth!

If you are still dead in sin, there would be no conflict. Sin would feel normal. The grief over sin is not condemnation. It is evidence of God's seed in you. When I finally grasped this I cried, knowing I truly have passed from death unto life, because I truly never ever want to offend or disappoint God. Now understand, the gospel does not say you will never be tempted again, it say temptation no longer defines you. Ohh... sin may still knock, but it no longer has the keys. Holiness does not come from trying harder. It comes from trusting who you already are in Christ. Yes, you may still struggle but you no longer belong to sin. The struggle itself is proof that God's Life now lives in you.

You belong to Jesus Christ.

Until He Comes, 

-Pat-