How do you make a distinction between "Practice of sin" and "sinning as a Christian"?

[BeautifulFlower]

I believe it is impossible not to sin. It is in our fleshly nature that wars against the Holy Spirit that lives in us.

This is the good news of Jesus Christ. He fulfills the law for us and gives us the gift of mercy, grace, and REPENTANCE. IMO and in my studying, its not about the sin. Its about the heart. The Christian life is a life of Repentance and self-Awarness.You will fall but are you falling because in your heart you love this sin and you dont want to let it go...or are you geniuining struggling to let this thing good?

Only God and you know you heart and no man can tell you whats in your heart. Our goal is to be free from the law by sinning no more as Jesus instructed, but that is a daily work toward the end of our life.

[Honi]

Every believer has equal standing/position before God. EVERYONE. The Holy spirit comes to live in YOU once you are saved. You are a brand new creature in Christ. However, it does not remove that tendency or the desire at times to sin. The symptoms we all struggle with is sin.

A Christian that sins is not living a Christian life. They don’t understand that you cannot live a Godly life, that you cannot serve the Lord adequately, nor will you be able to interpret the word of God properly unless you understand how the Holy spirit works in your life.

Galatains 5:16 - So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

The Holy spirit is soooo important in your life and will not steer you wrong EVER. You can’t do it yourself. Once YOU try (meaning your flesh efforts), you will fail (of course) and become frustrated and start condemning yourself. It's a sad vicious cycle Poohbear.

Let the HOLY SPIRIT drive and let go of the wheel.

[LucieLoo12]

I see alot of people just saying what they feel, think, hope, heard or wish...but where the bibical facts supporting these statements...Salvation is too precious to base it on what someones thinks..You can have a pure life before God and no one has to "struggle" with sin..

1 Peter 4:18
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?


Romans 13:14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.


Galatians 5:24
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Titus 2:12
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

1 Peter 4:2
That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Romans 6:12
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.


Romans 6


1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

[BeautifulFlower]

Originally Posted by Alicialynn86

I see alot of people just saying what they feel, think, hope, heard or wish...but where the bibical facts supporting these statements...Salvation is too precious to base it on what someones thinks..You can have a pure life before God and no one has to "struggle" with sin..

1 Peter 4:18
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?


Romans 13:14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.


Galatians 5:24
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Titus 2:12
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

1 Peter 4:2
That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Romans 6:12
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.


Romans 6


1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

I definitely agree with your post. It's important to evaluate what is and is not sin, what Jesus says about those that will not inherent the kingdom of God, and not to do those things. If he say don't fornicate, it's in your best interest not to do that.

Also we can not overlook that there are people (all people I presume) do struggle with sinful habits. This can be on the physical level or the thought level (the battleground of the mind/heart is the hardest to overcome). Habits dont just fall away when we confess our lives to Jesus. I wish it was that easy but I've rarely, if ever, seen that. Some sin is committed simply because you wanted to do it. Some sin is committed because you failed to do anything at all. Some sin is committed because you were unaware it was a sin. Man looks at the outside but God looks at the heart and only you two know why you did what you did.

Most times it takes reading the word, prayer, fasting, and support from like minded Christians to overcome and break free of sin. We all have a struggle and we should be mindful that it is Jesus' grace and not our goodness that allows us to inherit eternal life. If someone says they struggle with nothing, I wonder if they struggle with pride and self righteousness.

However, Jesus does say if you love me, you will do what I command.

So we do good because we love him for what he has done and he gives us strength to overcome and not to get into Heaven.

[LucieLoo12]

I do agree with that at some times in life we will struggle with things in our walk with God, but I dont like the fact the people make it seems like we have to CONTINUE to struggle, like there is no delieverance is Christ. He said "Whom the Son of Man have set free is free INDEED"...You are able to be completely free in Christ...you dont have to live this life all bound up with things.Though some things does take time to overcome, but u can defintely overcome. He said greater is He that is IN us than he that is in the world...

Romans 6:14
For sin shall not have dominion over you.

[Health&hair28]

Yes, the heart and mind is where the battle starts. We must stay in love with the Lord. Jesus said out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts. I think the falling away is when we begin to give that place in us, that is reserved for God, to something else.

Lustful desires is where the the danger begins.


But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. James 1:14-16
Example:
If you harbor anger it turns into bitterness and unforgiveness.That is why the Lord said be ye angry but sin not; do not let the sun gone down on your wrath.

If you allow your mind to wonder into lust you may be setting your self up for sexual sin. Jesus said if you look at a women to lust after her you have already committed sin.

This walk was meant to be a walk that relied on God's Spirit and power and not ourselves.

Thank God for the times He warns us through His Spirit that we are getting off course or that we are headed down a dangerous broad way. He will check us. (I know this)

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12,13

The above scripture speaks of God's power at work in us allowing us to become sons, a holy people of God. We must rely on the God's power and not our human strength. He overcame so that we might overcome through Christ Jesus Our Lord.

[BeautifulFlower]

And I believe this separate those that truly love Jesus and those that do not. If you are content to continue in your sin, that's a problem. If you are convicted and seek deliverance, you will be set free (when depends on a number of factors).

Originally Posted by Alicialynn86

I do agree with that at some times in life we will struggle with things in our walk with God, but I dont like the fact the people make it seems like we have to CONTINUE to struggle, like there is no delieverance is Christ. He said "Whom the Son of Man have set free is free INDEED"...You are able to be completely free in Christ...you dont have to live this life all bound up with things.Though some things does take time to overcome, but u can defintely overcome. He said greater is He that is IN us than he that is in the world...

Romans 6:14
For sin shall not have dominion over you.

[Poohbear]

Originally Posted by BeautifulFlower

I believe it is impossible not to sin. It is in our fleshly nature that wars against the Holy Spirit that lives in us.

So this means everyone is going to Heaven then, right? If there is no sin that can send you to Hell, then what's the point of trippin when people commit such sins, especially the ones that are considered "big" like homosexuality, murder, fornication, lying, adultery, etc. I know no sin is greater than another but people do tend to put sins into categories. Plus, there are Christians that go as far as to say if you don't go to church, don't tithe, evangelize, don't do what the pastor says, etc. you're salvation is questionable.

OR are blasphemy and unbelief the only sins that send you to Hell???

[Poohbear]

Originally Posted by Alicialynn86

I see alot of people just saying what they feel, think, hope, heard or wish...but where the bibical facts supporting these statements...Salvation is too precious to base it on what someones thinks..You can have a pure life before God and no one has to "struggle" with sin..

1 Peter 4:18
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?


Romans 13:14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.


Galatians 5:24
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Titus 2:12
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

1 Peter 4:2
That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Romans 6:12
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.


Romans 6


1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Yes @Alicialynn86!!! Exactly at what you said!!!

That's why I question my salvation. When I read these bible verses and others that I have came across, I see something different than what people feel, think, hope, and wish. I know getting rid of sin out of one's life is a process, but there are some sins that I keep committing that makes me question my own love for God and what's truly in my heart and mind. I can actually feel conflicting spirits that I've never had before when I was younger. I know there are things that we do that we do not want to do, but if we keep doing that thing that we do not want to do, when do we determine that it's something we actually DO want to do?

[LucieLoo12]

Originally Posted by Poohbear

@ktykaty - That's the thing... How can Christians be holy with sin in our lives??? What is holiness really if it has nothing to do with not sinning?

For example: Can you honestly say a Christian who commits fornication can be holier than a Christian that does not commit fornication, or are they equally holy just because they are both Christians???

If you keep committing sins that you KNOW are wrong, u need to dedicate yourself more to God....falling into sin came be a sign of not enough dedication or committment to God

[Health&hair28]

[QUOTE=Poohbear;13496149]Yes. Exactly!!! That's why I question my salvation. When I read the bible verses, I see something different than what people feel, think, hope, and wish. I know getting rid of sin out of one's life is a process, but there are some sins that I keep committing that makes me question my love for God and what's truly in my heart and mind. I can actually feel conflicting spirits that I've never had before when I was younger.[/QUOTE]

@Poohbear

^^ It sounds like you are in a spiritual battle. This battle is for your soul!

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

Do you remember when and why you have drifted into this?

What thoughts or experiences brought you to this place you are in today?

The question you have to ask yourself is do you desire to be saved?

Like someone said before. Do you want Christ to just save you but not be the Lord of your Life?

You don't have to answer these publicly but maybe these are some things you can ponder.

[Health&hair28]

Originally Posted by Alicialynn86

I do agree with that at some times in life we will struggle with things in our walk with God, but I dont like the fact the people make it seems like we have to CONTINUE to struggle, like there is no delieverance is Christ. He said "Whom the Son of Man have set free is free INDEED"...You are able to be completely free in Christ...you dont have to live this life all bound up with things.Though some things does take time to overcome, but u can defintely overcome. He said greater is He that is IN us than he that is in the world...

Romans 6:14
For sin shall not have dominion over you.

Agree!! We don't have to struggle and be bound.
There was a time when I struggled with negative thoughts. I was tired of the struggle. I would read in the word, what thoughts I should have, according to the Word but It was not penetrating. I sat before the Lord in fasting and prayer and I cried out to Him and allowed to Lord to break that off of me. He set me free and I knew I was free. I was free to determine what type of thoughts I wanted to have. So I know Him as a deliverer.

The Word of God tells us what God expects of us and what Christ gave us and a sound mind is one of them!

[ktykaty]

Originally Posted by Poohbear

@ktykaty - That's the thing... How can Christians be holy with sin in our lives??? What is holiness really if it has nothing to do with not sinning?
For example: Can you honestly say a Christian who commits fornication can be holier than a Christian that does not commit fornication, or are they equally holy just because they are both Christians???

@Poohbear,
When I said that it is not humanly possible to stop sinning, I meant that it is not humanly possible to love like God does 24/7. Our lack of perfect godly love can cohabit with our holiness. Holiness is a divine characteristic. To be holy mean to be set apart by God, for God. Someone who is holy reflects the glory of God. 2 Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

It's perfectly possible through Jesus to stop committing some sins like fornication, lying, cursing, ...
In order to avoid a particular sin, you have to call on Jesus when you are tempted. Temptation precedes sin. cf James 1:12-17.

Hope these clarifications will help you.

I'll have one question for you: What is your personal definition of sin ?

[BeautifulFlower]

Originally Posted by Poohbear

So this means everyone is going to Heaven then, right? If there is no sin that can send you to Hell, then what's the point of trippin when people commit such sins, especially the ones that are considered "big" like homosexuality, murder, fornication, lying, adultery, etc. I know no sin is greater than another but people do tend to put sins into categories. Plus, there are Christians that go as far as to say if you don't go to church, don't tithe, evangelize, don't do what the pastor says, etc. you're salvation is questionable.

OR are blasphemy and unbelief the only sins that send you to Hell???

I believe its impossible because I personally have never seen it and if it were possible, Jesus would not have needed to die for us. This is what repentance and forgiveness is about. Sin (not the same things over and over again but I make a mistake) and I ask the father for forgiveness and strength to stop. But it is a HEART condition. If your heart aint in it, the Lord will know. No one can tell you whats in your heart but God.

This is the point I disagree with. Some say if you sin, you're not a Christian. I don't agree with this. I am saved when I confess him with my mouth and believe in my heart the Lord Jesus Christ. I demonstrate this love by obeying him.

And sin is not only in what I do, its also in what you think about others, yourself, God, etc. This is the hardest thing to fight and the easiest sin to fall victim to.

Every one is not going to Heaven because salvation is about confession of the Lord over your life and NOT based on good works (even our good is like filthy rags to the father). And YES, blasphemy against the holy spirit and not believing in him is unforgivable obviously.

[Poohbear]

Originally Posted by Health&hair28

@Poohbear

^^ It sounds like you are in a spiritual battle. This battle is for your soul!

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

Do you remember when and why you have drifted into this?

What thoughts or experiences brought you to this place you are in today?

The question you have to ask yourself is do you desire to be saved?

Like someone said before. Do you want Christ to just save you but not be the Lord of your Life?

You don't have to answer these publicly but maybe these are some things you can ponder.

Well, I supposedly got saved when I was 8 years old. That's when I first started believing in Jesus Christ and when I got baptized.

To answer your questions altogether, I would say allowing more people into my life caused this drift into more sin. For example: Using profanity. I never ever used curse words until late college years.

Right now, I just really don't know if I'm saved or not anymore.... I wonder if salvation is something none of us have yet (we are working toward it til the end) OR if what I've been taught all my life is true which is that once saved always saved doctrine (getting baptized usually at a young age and you're saved no matter what). I starting to believe that salvation is a future reward, it has not come yet according to what is said in these verses:

Matthew 24:13 - But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Romans 13:11 - And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

Luke 13:23-24 - Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Hebrews 5:8-9 - Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him

Hebrews 12:14 - Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord

Just mere confession of faith does not save us. This verse is one that sticks out to me alot when I read it within it's context:

Matthew 7:21 - Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

And yes... I want Jesus to be my Lord AND Savior... not just Savior. I just feel like when I sin, I am not acting as if Jesus is the Lord of my life.

@Health&hair28 - do you no longer sin? If not, how do you know you are saved? How do you know you love God with sin in your life? Do you feel like sinning less and less is what makes you more holy or keep your salvation?

[Poohbear]

Originally Posted by ktykaty

@Poohbear,
When I said that it is not humanly possible to stop sinning, I meant that it is not humanly possible to love like God does 24/7. Our lack of perfect godly love can cohabit with our holiness. Holiness is a divine characteristic. To be holy mean to be set apart by God, for God. Someone who is holy reflects the glory of God. 2 Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

It's perfectly possible through Jesus to stop committing some sins like fornication, lying, cursing, ...
In order to avoid a particular sin, you have to call on Jesus when you are tempted. Temptation precedes sin. cf James 1:12-17.

Hope these clarifications will help you.

I'll have one question for you: What is your personal definition of sin ?

@ktykaty - Thank you for your response. So your definition of sin is not loving like God loves?

My definition of sin is any word, thought, or action that is against God which is outline in the Bible.... examples lying, stealing, murder, sexual immorality, slander, malice, debauchery, wild partying, profanity, etc.

[Health&hair28]

Originally Posted by Poohbear

Well, I supposedly got saved when I was 8 years old. That's when I first started believing in Jesus Christ and when I got baptized.

To answer your questions altogether, I would say allowing more people into my life caused this drift into more sin. For example: Using profanity. I never ever used curse words until late college years.

Right now, I just really don't know if I'm saved or not anymore.... I wonder if salvation is something none of us have yet (we are working toward it til the end) OR if what I've been taught all my life is true which is that once saved always saved doctrine (getting baptized usually at a young age and you're saved no matter what). I starting to believe that salvation is a future reward, it has not come yet according to what is said in these verses:

Matthew 24:13 - But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Romans 13:11 - And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

Luke 13:23-24 - Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Hebrews 5:8-9 - Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him

Hebrews 12:14 - Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord

Just mere confession of faith does not save us. This verse is one that sticks out to me alot when I read it within it's context:

Matthew 7:21 - Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.


@Health&hair28 - do you know longer sin? If not, how do you know you are saved? How do you know you love God with sin in your life? Do you feel like sinning less and less is what makes you more holy or keep your salvation?

do you know longer sin?

I do sin, when I do something not pleasing to God. There are times when I say things I should not say. I know that I have to committ myself to the Lord when I fail in this area. It keeps me on my face before the Lord knowing that I can't do this walk outside of Him.

how do you know you are saved? Do you feel like sinning less and less is what makes you more holy or keep your salvation

I am saved because I have accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior and I have relationship with the Lord. I desire to live a holy life. I spend time with Him in prayer, worship, and the the Word. When I do wrong, I know that I can go to my Father and repent and ask Him to help me. I am by no means perfect but He is.

We are saved by grace through faith. I trust in what Christ did on the cross for every person. I feel that the more time I spend with the Lord the more sensitive I am to what displeases Him; and I desire to do what pleases Him.

Also remember that this is a faith walk and we must see by the Spirit.

[NinasLongAmbition]

Originally Posted by Poohbear

Yes @Alicialynn86!!! Exactly at what you said!!!

That's why I question my salvation. When I read these bible verses and others that I have came across, I see something different than what people feel, think, hope, and wish. I know getting rid of sin out of one's life is a process, but there are some sins that I keep committing that makes me question my own love for God and what's truly in my heart and mind. I can actually feel conflicting spirits that I've never had before when I was younger. I know there are things that we do that we do not want to do, but if we keep doing that thing that we do not want to do, when do we determine that it's something we actually DO want to do?

NOW I SEE WHERE YOU ARE COMING FROM, YOU'RE DEEP GIRL. I MISUNDERSTOOD ALOT OF YOUR POSTS BUT I SEE THAT YOU ARE NOT CONFUSED AT ALL , YOU ARE JUST TRYING TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE LIVING YOUR LIFE ACCORDING TO HIS WORD.

[ktykaty]

Originally Posted by Poohbear

@ktykaty - Thank you for your response. So your definition of sin is not loving like God loves?

For me sin is a lack of love. That's the definition the Holy Spirit taught me. Strangely enough, I later discovered it's also the RCC's definition of sin.

Originally Posted by Poohbear

My definition of sin is any word, thought, or action that is against God which is outline in the Bible.... examples lying, stealing, murder, sexual immorality, slander, malice, debauchery, wild partying, profanity, etc.

One's definition of sin evolves through time and growth in wisdom.


To quit sinning is the fruit of a collaboration between you (general you) and God. The one thing every christian needs to realize is that you cannot quit sinning on your own. Only god can make you stop practising/committing sin, and He did not choose to heal us from sin without our consent.
For me sin is like an illness and Jesus keeps asking us "Do you want to get well ?" (cf John 5:1-9).
Like an illness it gives us a good excuse to stay in the comfortable place where we are. Because getting out of our comfort zone means growing in Christ and going through the cross. Lot of people are really scared to be healed by God. For some, when they are healed by Him, it's just too overwhelming.

[Honi]

Pooh, when you are saved you are sealed up, imprisoned. You can't break free. Thank Jesus for that You are saved (that will not change). You are just not living a Christian life. We all have a mindset of some sort....flesh or Spirit.

Romans 8:6-8
6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

There are 2 things we battle when we come to some kind of temptation.

1. Your mind
2. Your behavior

If you don't win the battle in your mind you are gonna lose the battle in your behavior because what the mind thinks governs everything..your behavior, what you see, how you speak, etc. These things will be constant for your entire life considering the world we live in.

So how do you overcome? You win the battle by yielding to the promptings of the Spirit.

I believe the Holy spirit is speaking to you and you know this. That feeling that makes you pause to not do something is HIM. He will always guide you in ways that you will never be able to do alone. That was a hard lesson for me.

Know that you cannot out do God in the love department. You can't love Him more than He loves you. His love is unwaivering no matter how bad you think screwed up.