1 John 3:9 and practicing sin
Note: I am not quite finished linking the Bible verses, always takes me some time. Please do look up Scriptures you don’t recognize, and in context. Doctrinal cases are not made by proof-texting with individual verses alone,(verses were not even in the Scriptures until put in about the 1400’s for the Old Testament and 15th century for New). The divisions they made often aren’t great and can interrupt the flow and context, so please be noble (Acts 17:11; 1 Thess 5:21), and don’t let the chapter end the context for you.
1 John 3:9 and practicing sin vs. commiting one sin
This article started as an explanation for a conversation in a group that took place regarding a few things. 1 John 3:9 and the words commit/do (poieo) vs. prasso (practice) regarding whether believers’ sin. Did not Jesus deal with all sin on His cross? Is it finished or not? Is the penalty paid? I think on the crowd choosing Barabbas. He is representative of us all, we have nothing to contribute, before, during or after, and if you think you do, you are not understanding the good news.
A little on Gnosticism was brought into the conversation. Fellowship as a one-time concept was also discussed concerning 1 John 1:9. The simple, (but I believe erroneous explanation), is that this verse was spoken to the Gnostics and is not for believers, therefore not for fellowship. This will probably have to be more than one part, just due to the length it has become.
One used the term ‘true’ believers in the conversation I saw after the fact. Although I do not like (or use) the term ‘true’ believers (not found in His Word to identify a believer), I understand the reason one would make a distinction as many profess to be Christians but deny the gospel. Only God knows their hearts and whether they once believed. Even so, I do not think the usage of the term is wise and can lead to improper evaluation of Scripture (i.e. seeing 1 John as a test of whether one is a ‘true’ believer or not vs. understanding it’s about whether believers are walking in the light or in darkness). Let’s stick with the Scriptures, and again, not using just one (or even a few proof-texts out of context) to make a doctrine. But in fear and trembling of His Word (Isaiah 66:2), let’s carefully use a multitude of witness in Scripture itself.
These are the things I hope to explain a little better for some struggling with it. 1 John 3:9, Gnosticism and the book of 1 John as a whole. Terms like ‘True’ Believers, ‘Genuine’ Believers, ‘Real’ Believers, and other such qualifying terms. And lastly, whether 1 John 1:9 (confession of sin) is for believers.
1 John 3:9
So let’s address what we see in 1 John 3:9, because it does not mean (as one stated),
“they do not ‘carelessly or purposely continue to sin, or become indifferent to God’s moral law.’“
Believers do in fact carelessly and maybe even some purposely continue to sin (or possibly ignore their own failures). Carnal believers can be quite immoral as we see in 1 Corinthians 5 and 6, and even chapter 11. There are many other places in Scripture, but just start there. Sadly, we see that very thing happening in Scripture over and over. It should not be, but it is a fact and the reason for a lot of admonitions contained in the epistles. What can we do in those situations where we face carnal believers who don’t even care/mourn about sin (1 Corinthians 5:1-2)? What is the remedy?
- Is it to accuse them of not being ‘true’ believers?
- Or should we instead make sure they have believed the gospel? And if so, then the remedy is to feed/tend His sheep — wash their feet (John 13; John 21:15-17). Jesus said we would be blessed if we do these things. Practically speaking, that means to not only feed them with His Word, but meet basic needs if you can. Any you are able to help with, even a listening ear, keeping them in prayer, mentoring or counseling them with His Word.
It seems to be a practice out there by many to accuse people of not being saved based on outward behavior. Only God looks on the heart, man the outward appearance. Remember the ravening wolves of Matthew 7:13-23 LOOK LIKE SHEEP outwardly. They had many wonderful works, and Jesus did not deny that. What He said, was that they did not do the will of the Father (to believe on Him, John 6:40). Instead they boasted about their many wonderful works instead of belief in Him alone. Psalm 94:4 says the workers of iniquity boast of their works. Ephesians 2:8-9 is clear, we are not saved by works, lest anyone should boast. Think on that. So you do not know, nor should you accuse another of not being a ‘true’ believer. Who are you to judge another man’s servant (Romans 14:4)? Many of you are flogging His sheep, you better think long and hard about that. Thank You Lord that You are able to make us stand!
If we don’t think someone professing Christ are showing ‘fruits’, maybe a better way would be to direct them to Christ and His Word (Luke 10:38-42; Isaiah 55:10-11), the one thing that will never be taken from them — will never return void. The continuinance in His Word helps them to be disciples (John 8:30-31). So they grow in His Word and can learn to discern between good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14). Being in His Word is the way they can learn to grow up into the head which is Christ as they won’t be blown about by so many winds of doctrine as many out there are (Ephesians 4:13-15). The Word works, is part of our armor, and will cleanse (practically) those who will take heed to it (Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119:9-11). More on 1 John 3:9 at the end, but here is a video on 1 John 3:9 and practicing sin from Pastor Ralph Yankee Arnold. LINK
Things believers can (and did) do that are carnal
Believers can do many things they ought not do. Shameful things that harm them, harm others, hurt their walk with God, and keep others from wanting to seek Christ. But they are still eternally secure believers whether you are comfortable with that or not. God does not grade on a curve. One sin, one lie, will not enter heaven (Revelation 21:27)
►Believers can stray from the faith by loving money (1 Tim 6:9-10).
►Believers can cast off their faith, become idle, become gossips and busy bodies, even turning to Satan (1 Tim 5:12-15).
►Believers can commit the most abominable sexual crimes against the temple of the Lord (our bodies), sins worse than the heathen, and not even care (1 Cor 5:1-2).
►Believers can put up with those who preach another Jesus and or another gospel. We see this in 2 Cor 11:3-4 and Galatians 1-2. Including ‘true’ believers, the Apostles Peter, Barnabas and James. A grave sin.
►Even Elders can be led astray and needed long and continual warning — day and night in tears for 3 years (Acts 20:25-32).
King David and Bathsheba
And we know a believer, a man after God’s own heart, can lust after another man’s wife — his own friend. And purposely send him to his death (because he’d already committed adultery with her and she was pregnant, and his plot to cover it up didn’t work). And after the adultery and murder, it wasn’t his remorse that brought him around to being sorry for what he had done, but God sending the Prophet Nathan to tell him a story of a man with a little ewe lamb, that represented what he had done. And then the subsequent death of David’s baby (2 Samuel 11-12). He (like any believers) needed to acknowledge his sin (Psalm 51). Although I am a classic dispensationalist, it is not “different in this dispensation”. Suddenly we don’t acknowledge sin in our lives? Too many today have a problem with that, and it can make believers hardened by the deceitfulness of their sins (Hebrews 3:13). The pride, the name-calling and slander (or worse) that I’ve witnessed in the hypergrace community, demonstrate to me, the hardness of some of their hearts. And they don’t realize how harsh they are to others. But worse? They think they are ‘rightly dividing’ God’s Word. God help them to see.
The Parable of the Sower (or soil) demonstrates that someone can believe only for awhile (Luke 8:13). And yet we know that they were saved by believing (vs. 12).
We know believers may not become disciples if they do not continue in His Word (John 8:31-32), His Word is a believer’s necessary food (Job 23:12), the reason for the exhortation to the new believers. Disciples, the word, means pupils/students. Some should be teachers by the amount of time they have been believers (this would be me) but instead were on the milk (Hebrews 5:12-14). How can we fix that? Maybe stop listening to YouTube car preachers, and TikTok clips (if you are). I don’t say that to anger you, but we all need to spend some time away from solely listening to others. And take some time reading, then going back and really studying whole books in the Bible in context. Ask the questions of who, what, why, where, when, how as you go along. Pray, and ask Him questions knowing you may not get the answer until later. Look up the cross references (again, in context). You need to learn from Him and about Him in His Word (Prov 22:17-21), and you will be blessed so much in doing this.
We know ‘true’ believers can apostatize. They can go against God’s plan for one man, one wife, and have hundreds of wives and concubines, and because of that commit idolatry over and over again (1 Kings 11:1-10, King Solomon). It was not ‘different’ for them, the plan from the beginning was still one man, one woman in marriage.
The book of 1 John is not some proof or test of salvation (whether one is a ‘true’ believer). 1 John was written to believers, so they could determine if they are abiding in Christ, (for apart from Him we can do nothing — John 15:5). It’s about a believer’s walk throughout our life in this place that is not our home. It is a ‘test’ of whether believers are walking in darkness (the lusts of the flesh, or deceit) or walking in the light (in the Spirit, truth). Whether they are in a two-way intimacy with Him or have departed from it (that is the meaning of the word koinonia, it is communion between two or more). One can walk away from that fellowship or intimacy.
One used the NLT paraphrase for 1 John 3:9. (I’m not trying to criticize but help you). I’d highly recommend people not use the NLT at all. Not only is it a poor paraphrase, (not a literal word-for-word translation), but it has issues like the addition of words added to others that are not present in the original text (which is the Word of God). They add words like ‘from sin’ to the word metanoeo (repent). I’m not making a KJVonlyist argument either, I just believe a literal word for word translation is much better.
But even so, in this paraphrase, 1 John 3:9 clearly says they can’t keep sinning. On one hand, it says they don’t make a practice of sin and then conversely that they can’t keep sinning.
Which is it? It does not make sense unless one understands the two natures. (Please consider this 2-part series by Pastor Tom Cucuzza if you do not understand that a believer has two natures). This will help you understand how our old man and our new work. Our flesh versus our new creation.
Understanding the Two Natures by Pastor Thomas Cucuzza, part 1 here
Understanding the Two Natures by Pastor Thomas Cucuzza, part 2 here
I don’t think it’s quite enough to explain 1 John 3:9 away solely with the explanation of saying it is a poor translation in newer versions(see also 1 John 5:18). It is true the Greek word poieo is often translated as practice while the word means commit or do. I’m guessing this was hard for translators to understand so maybe it was easier to make it say practice to explain the difficult passages.
In this conversation (that stirred me to write this), one explained poieo as being a one-time thing someone would commit. Another disagreed, stating that it was ongoing tense so she felt it would be better as practice. The tense is actually long, present, active, indicative — meaning basically it can, has or will occur. So it is speaking of sinning, even once or continually, whether in the past, now or future — whenever. And we can’t just say we don’t agree with the concordance on the matter (as one did), in order for us to feel more comfortable with a personal belief system. This is not how we should reason out Scripture.
I believe that we should not make a stand-alone case on just the word or tense alone. Words can be used differently dependent upon context and other factors. We know that justification, saved, sanctification, fellowship, forgiveness, cleansing, etc., don’t have just one meaning, it depends on the subject, object, context etc. Some do see these words having only one meaning, and that’s where it can cause them to stumble and deviate from good doctrine.
We can be saved from something other than hell. We can be justified before men instead of God. We can be practically sanctified vs. positionally made a Saint. We take communion (same word koinonia, that is translated fellowship) vs. communing intimately with Him. These obviously mean different things. So we should always compare Scripture with Scripture asking God to keep us humbled (or humble us), and to remind us to handle His Word carefully and honestly (Isa 66:2; 2 Cor 4:2). And in the remembrance that none of us have arrived.
Here’s an example on translation of poieo/prasso:
In just one verse, Romans 7:15, Paul says he clearly both practices (prasso) and also commits/does (poieo) sin. And as far as the translation here, poieo is translated ‘do’ and also prasso is translated as ‘do. So it would be unwise to use the argument that KJV always translates poieo as ‘do’ and prasso as ‘practice’. Contrary to some that erroneously teach that Romans 7 is in Paul’s past), verses 24-25 show otherwise.
24 O wretched man that I am!(present tense) who shall deliver me from the body of this death?(future tense) 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God;new creation, 2 Cor 5:17; 1 Pet 1:23
but with the flesh the law of sin. sin nature/old man -two natures
If this were the past, Paul could not say his mind serves the law of God while his flesh is serving the law of sin — at the same time.
We all have a spirit/soul (or inner being), and we all have a flesh and blood body. Every living person has that. But the new man also has the Holy Spirit if we are His (Rom 8:9). That is the new birth which happens when we are born of that Spirit (Gal 4:29; John 3:3-8), the incorruptible seed, the Word of God (1 Pet 1:23). That is the part of us that cannot sin — our new creation (2 Cor 5:17).
But believers can (and do) sow to the flesh, or we can sow to the Spirit (Gal 6:7-8). That’s why it’s important to keep the mindset that whatever we do, to do it as unto the Lord – Colossians 3:23 (including dirty dishes). That’s an inside story in my own life. 😊
Here are just a few more things Scriptures show us that believers can do.
Believers can grieve the Spirit (Isa 63:10; Eph 4:30).
Believers can quench the Spirit (1 Thess 5:19)
Believers can insult the Spirit of Grace (Heb 10:29)
Believers can decide not to yield to His Spirit.
Believers can walk in the lusts of the flesh vs. walking in the Spirit.
Believers can also be carnal and spiritually immature. The author said of the Hebrews that by this time they ought to be teachers, yet they were still babes in need of milk (Heb 5:11-14).
Believers CAN and DO practice sin, enjoy sin, and not sorrow over sin (1 Cor 5:1-2). This is sad but true.
Believers can be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (Heb 3:13).
Believers can be entangled/ensnared/beset by sin (Heb 12:1).
The Corinthians were carnal and again, sinning sins not even named among the heathen. Taking each other to court before unbelievers. Drunk and gorging during communion (koinonia). Paul said that was why they came together, (for the wrong reasons), to get drunk and eat the food (1 Cor 11). We know they were out of order in the services (1 Cor 12,14), and even in 2 Corinthians, these same carnal, bratty believers were questioning Paul’s apostleship. Many were not in any intimate fellowship with Him.
They were practicing sin. They didn’t even mourn grievous sins (didn’t care). So they didn’t seem to be innately desiring good (as some have suggested ‘real’ Christians will do). If one does not grow up into the head which is Christ, if they do not get some food, how will they grow? How will they discern between good and evil (Heb 5:12-14)? If this were automatic, our Bibles would be a lot smaller (Pastor Tom Cucuzza once said – not exact).
The Galatians were biting and devouring one another. Preaching an accursed gospel. Not straightforward about the truth of the gospel. Doesn’t sound like ‘true’ Christians if one judges by outward behavior. Worried more about what men thought instead of Christ — they were carnal in need of correction. They were practicing sin.
The Hebrews were seriously considering going back under the temple sacrifice. They wouldn’t meet with other believers. They were insulting the Spirit, and trampling Christ underfoot, acting as if His blood were not enough. Going back to Mount Sinai like the Galatians but worse.
Some (like Demas), loved the world more than their walk with God. Others loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. They wouldn’t publicly confess Jesus (John 12:42-43). That would certainly be practicing sin.
The early church that James wrote to was very carnal (please don’t correct me about the 12 tribes, telling me he was teaching ‘another program’. This is a misunderstanding of division of Scripture called hyperdispensationalism. Jews and Gentiles are not one body somehow following different programs and needing to be justified (as in declared righteous) by their faith and their works. This is what some believe. The Jewish believers were the first man, and we were the second, both made into one new man. But they were the first to be placed into the church by the Holy Spirit.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Cor 12:13 (see also Eph 4:4-6).
We were made one new man of two (Jew and Gentile – Eph 2:14-18). All that have the permanent indwelling of His Spirit are the church or body of Christ, through one faith (not faith plus works). We both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. We both are born again, not just Jews. Born again is to be ‘born of the Spirit’ (spoken of by Jesus, John, Peter and Paul – John 3:3-8; 1 Pet 1:23; Gal 4:29). Jews and Gentiles both were given the promise of His Spirit by faith alone, even though we were strangers to the covenants of promise (Eph 3), we were grafted in (Rom 11:17-18), because of His grace and mercy. Not as plan B. Jesus was prophesied to be a light to the Gentiles.
Real believers? All that have permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit are the church. We too (Gentiles) were given the promise of His Spirit. Those in James were believers (placed in the church, the body of Christ). They were warring and fighting among each other, showing preference to the rich, ignoring their poor and hurting, hungry and naked brethren, having tongues of fire, etc. Sound like a ‘real’ believer? Yes! They were identified about 25 times as brother, sister, even having the Spirit dwelling in them.
We just cannot make a case for what would ‘automatically’ happen to a ‘real believer’, as we see it differently in Scripture. There are carnal believers, so don’t ignore Scripture to fit your religious beliefs. A whole lot less would have been written if good behavior were automatic. It wouldn’t be a struggle (that again some lost as they fed the old man instead of strengthening the new). It just isn’t automatic (Gal 5:16-17; 2 Cor 10:3-4; 1 Pet 2:11; Rom 7:22-25).
Believers can be barren and unfruitful and even forget that they were forgiven of their sins, (if they do not add to their faith – 2 Pet 1:5-9), thereby not having much of an abundant entrance into heaven (vs. 10-11). I could go on, but I think it has been enough examples for now until part 2 is posted.
I’ll post the rest in another article, dealing with gnosticism and the confession of sin seen in 1 John 1:9, but until then, be sure you know where you are going when you die.
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How would you interpret Matthew 1:21, it said “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins,”, does it mean that after we get saved we will not continue to sin that much.
Daniel, hi, thanks for asking. I know some Lordship people who use it that way. I didn’t finish linking the verses, which I will do, but I hope you might consider making it a study and look them up. If you get time to watch Pastor Cucuzza’s Understanding the Two Natures, it is extremely helpful.
His Word is truth (John 17:17), and that’s how we are sanctified in our walk (a practical or experiential setting apart). I think that’s a lifetime walk and daily choices. But we were already sanctified by His one time sacrifice, once for all, and we are positionally perfected forever (Heb 10:10,14)
This verse in Matthew speaks to being saved from hell, not being delivered from sinning so much. God doesn’t like any sin, and we know as far as entering heaven, not even one lie (Revelation 21:27) will enter. So He isn’t grading on a curve.
Jesus dealt with all sin on His cross (Col 2:13-15), and it was finished there too (John 19:30). Jesus came as the promised sacrifice that God would provide (Gen 22:8-14). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). We know we still sin, so what does it mean? Sin’s penalty (the wages of sin is death) has been removed, but we know we can still suffer consequences in this lifetime with persistently choosing to sow to our flesh.
We know that we should let His grace teach us. So what does it look like practically speaking? We must know His Word ourselves. It’s a choice as to whether we are spending time with Him learning from Him (Matt 11:29-30) or whether we learn from others solely. We can’t grow that way. I think we’ll be stuck in the same rut, even if we are ‘saved from our sins’ (again, the penalty is eternal death).
Letting His grace teach us starts with agreeing with God concerning whatever sin may come up in our life. Agreeing that it is sin. Otherwise how do we deny certain things if we don’t agree (confess-Homologeo) that it is sin? We need His Word. And then the Holy Spirit, bringing His Word back to our remembrance, the truth that will set us free as we are disciples (mathethes-pupils – John 8:31-32). So learning His Word, and taking heed to it, hiding it in our hearts (Ps 119:9-11) is how we are delivered from the power of sin in our lives in this lifetime on earth.
But understanding one verse will never come by verses here and there, but by the ‘whole counsel’ of God (Acts 20:25-32). We need His Word, we need to learn to be taught by Him (Prov 22:17-21), which comes by us fellowshipping with Him in His Word. Just talking to Him, and listening to what His Word is saying by spending time at His feet (Luke 10:38-42).
I hope that helps, simple answer is He came to deliver us from sin’s penalty. Now His grace will teach us how to live. Lovee in Christ.
I remember Bob Wilkin of the Grace Evangelical Society said that Matthew 1:21 is not about salvation. He said that Matthew 1:21 is about the final prophecy that Christ will fulfill with the nation of ISrael at the last days, would you agree with that interpretation.
Hi Jason, thanks for your great question. I’m assuming you meant that Bob didn’t think it was about salvation as in eternal life. I don’t agree with Bob on some important doctrines, Outer Darkness being one. And his argument is certainly consistent enough with grace, but I have a few thoughts.
There are several kinds of deliverance or salvation. And Israel was looking for deliverance from their oppressors, what they thought their Messiah was for. I think absolutely Matt 1:21 regarding ‘His peeople’ is speaking to Israel. He was their promised Messiah. Now is speaking to deliverance from hell, or deliverance from out of the Tribulation? In Israel’s case, I believe for some it will be both. In other words, some will be martyred, so they won’t be saved alive out of the Tribulation. But in the end all Israel will be saved. And that will be saved from hell and saved from dying so that they can physically repopulate their promised land in the promised Kingdom (which will be for 1000 years).
I hope that helped. God bless you.
Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. Acts 13:23-25
Jesus will save in more than one way. He has promises to still keep to Israel (His people) and one is their land. Another is that they might believe and confess (Romans 9-11 is spoken to Israel also), believing is unto righteousness (Rom 10:9-10) but confession unto salvation. So what kind of salvation? Salvation from hell? If it were, then those believing Pharisees in John 12:42-43 weren’t saved because they did NOT confess Him publicly with their mouths). I believe that kind of salvation or deliverance is when they say the words Jesus said they (Israel) had to, in order to see Him again.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth,
, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Matt 23:37-39
Dear Holly,
To what extent must a person be willing to turn from sin in order to be saved? So many say that if you’re not willing to turn from a sin, then you are in essence in rebellion against God, and you can’t be saved while in rebellion against God. But there are some sins I’m not sure I can give up, or even want to give up. I know my sins are wrong, and I wish I could desire to give them all up, but I just don’t feel it. I’m only being honest. Isn’t salvation just not in the cards if I’m not willing to give sin up? I know it’s wrong, but I can’t change how I feel and I can’t lie just to make others feel better. I know I’m a sinner, but my will is not cooperating. What scriptures do you have that can address this?
Hi Steven, thank you for the good question, and one that people are often confused about. I’m going to ask you to prayerfully read each passage I share, that is part of being noble (Acts 17:11), what some call being a Berean. And it will help keep us from error when we ‘prove all things’ (1 Thess 5:21).
Short answer? We are never saved by turning from sin, or promising to turn from sin, or wanting to turn from sin.
Frequently those who say you must turn from sin in order to receive the free gift of eternal life, use the ‘go and sin no more’ (but leave out, ‘lest a worse thing come upon you’.). Neither of the two passages speak to eternal life, but dealing with their particular sin that cost them their health or cost them in other ways like the adulterous woman in John 8.
All unsaved people are ‘in rebellion’ and furthermore, Romans 5:6-8 shows them to be without the ability to do anything good.
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
So a non-believer is:
Without strength.
Ungodly
Not Righteous.
Not good.
Sinners.
It doesn’t take any of the above to believe the truth of a Free offer. (Rom 5:15-21; Rom 6:23) Read those two passages and really understand it is by believing that we receive the free gift of eternal life (John 6:47).
I don’t think any of us came to be saved by being in the right frame of mind. We were not. Again, we were ungodly sinners without strength. I think you are being honest, and most people aren’t honest with themselves because they think they gave up the big sins, but miss their pride, their sowing of discord, their gossip and so on.
The Bible does tell us once we are saved, we should depart from sin. How do we do that? Will it be by keeping our eyes on ourselves? By making promises? By trying to do better?
I don’t think so. It is the Word of God that metaphorically washes our feet (Read John 13:3-17). And we cannot wash our own, we need Jesus to do it, and we’ll be happier and able to do the same for others. Focus on spending time with Christ in His Word (Luke 10:38-42), the on thing that will not be taken from us. Commit to spend time in His Word every day. Not jumping here and there, but maybe start in John and read through some of the epistles for starters. Ask Him to help you want to want to do the right thing. Trust Him and remember you will fail every day (Romans 7:15-25). Our will, will begin to change as we are ‘washed in the water by the Word’ (Eph 5:26) and set apart by His truth (John 17:17). It is also what even Jesus used to deal with temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). He answered each time, ‘it is written’. Getting out of the milk and into the meat will help us discern between good and evil (Heb 5:12-14). And it will help with our desires. Again, it’s about keeping our eyes on Him (Heb 12:1-2).
Always start anything you do with the premise that salvation is a free gift. We can only receive it by believing the truth of the gospel (John 3:14-17, 36; 5:24; 6:28-29; Eph 2:8-9; Rom 4:1-5; Titus 3:4-7). We cannot be saved by any works or promises of doing better (Gal 2:16; 3:10-11). Find some solid grace-based friends to help keep you accountable. If you don’t have any, pray and ask God for some to fellowship with. Praying for you Steven.
Steven, I used to feel the exact same way!! I wondered if I ever could be saved bc how could I ever truthfully say I wanted to turn from each and every single. I was in a total state of confusion and despair. But that’s what false doctrine does.
Later I came to see that IF I had to want to turn from all my sin, then I was trying to make peace with God by that… Like, I would be attempting to make peace with God by that “holy desire”… (and really that would mean my own human righteousness of having the holy desire to turn from sin would required for me to be saved).
But We don’t attempt to satisfy God by having holy- enough desires- in order to be saved. If so, salvation wouldn’t be free. It would be based on our own righteousness.
We would have to be PERFECT if we were to satisfy God in order to be saved.
Here’s the truth- there is only one Man who could satisfy God for us— who could make peace for us— and He already did everything.
Peace has already been made for your sins, past present and future! There is no more sacrifice for sins (as Hebrews says) bc Jesus has taken care of every sin. God is just waiting on you to believe that good news! Free! Finished! Just agree with God. Allow yourself to be persuaded of that truth. 1 Cor 1 talks about when God saves a person. They hear that message of the cross preached. And when they believe it to be the truth, God saves them.
Man in his own wisdom tries to reach God. But God in His wisdom is letting us know He did it all and is just waiting on us to be persuaded of that news as the truth. It sounds foolish, but it’s true.
Hebrews says God has only appointed One Man to make peace. He didn’t appoint you or me for that job. He appointed Jesus to make peace for you. And Jesus did it. God is satisfied in the payment of Jesus’s life. God just wants you to believe that good news! When you do, He makes you His forever child. He can not lie. He seals you. See Eph 1:13 and 1 Cor 1. (Whole ch) Look again at Romans 3-7 to see how it’s all by faith in what Jesus did on the cross- dying for our sin and rising again. Not by our holy desires or act of turning from sin .before we are saved we only have the flesh .The flesh is too weak to even desire to turn from sin, much less turn from sin. 💛💛
We have no righteousness of our own. But God has provided a perfect righteousness for us through Jesus. We have nothing to pay with. God only accepted perfect blood. And Jesus paid the full price. That’s the good news. You hear it and when you believe it, God saves!
Hey, Holly. Thank you for your response. My name is Steven, though, not Daniel. I may have posted my question under someone else’s post, leading to confusion.
I have a follow-up question, if I may. I actually agree with you, more or less, but I’ve been flooded with so many attacks from people who say otherwise that I have to play devil’s advocate here for a minute. Not because I don’t believe you, but because I want to eliminate any nagging doubts that others have put before me. Does that make sense?
So one response I’ve heard to this goes like this: It’s true that man is dead in his sins, and without the Holy Spirit in him, he can’t even desire to do what is right in God’s eyes. But, they say, God also told Israel repeatedly to turn away from their sinful ways, and expected them to do it. They did not have the indwelling Holy Spirit at that time, but God still seemed to think they could manage, or He would not have asked them to do it. Granted, we know that that had to do with blessing and curses based on His covenant with Israel, but these others argue that if God could expect those without the Spirit to obey Him and turn away from sins, why is it such a big stretch to believe that God could also require people to do something (that apparently they can in fact do without the Spirit) in order to be saved? If Israel could manage, and God believed they could, then why couldn’t unsaved people who don’t have the Spirit? What really is the difference?
Thoughts? Again, I don’t buy into that argument, I just don’t know how to argue against it, and I’m left puzzled.
I will read the verses you left for me, and I will try to keep my eyes on Christ. It’s easier said than done, though, as I’m sure you know. I don’t WANT to sin against God, I’m just trying to be honest about it, as I mentioned.
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me. <3
Sorry about the mixup Steven, I’ll fix that. I went back and looked and I guess you pressed comment under ‘Daniel’ so it said ‘replying to Daniel’.
I think that you’re making a mistake playing devil’s advocate, vs. searching His Word for the answers. I can give you my own answers, but they won’t really ‘stick’ unless you go do the homework if you know what I mean.
The dead in sins argument and the can’t even desire to do what is right, is not really what I was saying. Jesus said even evil fathers could give good gifts. We saw Cornelius seeking God before coming to be a believer. So that is not my point, I must not have done a very good job of explaining it, I apologize. Let me add to it.
Considering our condition of already having sinned, we are unable to please God. There is only one way to please God and that is through faith (Heb 11:6). All the other stuff is impossible, because we would have to turn from sin perfectly, and we have already sinned. And the point is, we cannot turn from sin for the free gift of eternal life. There is no grading on a curve with God and we have already failed/fallen short. We either accept His perfect sacrifice on our behalf or we’re toast.
Yes, God told Israel and God told the Ninevites to turn from sin. And turning away from their evil ways was seen as a work in God’s eyes (Jonah 3:9-10). We cannot be saved (eternally) by works ever. The point is not that a non-believer cannot turn from sin, we see drunks or druggies getting clean. Or someone getting a conscience about an adulterous relationship and stopping it. Any non-believer can turn from sin. But the point, is turning from sin is a work that not one person is able to do to God’s satisfaction.
Yes it had to do with ‘blessing and curse’, but that is just part of the answer. They were not ‘without the Spirit’, but they did not have the permanent indwelling as we do. Remember David after his sin with Bathsheba, he said:
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. (Ps 51:11)
They (believing Israel) had the Spirit. Now here is where I want to exhort you. Why would you argue against it? Why are you listening to these people? I realize everyone is doing it, but if you don’t have your armor up, if you aren’t strengthened with knowing His Word, you will be put into fear every time. The answer is right in front of you, look up the Scriptures I shared with you please in the prior comment. Pray and ask Him to help you in these things. I know in these latter days it is harder, because the prince of the power of the air (think radio, tv, social media) is out there like a roaring lion). I’d really urge you to be careful what you listen to, and get time in His Word.
I’m happy to reason out with Scripture any time someone really wants to know something.