I have often heard folks say that we Christians are all “sinful and just a bunch of sinners.” However this indicates there is no distinction between Christians and the unsaved. Paul always addresses his letters to ‘saints, beloved, and brothers and sisters.” Yes, Believers indeed sin. However, the Word never calls Christians sinners. We are referred to as sons, Ephesians 1:4; children, 1 John 2:1; brethren, Colossians 1:2; friends, John 15:15; heirs, Romans 8:1 and 17; citizens of heaven, Ephesians 2:19, but most often as saints. Believers would be better to address one another in the manner God’s Word says we are, not by our life experience. 

And here lies the line of demarcation most often ignored. Most believe that there is no freedom from practicing sin in this life and as long as we are in this body we cannot help but live continually in sin. Such people lean upon the end of Romans 7 for their support. To do so is to ignore Paul’s life-changing Damascus Road moment when he met the Risen Christ in a vision. Acts chapter 9 provides the most detailed explanation of this event.

Including what is found in the Apostle’s moment of redemption with Romans 5-6 provides detail into the death of the old man and the provision of the new man in Christ. Just as Paul was forever changed by the grace of God, so is everyone professing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Do we sin? Absolutely, ‘yes.’ But do we actively participate and live in sin? “No, No.” A thousand times, “NO.”

Yes, we are tempted to sin each and every day, “So let the one who thinks he is standing be careful that he does not fall.  No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10. And we also find this, “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death. Do not be led astray, my dear brothers and sisters.” James 1.

To be tempted is a normal Christian experience but to fall into a particular sinful lifestyle along life’s journey will not occur. Christians do not and will not practice or actively participate in a life of sin.

We are given the means enabling us to repel sin. The Holy Spirit equips us the Armor of God, Ephesians chapter 6. The Apostle  instructs us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, Ephesians chapter 5. Paul passed through many difficulties during his missionary journeys but found, “I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. He also stated, “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!” Romans 8.

No, we are Believers; not sinners. We are former sinners now born-again by His grace, “But God, being rich in mercy because of his great love with which he loved us, even though we were dead in offenses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you are saved! and he raised us up together with him and seated us together with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, to demonstrate in the coming ages the surpassing wealth of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7.

Jesus remains Lord!!