Text- 1John 3:9 – “Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God.”
The Bible states that Jesus offered Himself as a ONCE FOR ALL TIME sacrifice for sin that has made us perfect forever... because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy (Hebrews 10:12-14). Does that mean it doesn’t matter as a believer whether or not you sin?
Sin is serious; it is an offense to God, and it breaks our fellowship with Him. Sin also compromises our witness for Christ. Without doubts, it is God’s desire that we, as believers should live above reproach. The Bible is clear on this: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). 1 John 2:3 tells us, “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments”.
The writer of Hebrews has this to say about sin, “For if a man shall sin BY HIS WILL after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there is no sacrifice to be offered afterward for sins but only a terrifying prospect of judgment and a raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” (Hebrews 10:26-27).
When it comes to Sin and its impact on salvation, please note the emphasis on “BY HIS WILL” (Intentionally; deliberately; willfully; on purpose). It’s not about frequency (whether the “believer” sins regularly or occasionally), it’s about THE WILL! A genuine believer cannot sin willfully or make a practice of sinning except he has backslidden.
As a Christian, you may make mistakes, but that’s what it would be- A MISTAKE! If a supposed believer sins on purpose, he either didn’t genuinely give his life to Christ or he has backslidden.
Having said this, I must mention that you cannot live the Christian life by your own strength and ability. You need God’s help– which is why He has given His Holy Spirit to you. If you accidentally commit a sin, confess it immediately the Holy Spirit convicts you because if you confess your sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive you and purify you from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9).
One important factor to live above reproach is to seek the help of the Holy Spirit each day to live as you should. You can’t live a holy and righteous life by human strength… “For God is the One who works in you both to will and to work according to His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13)
PRAYERS
1. Lord, please help me to live above reproach. Help me to grow daily in Holy Living.
2. Lord, grant me the grace to be humble enough to accept when I make a mistake, and to run to you in repentance, not away from you in rebellion.
3. Lord, please let your working in me be more progressive from today, to will and to work according to Your good pleasure