Christians are Still Sinners and They Fall Short of God’s Glory? (Part One) 2-24-26

Because it is necessary to have a full understanding of what these two statements mean, it will be divided into two parts. It is such a sad thing that leaders are using these erroneously quoted statements from the pulpit, and their members (babes) pass it on to others.

Many people who say they are born again still consider themselves sinners, and this brings about much confusion. I am going to do my usual; run scripture with scripture; one always support, relate, and connect with the other. Also, key words make a big difference in meaning and it results in having an understanding.

Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.  And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 

He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 

Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed [Spirit] remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God (1 John 3:4-9).

God’s perspective; He sees us complete; positioned into holiness and righteousness (1 Peter 2:9). We are called to or given the responsibility to walk in holiness/righteousness; a godly fashion (Ephesians 4:1). Remember we’ve been made righteous because of Christ.  

Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). How can anyone justify they are still sinners when they have been made new? Who is the real you? Your spirit is the real you; the Spirit of God dwells in your physical house after the new birth. Since God is Spirit, don’t you think He is looking at you as spirit?

 For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not (Romans 7:18).

His Son Jesus who was God in the flesh could identify with our flesh, but that was only temporary. When Jesus died He committed His Spirit to the Lord And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ Having said this, He breathed His last (Luke 23:46).

His flesh was also subject to sin, yet He did not sin. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we  are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).

What about the verse that says whoever says he does not sin is a liar and the truth is not in him (1 John 1:7-8). Okay, let’s talk about that. What is the sinful part of you? For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not (Romans 7:18).

Did Paul say:

“In my spirit dwells no good thing;" that means the Holy Spirit who was living in Paul and all born again believers.

Also, some have tried to justify what Paul said about himself being the chief of sinners as to why we are sinners. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,  although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man [arrogance, evil behavior, and perverse speech]; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 

And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief (1 Timothy 1:12-15).

Remember how I said to see what the verse is saying and what it is not saying. Paul was saying that because he persecuted the church, he was even an accomplice; he aided in Stephen’s death. Now Saul was consenting to his death.

At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison (Acts 8:1-3).

That’s why Paul suffered so much.

Next- Paul’s Born Again Experience

Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org