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NASB | Acts 15:11 "But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 15:11 "But we believe that we are saved through the [precious, undeserved] grace of the Lord Jesus [which makes us free of the guilt of sin and grants us eternal life], in just the same way as they are." |
Subject: Show me scripture that says we can sin |
Bible Note: I didn't say the hypothetical individual never repented. Quite the contrary, for the initial act of accepting Christ (and obtaining salvation in the first place) necessitates repentance. However, my point is that even Christians are not perfect, and we all still sin after coming to Christ (though hopefully in ever decreasing degrees). Nevertheless, it is more than possible for a Christian to fall into habitual sins through failing to take care of their relationship with God (through confession and repentance) and failing to listen to the Holy Spirit. This is definately not a good situation, but very possible. If such were to occur, the individual has not somehow lost their salvation (hence why I brought up once-saved-always-saved). Rather, their relationship with God is that which is on rocky ground. They need prayer, and hopefully concerned individuals in their life will attempt to wake them up to the reality of what they are doing. The sole point here is that we cannot look at someone in the midst of sin and judge that they must not be Christians after all. They are brothers in affliction, but BROTHERS nonetheless--fellow children of God now and forevermore. Is the question here whether it is even POSSIBLE for a Christian to commit willful and purposeful sin? If it is, the answer is an obvious "of course". Being a Christian does not equate being perfect. Is the question whether a Christian WOULD commit willful and purposeful sin? If so, the answer is ideally no, but Satan's deceptions can be subtle and powerful. It's easy to judge until you find yourself in a similar situation. Or, is the question whether an individual has forfeited salvation upon committing a willful and purposeful sin? If so, the answer is a strong "NO". The biblical testimony overwhelmingly makes clear that salvation eminates from God, is a function of his grace, and cannot be annulled. So, anyway you cut it, the point is the same. Is sin wrong? Of course. Should a Christian sin? Hopefully, not. Will a Christian sin? Definately, for we are still imperfect and will remain so until we leave this world and are made like Christ in spirit. But can the sins we commit forfeit our salvation? No, a thousand times, no. |