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Bible Question: Is it possible for a spirit-filled Christian to live a "sinless" life? My Pastor's wife said it was. I disagree based on the following verses: I John 1:8, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Psalm 14:3, Proverbs 20:9, James 2:10, Romans 3:23-24, Romans 7:21, Romans 7:25 and Romans 8:1 and 14. I believe the Spirit guides us and helps us to do what is right, but we are still going to mess up and need to repent daily. If we could live a sinless life, there would be no need for Jesus to have died for us.Please share your thoughts or insight...or better yet, SCRIPTURE! Thanks so much! |
Bible Answer: Greetings! There are many different views on this subject! I happen to be a part of the Church of the Nazarene and we believe in entire sanctification. There are several keys to understanding this topic (at least from my perspective): 1) No one can live a sinless life apart from Christ! Therefore, your point about not needing Jesus to die for us would not be valid. A victorious life is only possible because Christ died for us. :-) 2) There is a difference between what is possible and what is actual. Those who believe in the possibility of living without sin recognize that sin is still possible. There is a sense in which this whole topic is a matter of semantics, but there is an important distinction that needs to be made. Do we really believe that Christ has dealt with sin? Consider the following verses: Rom. 6:2, 6:6-7, 6:12, 6:22, 8:9, Gal. 5:16. How I understand these verses is that there has been a real change in our nature once the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. Sin is no longer our master. Now, we have a choice. As long as we are led by the Spirit, we will not sin. But, as soon as we cease being led by the Spirit, we can and will sin. So, is sinlessness possible? Yes! Is it likely? Not really? But, we should make every effort to be led by the Spirit and live holy lives, and not use our humanity as an excuse to sin. I hope this helps! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |