Topical Encyclopedia In Christian theology, the concept of sin is central to understanding the nature of humanity and the transformative power of salvation through Jesus Christ. For those who are considered saints—believers who have been sanctified and set apart by God—living in sin is incompatible with their new identity in Christ. The Bible provides numerous passages that emphasize the expectation for saints to live a life distinct from sin.New Creation in Christ The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addresses the transformation that occurs in believers. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 , he writes, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation signifies a departure from the old life of sin and an embrace of a new life characterized by righteousness and holiness. Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ Romans 6 is a pivotal chapter that discusses the believer's relationship to sin. Paul asserts in Romans 6:1-2 , "What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?" Here, Paul emphasizes that those who have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection are dead to sin and should no longer live in it. Walking in the Spirit Galatians 5:16-17 instructs believers on how to live a life free from the dominion of sin: "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers saints to resist sinful desires and live according to God's will. Holiness and Sanctification The call to holiness is a recurring theme in the New Testament. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 , Peter exhorts believers, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness underscores the expectation that saints will not live in sin but will strive to reflect God's holiness in their lives. The Incompatibility of Sin and Righteousness 1 John 3:6 provides a stark contrast between sin and the life of a believer: "No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him." This passage highlights the incompatibility of a lifestyle of sin with the knowledge and relationship with Christ. Repentance and Forgiveness While saints are called to live free from sin, the Bible acknowledges human fallibility. 1 John 1:9 offers assurance of forgiveness: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This promise encourages believers to seek repentance and restoration when they fall short. Conclusion The biblical expectation for saints is clear: they are to live lives that reflect their new identity in Christ, marked by holiness and separation from sin. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the transformative work of Christ, believers are equipped to resist sin and live in a manner that honors God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 3:9Whoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 5:18 Library Indwelling Sin On the Invocation of Saints Perseverance of Saints. Saints, Sages, and Saviors: the Law of Service We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which ... On the Contemplation of Human Misery The Heinous Sin of Drunkenness Showing How Some Men Live Contrary to These Exercises Perseverance in Holiness The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints Resources Questions about Sin (All) | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible teach mortal and venial sin? | GotQuestions.org How can I learn to hate my own sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |