If you are not born again – well then, you have to keep on sinning. It’s your nature. Still.
But, if you have been saved, then you are a brand new creation. You have been changed, and the Bible says you do not have to sin! He empowers us to refuse sin.
He “…is able to keep you from stumbling,
and to make you stand
in the presence of His glory
blameless with great joy”
– Jude 1: verses 24-25
We are exhorted to “be holy”. That’s right. Not just “pretty good”, or, “be as good as you can be today”. The standard for living in Christ is: be holy.
Sometimes life is precarious
* “but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior”
– 1 Peter 1:15
* because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
– 1 Peter 1:16
* “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2
* “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance” –1 Peter 1:14
He can “keep you from stumbling”. So: How’re you doing with that?!
Jesus never condones nor excuses sin. However, when we do sin, Jesus does not condemn or put-us-down. He Himself did not shame or think little of a very sinful woman, the prostitute caught in the act. He respectfully said he did not condemn her.
But He then encouraged her to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11). The same for us, no matter the Degrees of Sin (see reference), no matter “the level of sin” we struggle to conquer. The Spirit gives strength to not stumble. Don’t accept your sinfulness.
The true believer in Christ, having been entirely changed inside, will start to see the fruit of being filled with His Holy Spirit. Good fruit will be produced in our lives. It involves us actively “putting on” and “obeying” God.
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience – Colossians 3:12
We are plainly in the end times of earth spoken of in the Bible. We should be expecting the Second Coming of Christ at any time — and be ready for Him.
11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness…. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless – 2 Peter 3: verses 11-14
Each day I expect God will keep me from stumbling into sin. I am working on “being” each day – more like Christ, perfect in every way. At the same time, I am confident that when I do fail, God is not pointing a condemning finger at me. On the contrary – He helps pick me up, encourages me – and empowers me to –
keep on keepin’ on in Him!
FOR MORE:
Each day – I expect God will keep me from stumbling into sin. But when I fail… God picks me up, encourages me – and empowers me to – keep on keepin’ on in Him!
__________
Are you ready, steady, and able?
301 things you are in Christ…I am strong in Christ
In Christ I am a strong person
The vagaries of life MerWeb are many, but “by faith” we stand strong. Yes I can. It is “by faith” in Christ that I am a strong person. – Source: Considered Worthy of His Kingdom – 2 Thessalonians 1 – Article Coming Soon
Through grace and sheer mercy…an era of grace
God’s grace teaches us to reject sin
The logic of “If this – then that” to explain useless faith
The Gift by His precious undeserved grace
Being with Jesus…produces love
Being unselfish, more thoughtful and gracious to others
Being friendly, cordial and gracious
301 things you are in Christ…I am strong in Christ
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