Sin vs. Sinner

There is none righteous, not even one…All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God – Romans 3: 10, 23

I believe the New Testament makes it quite clear that no one, besides Jesus Christ is considered “righteous.” There are some who may think they are, but scripture teaches us they deceive themselves, the truth and His Word is not in them and they make God out to be a liar (see: 1 John 1:8-10)

Everyone, even the most dedicated and passionate Christian sins and will continue to sin until they leave this earth. This is why a person who is adamant about confessing their sins on an everyday basis will most likely lead a healthy Christian life: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)

However, the major differences between Sin and a Sinner is the following words: habitual, repetition, chronic, addict, routine and practice.

No Christian is happy with their sin, this is why we confess it everyday and rejoice in the forgiving grace we find in Jesus Christ. We hate our sin, grovel in disgust when we think of our pass sins and are really bothered by the sins of the world. We avoid placing ourselves in situations that can lead to temptation, pray constantly for Christ to give us the strength to resist sin and when we do fall short it is immediately repented of.

On the other hand, a Christian who “practices” sin, who seem to put up with the sin and falsehood of the world and who has a tendency to compare their sins with others finding new ways to justify it, is truly not a Christian at all. Rather the Christian life they think they have is nothing but religiosity, emotionalism, superficial and delusional.

But don’t take my word for it, look at what John says in the following passages:

Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him. Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. – 1 John 3:4-9

John uses the word “Practice” five times here, the message he is trying to convey is obvious:

• Those who “practice” sin also practices “lawlessness” and who is this in reference to? Satan himself – “the one who practices sin is of the devil ” You can read more about this here: 2 Thess. 2:1-11  *A significant note to consider regarding those who “practice” lawlessness, Paul goes on to say: “…they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false” (2 Thess. 2:10-11) As mentioned, someone who practices sin is living under a delusional state, no wonder it is so easy for them to be carried away with all things false and every wind of doctrine.

• Another common practice in those who routinely sin is the embracing and supporting of sin in others. They’ll support and in some cases even encourage immorality, homosexuality, adultery, falsehood and pretty much everything that contradicts God’s word. They can do this because as scripture teaches us – God does not abide in them. Although they may think God is with them and the Holy Spirit protects them, unfortunately they don’t even know who God is.

• And lastly, those who “practices” sin is definitely not Born Again Christians. They may have attended an event or crusade and made a sincere public confession; repeated some prayer and may even have gone through the motions of water baptism, however if sin is “routinely practiced” according to scripture they are not born of God.

In conclusion it is the “continual practice of habitual sin” that differentiates between Sin and a Sinner. There is none righteous and we all fall short and although the Lord is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all wickedness, within the context of scripture it is imperative to understand that this does not give us the liberty to sin.

The Son of God appeared for this purpose: to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8 – see also: Jude 1:14-15, Rom. 2:5-16, Rev. 2:20-23 ). When we willfully sin we are giving into, supporting and celebrating the works of Satan, and if we don’t repent and turn from it, on Christ’s return it will be us He will destroy.

Think About It.

In Christ,
Marc