Do Christian’s Sin?

 “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us”

1 John 1:8

“We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin”

1 John 5:18a

I am often asked about this question. It may not always take on this form but the struggle is the same; an attempt to understand sin and the Christian life. The answer is simple and complex. Yes, Christians do sin; and no they shouldn’t. In order to understand this better we need to travel back to our days in confirmation and review the meaning of two important words: Justification and Sanctification. 

Our Catechism offers these helpful definitions.

Justification: “The gracious act of God by which a sinner, for Christ’s sake, is declared righteous, without guilt, and free from condemnation. He, for Christ’s sake, acquits a repentant and believing sinner of his sin and guilt, and looks upon him in Christ as though he had never sinned.”

Sanctification: “The gracious work of the Holy Spirit whereby He day by day renews the believer more and more after the image of God.”

Consider these scriptures:

• II Corinthians 5:21 “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 

• 1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

• Romans 3:24 Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.

• Hebrews 10:14 (NKJV). For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. 

On the cross, God laid all the sins of humankind (past, present, and future) upon Jesus Christ, whereby he suffered the full extent of God’s wrath and made the complete and final atonement for our sins. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (trusting in His sacrifice alone to pay and atone for all our sin) we are declared righteous by God. 

God counts Christ's perfect life as if we lived it, and counts our sins as paid for by Him on the cross. From the time of our conversion, we are clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27). No longer when God looks at us does He see a sinner; He sees a perfect saint. 

However that does not mean we are free from sin. The Christian will still be tempted by the World, by the Devil, and his own nature. He will still daily struggle with sin, and at times succumb to its pull and fall. When this happens, the Christian should turn to the Lord in contrition and repentance, confessing the sin asking the Lord to help him stand strong in the face of temptation (Psalm 32 and 51). 

He must daily abide in Christ (John 15) through times in the Word and Prayer, whereby he (and his desires) is slowly changed into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). This is sanctification. It is a process and is never complete until we reach heaven. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6 

Until ones dies, he will struggle with sin, however this struggle is different for the Christian. For he is no longer a slave to sin, but has been set free from it’s control. When he sins, feelings of guilt and remorse fill his soul. He now desires new things - good things - Godly things; and through the power of the Holy Spirit can carry them out.

In Romans 7:15-20 Paul talks about this struggle. In verses fifteen he says, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” And again in verse eighteen and nineteen, “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” 

The struggle of sin real. Although sin will always be a battle and we will never fully rid ourselves of it, the Christian should not accept or excuse sin in his life. Rather, he should strive to lead a sinless God-honoring life in all that he does. When he does fall, repent and move on. Even though we can’t reach perfection this doesn't mean we should not strive for it. Just as the athlete tries knowing he will miss, he strives for perfection. The Good news is, that we are made (and are being made) perfect in Christ even though we struggle with sin. 

“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.”

 Colossians 1:28

As Christians we are called to be “Set Apart.‘ Does that mean we should live like the Amish? How does 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 fit in?

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”

Ephesians 4:1

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”

1 Peter 2:12

“We’re Nelsons and we’re different.” 

This was the “motto” my wife’s family claimed and lived by. They understood that as Christians, we are called to live differently than the rest of the world, and set forth to embrace and apply this truth. 

From Genesis through Revelation God instructs His people to live a life that is unlike the culture around them. God gave the Nation of Israel dietary guidelines, Christ called us salt and light, Paul urges us to live holy lives, and Peter says we are strangers and aliens in this world. But what does this all mean? How are we to live differently and still win people to Christ? 

First, we must remember that it’s not our lifestyle that sets us apart from the world, but rather our relationship with Christ. Hebrews 13:12. “And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.” We are made holy, sanctified or set apart not by our lifestyle but by the blood of Jesus. Regardless how good one is, their sin is never wiped away by they way they live, this only happens through faith in the shed blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:22-10:11). 

However, since we are made holy, clean, sanctified, and set apart by Christ our lives should now mirror our standing.  We are to conduct our lives in a way that matches our calling: our new positions in Christ. We are washed by the blood of the Lamb, given a new nature and inheritance, and adopted as sons and daughters of the King. We are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people belonging to God; thus we should conduct our lives in a way that honors this fact, not questions it. 

Yet that doesn’t mean we live without modern conveniences of life, wear clothing out of a different decade, or gather together as believers and isolate ourselves from the world around us. No. We are called to let the Word of God govern our lives. If we truly let that serve as a guide for life, we will look different and be set apart from the world around us; for what the culture says is acceptable is not what God calls acceptable. Consider the sixth commandment (regarding adultery) for example. Living by this standard of purity will set you apart. 

But what about Paul? Didn’t he say that he became all things to all men? Yes, but he was not talking about moral laws, but rather cultural customs. He never compromised God’s moral standard, but didn’t let cultural customs keep him away from share Christ. Moreover, that is why he lived this way, so that “by all possible means I might save some.”  His purpose was not to find an excuse to live like the world, but rather to win men and women for Christ.

“I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” 

1 Corinthians 9:23

Where do the Creeds come from?

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 

1 Peter 3:15

I believe in God… for centuries Christians across the globes and denominations have joined our voices together in “confessing our holy Christian Faith;” oftentimes using a creed. Dictionary.com defines a creed as: “any system, doctrine, or formula of religious belief, as of a denomination, an authoritative, formulated statement of the chief articles of Christian belief.” Simply, a creed is a summary statement of what Christians believe. 

However not all creeds are created equal. In order for a creed to be considered “Christian” it must be based on the Word of God, and only set forth that which God does. There are three creeds which have been accepted by all Christians for centuries: The Apostles' Creed, The Nicene Creed, and The Athanasian Creed. 

The most common, oldest, and shortest creed is The Apostles Creed. Although, not written by the Apostles, it bears their name because it clearly sets forth their teachings. In one hundred and ten words this simple statement plainly and correctly explains the essential teachings of God as Creator, Jesus as Redeemer, the Holy Spirit, Church, and the promise of life everlasting. 

The Apostles Creed is a great expression of the crucial truths of the Christian’s faith. It serves as an important reminder of these truths, keeps us in them, and if we are ever asked what we believe - can serve as a great way to share our faith. This simple confession contains everything someone needs to know in order to be saved. 

As the oldest creed, there is some disagreement when it was actually written, and may date back to the first century A.D., was in use by the second century, and by the the time Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire in the fourth century it was accepted. The Apostles Creed spread to Ireland by the seventh century, England in the eighth, and is still in use today.  

Although not as “popular” as the Apostles Creed, the other two classical creeds (The Nicene and Athanasian) are based on the Word of God and clearly set forth the sound doctrine of the Christian Faith. The Nicene Creed was first written at the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. Affirming the Apostles Creed, it describes Christ in greater detail and the important role of baptism. It later was modified when references to the Holy Spirit were greater defined. 

The Athanasian Creed is the longest and newest, thought to be written by Athanasius (bishop of Alexandria) who lived from 328-373 A.D. It affirms the teaching of both the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, while developing further the teachings of the Trinity, the duel natures of Christ (the fact that He is True God and Man) and lays out the essentials of salvation (and what happens to those who do not believe). 

These creeds have served as a great testimony to the fundamental truths of the Christian Faith; and continue to be an expression of Biblical Christianity. 

We as Christians go through times of depression. How can we overcome when we are often too far down the spiral already?

Depression is a very complex and serious illness. In fact it is estimated that over 50 million people are living with depression in the United States today. One author called it the “common cold” of mental illness and can be used to describe feelings of disappointment after losing a game and on the other end of the spectrum, can refer to the paralyzing gloom which can lead to suicide. Dr. Gary Collins lists seven major “categories of causes” for depressions and “six major approaches” to treating it. In light of varying severity, causes, and methods of treatment there are no easy answers or “quick fixes.”

Moreover the Bible doesnʼt use the Word “depression” but does describe people who experienced depressing times, emotions, and physical effects associated with depression. (For some examples visit www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/depression-bible.html#examples.)

One common cause of depression is unconfessed sin, or guilt (and shame) over something we have done. King David experienced this same sentiment in Psalm 32:2-5:

“Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

Although “depression” is not used here, one can hardly deny this is what King David is experiencing; and it is clear from the following verse it is directly related to unconfessed sin. After he “comes clean” and seeks the Lordʼs forgiveness the cloud of depression is replaced with one of joy.

However, not all depression is caused by unconfessed sin. There are many many things which bring on depression; including chemical imbalances in the brain. In these cases medication should be used to help treat it. Whatever the cause, it must be acknowledged and dealt with in light of Biblical truth. Sadly, in today’s society it is easier to “pop a pill” that makes us feel better rather than face and deal with the root cause of the problem; or as Christians we feel too ashamed of our feelings to tell anyone about it. Both thoughts are mistaken.

Depression is no different than any another illness or feelings that Christians deal with, and when handled with care and concern one can experience freedom here as well. However, there are many times where we are unable to pull ourselves out or overcome depressing times in our lives alone. Due to the complexity and severity of depression, a Pastor or Christian Counselor should be sought for help.

For more helpful articles on depression and the Christian, and how to help loved ones who are depressed please visit www.christiananswers.net, or www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/ emotional_health/depression.aspx.

Why are the dinosaurs not mentioned in the Bible?

Although names like Tyrannosaurus, Stegosaurus, or Brontosaurus are not contained in the Bible, doesn’t mean God’s Word does not mention them. It is an undisputed fact that dinosaurs once roamed this planet. For almost 200 years scientists have been unearthing, reconstructing, and studying their fossils. The question is, where did they come from? The answer is found in the book of Genesis, chapter one. Here, we are told that God created everything from the heavens to the earth and everything on it; including all land animals.

“Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind” and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind.” Genesis 1:24-25.

Since God created every living thing, and dinosaurs were once living; it is proper to conclude that God created them as well. Moreover we should not expect to find the term “dinosaur” in the Bible since it was not coined until 1841. Nevertheless, Genesis 1:21 tells us that God created “the great creatures of the sea,” Job 41:1-34, Psalm 73:13-14 and Isaiah 27:1 speak about a sea creature called Leviathan, Job 40:15-24 tells of a land dwelling animal called Behemoth, and Isaiah 30:6 mentions a “flying serpent” (NASB). The descriptions found in each text sound nothing like a current animal, rather they all carry dinosaur like qualities.

Dinosaurs are mentioned in the Bible, just not with the words or pictures we associate with them. Why doesn’t the Bible say more? Because the purpose of the Bible was not to describe in great detail everything God created, rather it was to reveal God’s redemptive plan of Salvation found in Jesus Christ.

For more information concerning dinosaurs and the Bible please visit “Answers In Genesis” at the link below, or look for “The New Answers Book” edited by Ken Ham.

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/1999/11/05/dinosaurs-and-the-bible