“I married a sinner!” That’s what the preacher said last Sunday morning. I am quite certain what he meant was that he had married a Christian lady, who, from time to time, was guilty of some manner of sin. She, of course, could probably have said the same about him.
It is interesting to note that when the term “sinner” or “sinners” is found in the scriptures the text is never speaking of the redeemed. Only the unrepentant are called sinners. Though ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, no scripture even implies all without exception continue to sin. (See Romans 3:23). Some few believe and obey their Lord’s COMMAND to “Go, and sin NO MORE!” (John 8:11). Those believers who continue to sin will often accuse these faithful brethren of exhibiting ungodly pride if they even infer they avoid all sin.
A handful of scriptures are taken out of context to “prove” God is powerless to deliver a fully surrendered believer from all sin. Scores and scores of plain, easy-to-understand scriptures that teach and support holy living are quite simply ignored by those who insist there can be no true deliverance from the power of sin in this life.
Jesus said His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. Jesus did not step off the path of righteousness from time to time and sin. Those believers who do so are not following their Lord but are yielding their will to disobedience and sin. These things ought not to be, brethren.
Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley