[Das Outsider]

Excellent point. Also, the phrasing "choosing to sin less" implies that our sins are generally a matter of deliberate choice, "Am I going to sin today, or am I going to attempt virtue?" I don't find that to be the way I sin. Rather, even though every day I "choose" to obey the Lord, I still sin because of weakness, fear, lack of faith.

Contrary to the teachings of the Holiness movement and other such sects, it is possible for a true believer to willfully sin. It is also possible for their relationship with God to be restored through confession and the Lord's mind-blowing patience and love. A general pattern, or put another way, a generally sinful lifestyle is another matter.

[Tax-chick]

it is possible for a true believer to willfully sin

Oh, I agree. I was just saying that that perspective didn't describe my own struggles with sin, as a general rule. There are some times when I consciously reason, "I know I shouldn't do this, but I'm going to do it anyway!"