Unfortunately, this subject has been misrepresented because folks try to interject non-biblical positions. Before the “sin” question is understood, try looking at the larger view of the two families presented in the Bible. It is there simplicity is found. God didn’t want any confusion on this issue.
A. The devil’s family. John 8:44 speaks of a group of people who are “of your father the devil” (see also John 8:38).
1. You entered this family by birth through your physical father, ultimately a descendant of Adam (Gen 5:3).
2. As a result of this birth, you inherited your sin nature from your father Adam (Ro 5:12).
3. As a result of your sin, you were sentenced to die (Ro 6:23 and 1 Cor 15:22). This was not physical death, but spiritual. “Death” in the Bible is “separation”.
B. God’s family. Joh 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
1. Your decision to trust Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour gave you entrance into God’s family. It is a biblical belief marked by faith and repentance; it is not a physical birth, it is a spiritual birth.
2. The decision to accept Christ puts you by spiritual birth, into God’s family. John 3:3, John 6:47, John 3:36, 1 John 5:12. Notice these verses are in the present tense. No matter when you read them, they apply.
C. The Result. You have a new relationship with God, which makes you a member of His family. You are not dealt with as a sinner needing salvation (because of your sin), but as
His child. It is a supernatural transaction at the moment of you belief: Believe in what? ——>> 1 Cor 15:1-4 (the Gospel of Jesus Christ).
D. Salvation by Works?
1. Salvation is by grace (Eph 2:8-9). Unmerited favor, no one deserves it. It is a gift. No one can lose salvation because no one can EARN salvation. God is glorified, not man.
2. Gal 3:10 and Jas 2:10 tells us if we had to do anything to earn or keep salvation, we’d lose it easily.
3. 2 Tim 1:12 assures us that we can’t lose salvation because Jesus Christ is the person who keeps it, not we ourselves.
4. Gal 2:21 teaches us if there were anything you could do to earn salvation, than the death of Jesus Christ was a waste.
5. There is absolutely NOTHING that can separate you from your salvation: Romans 8:38-39. You salvation is secure because of your new relationship with God.
6. God tells you of a new birth certificate (record) for those “born again” into His family: 1 John 5:11-13. Your birth certificate was marked with a seal by the Holy Spirit of God (Eph 1:13, 4:30).
E. Basic Questions:
1. Will I sin after I am saved? Yes, you still have you old sin nature (Ro 7:25). That is another study, but the short answer is: God doesn’t see you as a sinner: He see’s you through the blood of Jesus, which cleanses you completely at the moment of salvation.
2. How does my sin affect my relationship with my Father? God does not kick you out of His family (John 6:37). When you sin, He disciplines you as a child (Heb 12:5-11).
3. What should I do when I sin? Confess it and trust the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse you (1 John 1:6-10; Prov 28:13). Repent from it (turn away from it) and ask God to give you a hatred for that sin so you can “revenge all disobedience” by doing what is right (2 Cor 10:3-6).
4. What if I don’t feel saved? Your salvation is not based on feelings. It is based upon the objective factual truth of the Word of God (1 John 3:20). Don’t trust your heart (Jer 17:9). Just believe what God has already said: 1 John 2:25: And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
I pray this helps you in your study.
What a wonderful friend we have in JESUS.
Outstanding summation. Thanks.
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