[kosta50]

It appears that the distinction you're failing to make, is between the type of sin and the consequence of sin

It's a distinction without difference. Protestant theology says that, after being "saved," a believer cannot lose his salvation no matter what sin he commits, because his sins (past, present and future) have been forgiven. Therefore his sin counts for naught.

[metmom]

Romans 4:1-8 1What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."

Our sins is NOT counted against us. That's what happens when one is forgiven.

That's what makes the grace of God so great.

It's the only way to keep our sins from bringing us down into the pit.

Since we can't earn forgiveness nor pay the debt we owe for our sin, God's mercy granted in the form of forgiveness is the only way.

And it's free for the taking, by any one any time because God is no respecter of persons.

[presently no screen name]

his sins (past, present and future) have been forgiven. Therefore his sin counts for naught.

You made some mighty leap there. 'Men without the Spirit' who cannot understand strikes again!

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Protestant theology says that, after being "saved," a believer cannot lose his salvation no matter what sin he commits, because his sins (past, present and future) have been forgiven. Therefore his sin counts for naught.

"Protestant theology" is Christianity. Christianity says that if Christ has covered a man's sins, He has washed that man clean and that man is free from the consequences of sin by the imputed righteousness of Christ.

Is this a difficult concept to understand?

You bet.

Is it Scriptural and true?

Yes.

"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." -- Hebrews 8:12

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", and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." -- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

(Here's one of those pesky instances where "world" does not mean "everyone in the whole world" but instead "all believers." Or else "everyone in the whole world" would be forgiven their sins and saved.)

The redeemed still sin because we are still human. The old man is not completely dead. But by God's mercy alone, our sins have been forgiven by Christ on the cross.

And thus, the knowledge of this undeserved gift will cause us to sin less and less. Where once we loved our sin, now, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, we hate our sins and actually want to obey.