Poll as a born again Christian do you still sin

[BNR32FAN]

Something that’s always bothered me is there are a few verses in the Bible that say that a person who is born again will not or cannot sin.

“We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:18‬ ‭ASV‬‬

“Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭ASV‬‬

These struck me as pretty strong evidence because even looking into the Greek I can’t find anything indicating that this is a mistranslation. Even looking into the definition of the Greek words I can’t find any indication that they can have an alternate meaning. Furthermore when I look into verses that say we all still sin they are worded in a way that could be referring to past sin and possibly not future or present sins. My heart tells me that all Christians will still sin no matter how hard we try not to. I’ve met many many extremely devoted Christians and all of them admit they still sin. I’ve actually never met a Christian in person who claims they don’t still sin. I find it very hard to believe that I’ve never met anyone who is born again. I have really tried very hard to devote my life to Christ. I’m always studying and trying to learn from other Christians who have different perspectives and no matter how hard I try to achieve this goal I fail. Now I don’t steal, lie, cheat, drink alcohol, harm or attack others, etc. Mostly my sins are things like doubt, worry, complaining, frustration, and occasionally pride. Maybe some light boasting in there as well. I believe that everyone will sin even after being born again. I believe there is a difference between being a slave to sin and occasionally stumbling in sin. As Christians we are no longer a slave to sin we are no longer controlled by our sinful nature but we are not perfect and will still stumble from time to time. This is what I believe. So I decided to create this poll to see what percentage of Christians claim they don’t sin and to perhaps see more perspectives on this subject to see if there’s some evidence I’m missing to help me better understand whether I’m just truly not born again or that everyone sins whether they are born again or not. In the event this becomes a debate between those who claim not to sin and those who claim they do sin I will remind everyone please refrain from saying that a person is not a Christian or is not born again as it is against the forum rules.

 

[HTacianas]

Something that’s always bothered me is there are a few verses in the Bible that say that a person who is born again will not or cannot sin.

“We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:18‬ ‭ASV‬‬

“Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭ASV‬‬

These struck me as pretty strong evidence because even looking into the Greek I can’t find anything indicating that this is a mistranslation. Even looking into the definition of the Greek words I can’t find any indication that they can have an alternate meaning. Furthermore when I look into verses that say we all still sin they are worded in a way that could be referring to past sin and possibly not future or present sins. My heart tells me that all Christians will still sin no matter how hard we try not to. I’ve met many many extremely devoted Christians and all of them admit they still sin. I’ve actually never met a Christian in person who claims they don’t still sin. I find it very hard to believe that I’ve never met anyone who is born again. I have really tried very hard to devote my life to Christ. I’m always studying and trying to learn from other Christians who have different perspectives and no matter how hard I try to achieve this goal I fail. Now I don’t steal, lie, cheat, drink alcohol, harm or attack others, etc. Mostly my sins are things like doubt, worry, complaining, frustration, and occasionally pride. Maybe some light boasting in there as well. I believe that everyone will sin even after being born again. I believe there is a difference between being a slave to sin and occasionally stumbling in sin. As Christians we are no longer a slave to sin we are no longer controlled by our sinful nature but we are not perfect and will still stumble from time to time. This is what I believe. So I decided to create this poll to see what percentage of Christians claim they don’t sin and to perhaps see more perspectives on this subject to see if there’s some evidence I’m missing to help me better understand whether I’m just truly not born again or that everyone sins whether they are born again or not. In the event this becomes a debate between those who claim not to sin and those who claim they do sin I will remind everyone please refrain from saying that a person is not a Christian or is not born again as it is against the forum rules.

No one should claim that they never sin. "If we say we are without sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us".

People, all people, are guilty of sin, but not mortal sin. "All unrighteousness is sin but there is sin not unto death".

We may get angry with people and swear under our breath, but hopefully we're not out cutting off people's heads or stealing our neighbor's lawn tools.

By the way, drinking alcohol is not a sin. It "became" a sin during the puritan phase of protestantism.

 

[BNR32FAN]

No one should claim that they never sin. "If we say we are without sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us".

People, all people, are guilty of sin, but not mortal sin. "All unrighteousness is sin but there is sin not unto death".

We may get angry with people and swear under our breath, but hopefully we're not out cutting off people's heads or stealing our neighbor's lawn tools.

By the way, drinking alcohol is not a sin. It "became" a sin during the puritan phase of protestantism.

Honestly I do question the integrity of those who claim to never sin but I refrain myself from judging them or insinuating they aren’t being truthful. There’s a question in the back of my mind about it but I don’t allow myself to label them as a liar. 1 John 1:8 could be referring to past sins.

 

[bling]

A Christian still has free will and can quench the Spirit and thus go out on his/her own and sin.
The good news is Christians now have the power to keep from sinning.

 

[tdidymas]

Something that’s always bothered me is there are a few verses in the Bible that say that a person who is born again will not or cannot sin.

“We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:18‬ ‭ASV‬‬

“Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭ASV‬‬

These struck me as pretty strong evidence because even looking into the Greek I can’t find anything indicating that this is a mistranslation. Even looking into the definition of the Greek words I can’t find any indication that they can have an alternate meaning. Furthermore when I look into verses that say we all still sin they are worded in a way that could be referring to past sin and possibly not future or present sins. My heart tells me that all Christians will still sin no matter how hard we try not to. I’ve met many many extremely devoted Christians and all of them admit they still sin. I’ve actually never met a Christian in person who claims they don’t still sin. I find it very hard to believe that I’ve never met anyone who is born again. I have really tried very hard to devote my life to Christ. I’m always studying and trying to learn from other Christians who have different perspectives and no matter how hard I try to achieve this goal I fail. Now I don’t steal, lie, cheat, drink alcohol, harm or attack others, etc. Mostly my sins are things like doubt, worry, complaining, frustration, and occasionally pride. Maybe some light boasting in there as well. I believe that everyone will sin even after being born again. I believe there is a difference between being a slave to sin and occasionally stumbling in sin. As Christians we are no longer a slave to sin we are no longer controlled by our sinful nature but we are not perfect and will still stumble from time to time. This is what I believe. So I decided to create this poll to see what percentage of Christians claim they don’t sin and to perhaps see more perspectives on this subject to see if there’s some evidence I’m missing to help me better understand whether I’m just truly not born again or that everyone sins whether they are born again or not. In the event this becomes a debate between those who claim not to sin and those who claim they do sin I will remind everyone please refrain from saying that a person is not a Christian or is not born again as it is against the forum rules.

To get the real sense of John's epistle, look at the two extreme statements that appear contradictory on the surface:
1:8 "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
3:9 "Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God."

If we examine the context, we can resolve this apparent conflict by understanding that John is talking about a direction of life, or a lifestyle. IOW, "does not sin" cannot mean "Christian perfectionism" or being sinlessly perfect, since that would be a direct conflict with 1:8. And 1:8 cannot mean committing gross addictive sins without regard to God's power to overcome, because that would be a direct conflict with 3:9.

Therefore, John has to be talking about the direction of life we are taking. That is, living with the intention of obeying what God says, believing that God has our best in mind. The other apostles and elders agree, with statements like "we all stumble in many ways." Nowhere in the NT does it teach a sinless perfection. Those who do that take verses like 3:9 out of context.

So then, I do occasionally overeat and call it "gluttony," but I avoid adultery like the plague.
TD

 

[HTacianas]

Honestly I do question the integrity of those who claim to never sin but I refrain myself from judging them or insinuating they aren’t being truthful. There’s a question in the back of my mind about it but I don’t allow myself to label them as a liar. 1 John 1:8 could be referring to past sins.

1Jo 5:16 - If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which doesnot lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.

 

[tdidymas]

Honestly I do question the integrity of those who claim to never sin but I refrain myself from judging them or insinuating they aren’t being truthful. There’s a question in the back of my mind about it but I don’t allow myself to label them as a liar. 1 John 1:8 could be referring to past sins.

Paul did not call anyone a liar who thought they didn't commit sin. Rather, he told them things like "for as many as are perfect, have this attitude in yourselves..." (like the humility of Christ).

1:8 could not be referring to past sins, since 1:10 says "if we say we have not sinned..." which John is making a distinction of the past here. 1:8 is present tense.
TD

 

[RaymondG]

To stop sinning, or to become perfect is not something one does.....it is a result of a gift of God given without merit and by no work of ones own. Therefore, no one can say that They stopped sinning, or that They did anything.....Nor would one think of doing so.

This is a way that few find, a narrow path... a road traveled by few so one cannot expect to find many walking it. This gift is a treasure hidden in a field that, once found, one sells all they have to buy the field......

Many say they did all they are supposed to do, taken all the right steps, done all the right things.....God says, now sell all you have and give it to the poor.

"When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

 

[BNR32FAN]

A Christian still has free will and can quench the Spirit and thus go out on his/her own and sin.
The good news is Christians now have the power to keep from sinning.

But do we have the power to 100% never sin again? That’s my question. I’m inclined to say no. We are not perfect.

 

[BNR32FAN]

To get the real sense of John's epistle, look at the two extreme statements that appear contradictory on the surface:
1:8 "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
3:9 "Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God."

If we examine the context, we can resolve this apparent conflict by understanding that John is talking about a direction of life, or a lifestyle. IOW, "does not sin" cannot mean "Christian perfectionism" or being sinlessly perfect, since that would be a direct conflict with 1:8. And 1:8 cannot mean committing gross addictive sins without regard to God's power to overcome, because that would be a direct conflict with 3:9.

Therefore, John has to be talking about the direction of life we are taking. That is, living with the intention of obeying what God says, believing that God has our best in mind. The other apostles and elders agree, with statements like "we all stumble in many ways." Nowhere in the NT does it teach a sinless perfection. Those who do that take verses like 3:9 out of context.

So then, I do occasionally overeat and call it "gluttony," but I avoid adultery like the plague.
TD

I completely agree but I’m hoping to see a more concrete evidence as what you have stated while I do agree with you could be refuted by saying that 1 John 1:8 isn’t referring to someone who is born again.

 

[Dave-W]

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word [rhema = spoken word] of God. Romans 10:17

Whatsoever is not from faith is sin. Romans 14:23b

So if you did not hear God telling you to do something, doing it is a sin.

 

[tdidymas]

I completely agree but I’m hoping to see a more concrete evidence as what you have stated while I do agree with you could be refuted by saying that 1 John 1:8 isn’t referring to someone who is born again.

How could 1:8 not be referring to one born again? He is including himself when he says "we."
TD

 

[BNR32FAN]

How could 1:8 not be referring to one born again? He is including himself when he says "we."
TD

That’s a very good point. Thanks for sharing.

 

[tdidymas]

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word [rhema = spoken word] of God. Romans 10:17

Whatsoever is not from faith is sin. Romans 14:23b

So if you did not hear God telling you to do something, doing it is a sin.

I didn't hear God tell me to put on my running shorts today, I just did it. So then, is that sin?
TD

 

[RaymondG]

John 8:34

"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."

Paul:

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able."

 

[bling]

But do we have the power to 100% never sin again? That’s my question. I’m inclined to say no. We are not perfect.

How long is "never again"? Lets just be concerned about the next 60 seconds, which might be all of your never again time.
We are not perfect, but is the Spirit within us perfect?
Can deity be involved in sinning?
If your goal and effort is centered around "not sinning" you will sin again, but if your goal is centered around doing good stuff in the next 60 seconds with the indwelling Holy Spirit leading you and being involved with you, He will not sin.

 

[BNR32FAN]

A couple things I’ve been thinking about pertaining to this question is Peter walked on water and yet later he denied Jesus 3 times. Walking on water shows a huge amount of faith. No doubt Peter was a believer and even received the revelation from God that Jesus is the Son of God. Yet Peter still committed a very HUGE SIN. Something I think most of us would never do which is to deny Christ and not just one time but 3 times in a single night.

Another thing I was thinking about is The Lord’s Prayer. “Forgive us our trespasses”. Jesus said we should pray like this. I think this is another piece of evidence that believers even born again believers will still sin.

 

[Dave-W]

I didn't hear God tell me to put on my running shorts today, I just did it. So then, is that sin?
TD

It very well could be.

OTOH, Did God tell you to get dressed and not go out naked? Ever?

 

[BNR32FAN]

John 8:34

"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."

Paul:

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able."

Ok the Greek word for committeth also means continue. So that could be a translation problem brother.

 

[BNR32FAN]

I didn't hear God tell me to put on my running shorts today, I just did it. So then, is that sin?
TD

Quick take them off and throw them away and REPENT OF PUTTING ON YOUR RUNNING SHORTS!!

 

[RaymondG]

Ok the Greek word for committeth also means continue. So that could be a translation problem brother.

Gal 2:17
"But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid."

Romans 6:1-2
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"