It Is Possible to Not Sin

A few years ago, I was talking with a young Christian woman.We were talking on the subject of sin and confession, and I mentioned thatChristians do not have to sin. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

She brought to my attention that 1 John says that everyonesins. Yes, it does. It also says, “Do not sin.” God commands us to not sin—inother words, He has made it possible to not sin, because God does notcommand us to do impossible things. God will also forgive us if we sin andconfess, but He has made it possible for us to obey His command: “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin”(1 John 2:1).

How is this possible? It is very simple. Avoid temptation.Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Positively obey God (by keepingHis positive commands, e.g. to rejoice always, in everything give thanks,etc.). Keep your sins confessed up-to-date so that when the tempter comes, youdo not have unconfessed sin in your life (which can set you up for sinningagain easily).

If we are indeed born of the Spirit, that is how we obey—weobey God by the Spirit of God.

This post coordinates with today's reading in the Tothe Word! Bible Reading Challenge. If you are not in a daily reading plan,please join us at TotheWord.com. We would love to have you reading with us.

How To Be Free From Bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships