Are Christians Sinners?
A True Statement?
It is commonly said, “Christians are just sinners saved by grace,” or “I’m just a sinner saved by grace.” Generally, this is meant to be a statement of humility. It’s frequently used when someone is trying to avoid coming across as self-righteous, or judgmental. Fair enough, but is it biblical? Could these statements actually diminish what Jesus did for us? Let’s see what the Bible says.
Grace
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. These passages of Scripture underscore the truth that none of us could save ourselves. This is Christianity 101. Only by the grace of God, and faith in Jesus Christ can anyone be saved. Does God still consider us to be sinners, once we’ve received His gift of grace? Past, Present and Future Tense It is important to pay attention to grammar when reading the Bible, which includes past, present, and future tenses. This is important, otherwise we may allow our past to define who we are, instead of God. So, what are some things God considers to be past tense? Ephesians 2:1-2 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience (NASB). Notice this verse says, “you were dead in your trespasses and sins.” It does not say, “you are dead in your trespasses and sins.” Underscore, were, in your heart. In a moment, we’ll answer the question, Does God still consider us dead in our trespasses and sins. Let’s add one more verse to highlight what He considers to be in our past. Ephesians 2:3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest (NASB). This verse does not say, “presently live.” ?Moreover, it says “we were by nature children of wrath.” It does not say, “we are by nature children of wrath.” In short, He no longer considers us to be the children of wrath, since it’s no longer part of our nature. Ephesians 2:4-6 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (NASB). Not only does He not consider us dead in our transgressions, but He considers us to be alive together, raised up, and seated with our Lord and Savior, now! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Those who are in Christ are a new creature. In this case, new means prototype, as in never before existed. This is not restoring something to a pervious state or condition. That means there is nothing of the old nature involved. The things of the past no longer exist. Keep in mind that when God justified us, He placed us in a position where it is as if sin never existed. Take heart, just because you might remind yourself of your past sins and failures, He will not. They were dealt with at the Cross for those who receive His forgiveness. With that in mind, it might be a good time to stop needling yourself over the past. Receive His forgiveness, learn from it, and move on. Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
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Our New Position
2 Corinthians 5:21 For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. It is vital to understand that our standing with God is based upon our position in Jesus Christ, period! It is strictly what Jesus did for us, which we received through faith, by His grace. In Him, we are the righteousness of God. Righteousness, and holiness are part of our new nature. Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. If God considers us righteous, and holy in Jesus Christ, would He still consider us to be sinners? Perhaps, it would be more accurate to say, “Christians were sinners saved by grace,” or “I once was a sinner who was saved by grace.” Using the past tense is a very important distinction. Otherwise, one might feel defeated, even though we are victorious in Jesus. What else does God consider us to be? Romans 8:15-16 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (read entire chapter; in fact, read all of Romans). God considers us to be His children. The word ABBA means Daddy, which emphasizes intimacy with Him. You now can approach Him as His child; not a sinner.