Written by Jeyran Main

The journey of a Christian is marked by profound paradoxes—forgiveness and sin, salvation and sanctification, divine knowledge and human choice. These themes, deeply interwoven into the fabric of Christian doctrine, often prompt questions about the nature of forgiveness, the consequences of repeated sin, and the assurance of salvation. Through a biblical lens, we can explore these questions and uncover the comforting yet challenging truths about our relationship with God.

Forgiveness and the Cycle of Sin

The question of forgiveness is central to the Christian faith, with the apostle John affirming, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Forgiveness is not just a one-time event but a continual process that reflects God’s boundless grace. However, this grace is not a license to sin. Paul addresses this tension in Romans 6:1-2, asking, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”

The Christian life, therefore, involves a constant struggle against sin. Despite being forgiven and saved, believers are still prone to sin because of their human nature. This reality does not negate the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice but underscores the necessity of ongoing repentance and reliance on God’s grace.

The Assurance of Salvation

A perplexing question arises when considering the nature of sin and forgiveness: “If Jesus saved me, why doesn’t my sin save me?” This question seems to misunderstand the purpose of salvation. Salvation, biblically speaking, is not about sin providing any form of salvation; rather, it’s about being saved from sin and its consequences through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. As Paul eloquently states in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

The notion that “God knows all, so He knows who is being saved” touches on the doctrine of God’s omniscience and predestination. While these topics are complex and often debated, the essence is that God’s foreknowledge does not negate human free will or the genuine offer of salvation to all who believe in Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

Sanctification: The Process of Becoming Holy

Sanctification is the process by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. It is indeed an assurance of God’s ongoing work in the believer’s life, shaping them to be more like Christ. The concept of being “born again” as saints who still sin reflects this transformative journey, where sanctification is both an instantaneous status before God, through justification, and a progressive work of becoming more like Christ.

No One is Good but God

Jesus’ assertion that “no one is good but God alone” (Mark 10:18) is a crucial reminder that salvation is not based on human goodness or moral achievement. It underscores the necessity of faith in God for salvation, as opposed to relying on one’s own perceived righteousness. The biblical narrative is clear: salvation is a gift of grace to be received through faith in Jesus Christ, not earned through good deeds.

The Role of Human Choice

The concept that “people choose to go to hell; God does not send you to hell” highlights the biblical emphasis on human choice and responsibility. God’s desire is for all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). However, salvation requires a response of faith, and rejection of God’s gift of salvation ultimately leads to separation from Him.

Conclusion

The Christian journey is marked by the interplay of divine grace and human responsibility, forgiveness and the fight against sin, and the assurance of salvation through faith in Christ. While believers are indeed saints who sin, they are called to a life of repentance, faith, and sanctification—relying not on their own goodness but on the grace and goodness of God. In doing so, they live out the reality of being forgiven, transformed, and assured of their place in God’s eternal kingdom.