How To Know If Christians Can Stop Sinning
We once had a friend who told us that he had been able to stop sinning after becoming a follower of Jesus. He based his statement on the following words of John…
Those who are God’s children do not continue sinning, because the new life from God remains in them. They are not able to go on sinning, because they have become children of God.
1 John 3:9 (NCV)
Many have been confused by that verse . . . either they believe, like our friend, that they no longer sin or they doubt their faith and salvation because they know they do.
Because I’m not fluent in the original Biblical languages, this is an example of a verse that has motivated me to read Scripture in many different translations.
When I read 1 John 3:9 in one of the more “literal” translations . . . I found the following:
No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.
There’s a difference between not sinning and not making it a regular intentional practice.
Psalm 26 finds us in a similar situation. David wrote…
Declare me innocent, O Lord,
Psalm 26:1–3
for I have acted with integrity;
I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.
Test my motives and my heart.
For I am always aware of Your unfailing love,
and I have lived according to Your truth.
We know David wasn’t sinless but then he added…
I do not spend time with liars
Psalm 26:4
or go along with hypocrites.
In order for that to be possible, David would have had to avoid people altogether.
Let’s pause for a moment to look at a couple of things Paul wrote about sin…
Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Romans 3:22 and Romans 7:19
And…
I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.
One of our faith’s greatest preachers admitted that everyone sins and that he, himself, had been unable to stop sinning. So, what are you and I to take from David’s statements in Psalm 26?
We know David sinned but we also know that he loved the Lord. He wanted to live with integrity and he wanted to trust God without wavering.
Even though it was David’s desire to live his faith free of sin . . . he knew he was a sinner just like everyone else.
So, he ran to God and asked God to declare him innocent . . . not because he was perfect but because 1. He trusted God’s perfect and unfailing love. (v. 3) 2. He believed that God was able and willing to redeem him. (v. 11) 3. He relied on God’s promise to be gracious and merciful when he asked for forgiveness. (v.11)
Although you and I, like David and Paul, will not stop sinning this side of heaven. We can trust God’s grace, mercy, and love. And we can trust Him to declare us innocent when we leave our sins at the foot of the cross and place our faith in Jesus.
Let’s pray…
A Prayer to Make it Our Heart’s Desire to Stop Sinning
Oh, Father, I want to stop sinning. I want to obey Your commandments and follow Your will. But, like Paul, I don’t do the good things I want to do and I continue to think, say, and do the things that I don’t want to do . . . things You have said are sins. So, once again, I come to You asking for You to forgive me.
I believe that Jesus has taken the punishment for my sins upon Himself. I believe that He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. I believe “there is salvation in no one else! [That You have] given no other name under heaven by which we are saved.” (Acts 4:12) I believe that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)
By the power of Your Spirit, teach me and help me remember Jesus’ commands each day. (John 14:26) When I am tempted to disobey, show me the way and give me the strength to trust and follow Your will. I love You, Lord, and it is my heart’s desire to live with integrity, to trust You without wavering, and to live according to Your truth.
I thank and praise to who You are and for all that You do for me with Your perfect unfailing love. Amen.
Before we go, let’s take a look at David’s words about not spending time with liars or going along with hypocrites.
The Life Application Bible Notes asks…
“Should we stay away from unbelievers?”
The answer is NO! It’s impossible for us to avoid sinners. I’m a sinner. You’re a sinner. We’re all sinners. Jesus spent time with sinners because He wanted them to know the truth that would set them free.
If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (1 John 1:9)
If the Son sets you free, you are truly free. (John 8:36)
So, let’s spend time together and love one another by encouraging one another to TRUST, LOVE, and OBEY the One who came to forgive us and set us free.
May God be with you and bless you as you make it your heart’s desire to obey Him.
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Your blogs are being blocked so I can’t save them on another app. I keep getting a message that I can’t save from the site you sent them. I don’t know what’s going on . If you have any ideas for this situation, please let me know. I have already contacted the company that sends the emails. Thank you.
Hi, Carolyn. I’m sorry that’s happening. I’ve not heard of others having that problem. Where are you trying to save it? Thanks for letting me know.
Carolyn. maybe try turning your phone off and then back on. Or maybe unsubscribe and then re-subscribe again to countingmyblessings. Sometimes my phone will throw me a little glitch and try these… hope you can get it fixed! I hate little aggravations like this! Blessings to restore the problem!
Praise God!
Thank you for this Deb.
I hope you are well.
Blessings.
Thank you, Ifeoma. The Lord is giving me what I need each day. I count on Him and He makes me well. Blessings and hugs!
Great post, Deb! Referencing your friends verse of 1st John 3:9, I think reading verse 8, puts it into a different perspective for me…He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the SON OF GOD was manifested, that HE might destroy the works of the devil.
9) Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His (God’s) seed remaineth in Him (Jesus) and He (Jesus) cannot sin, because He (Jesus) is born of God. I think Jesus is the only one “born” of God (He gave His only BEGOTTEN SON…JOHN 3:16). JESUS WAS PERFECT, but we as humans born into this broken world (ruled by the devil himself) will never be sinless, no matter how hard we try! True we may not practice sin, but we will never “not sin” as we were not “born of God” to be perfect and sinless!” If after we are saved by grace through faith, and never commit another sin, why would we need to pray, to worship, to strive to grow in faith and trust of God? Why would we need to put on the “whole armor of God?” Thank you for this post that will take me into a deeper study of this verse and the Word of God! Blessings and love dear friend!
Thank you so much, Kathy! I truly appreciate your words of faith here that are such an encouragement to us all. God bless you!
Thanks, wonderful article…I can proudly and honestly report…the new life from God remains in me.
I have largely walked away from sin, without difficulty, and any practice of sin sounds and feel reprehensible to me. Just incompatible and uninteresting. I suppose that’s a good sign! 🙂
God bless.
Thank you, JB. I appreciate your kindness. I love your honesty and the way God is working in your life. God bless you!
You certainly hit the nail on the head – apart from Christ, we can do nothing good or pleasing to the Lord. Yes, we will sin, so we need to be quick to seek forgiveness and restoration from Jesus. He will never abandon us; he will lead on the right paths for the sake of His righteousness.
Blessings, Deb!
God bless you, my sweet friend! I truly appreciate your visits and your words of encouragement!
Hi Deb
Wow that was such a powerful reading from John regarding our sins. I can truly say it applied to me. It is difficult to be sinless since we are not God. We are surrounded by ungodly things in the world we live. I know if I continue to pray daily and confess my sins I will be that much closer to being less of a sinner. The only way is through God’s will.
Thank you for your beautiful prayers I look forward in them.
Have a wonderful blessed weekend ????
I’m so glad it blessed you, Ana! I’m joining you in prayer to grow closer to the Lord through faith and obedience. I appreciate your encouragement. God bless you!
Hi Deb
Thank you for the beautiful prayers in order to be free of sinning. It is difficult not to sin but just like David we can truly repent to Jesus so he can forgive my sins. As long as I continúe to pray to Jesus and our beloved Mother Mary they can give me mercy, guidance, and love to help me towards being free of sin trusting in them.
Have a blessed day ????
Thank you, Ana! I’m glad you were encouraged. We are so blessed to be saved by grace through Jesus. His forgiveness is healing, freeing, and our source of peace. God bless you!
Great new. Whatever it was that kept me from saving your blogs has been fixed. I prayed about it and waited. I kept your blogs until it was fixed. Now I am catching up on my reading. Your blogs also bless me. Thank you for understanding as well the suggestions from your readers. Prayer and patience is what it took. Bless you all.
I’m so glad we were able to figure it out. Thank you so much for your visits and for your kindness. Looking forward to your comments in our conversations. God bless you!
Deb, thank you for delving into such an important topic. It’s clear that the question of whether Christians can stop sinning is complex and nuanced. Your exploration of Scripture and your heartfelt prayer offer valuable insights and encouragement. It’s reassuring to be reminded of God’s grace, mercy, and unfailing love, even as we strive to live lives of integrity and obedience. Let’s continue to support and uplift one another on this journey of faith. Blessings to you!
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement, Corine. It is a difficult subject … one that can so easily lead to pride or self-loathing. Praise God that His Word gives us the message of His unfailing grace that faithfully forgives us through Jesus. That gives us the desire to obey just because we love Him so much even though we’ll never do it perfectly this side of heaven. Blessings to you!
Another one of your wonderful heartfelt words and prayers that I can relate to. Dear Lord you are my Rock, Savior, Redeemer have Mercy on me that I am a sinner. I cannot do this alone give me your Holy Spirit so that I that I can no longer sin and may your light shine on me. Your resurrection freed me from death of sin and I beg you to always lead me in your path so long as I’m in this world. I look forward to being with you in your Kingdom someday if I am worthy of it.
Blessing Deb loved this one it really touched my heart.