Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

A SINNING CHRISTIAN

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” I John 1:8.

The spiritual reality of life underscores the universal reality of sin both

in men and in the world originally subjugated to man. One reads of it repeatedly in the Bible, hears it from evangelical pulpits, and sees it in action in self, and in all others (grandmothers’ observations of grandchildren excepted). But just what is this thing called sin.

The basic meaning of the word “sin” means “to miss the mark.” Of

course, missing the mark implies an attempt to hit the mark. That necessitates an identity of the mark that is missed. In short, the mark is the fulfillment of the specific purposes in all aspects of life, spiritually, mentally, and physically for which mankind is created. Men were originally equipped to do this by using free moral agency to choose the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. He failed. The result is a change in the nature of the species by the incorporation of a foreign, corrupting nature destined to eternal destruction.

There are other terms denoting sin. For instance particular kinds of

sins are termed trespasses; transgressions; iniquities, etc. Still, they are sins. The bottom line summation of the topic is clearly and forcefully stated in Romans 14:23, “. . . whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” So how does this leave the “born from above,” Christian? Does he sin? Can one actually live above sin? Hear the scriptures on the matter.

The apostle John said, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive

ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” ( emphasize WE) I John 1:8. The truth is that in the “born from above” experience of repentance from sin, and placing trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, the spirit of man is saved, and sealed unto the day of redemption, Eph. 4:30. This equips one to begin exercising the mind in spiritual matters. That activity is designed to bring the body into subjection, but that implies that the sin nature has not been removed, but now meets an overcoming power by which one may acceptably serve God, grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord, and overcome much of the sins that would so easily beset earthly life. However, the sin nature of the flesh must be lost in death. Until then, sin will definitely make its appearance in the life of every Christian. But, here is the blessed requisite of the child of God: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9.

So, preacher, are you a sinning Christian? The answer is a forceful

“yes!” It is for each of God’s people to join the apostle Paul who said, “. . . I die daily” I Cor. 15:31. This is the only way to deal with the presence of sin

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