Linked Together: The Christian and Sin

Who Are We?
Who are we as new people in Christ?

Paul is so keen to refer to believers as “saints” (literally “holy ones”) at the beginning of almost all his letters.  Paul is not naïve about the fact that Christians still sin, and sin in major ways (indeed, his letters are often about their sins!). But, he wants Christians to think of themselves in regard to their new natures, not their old.  They are saints who sometimes sin, not sinners who sometimes do right.

Does this matter? You bet!

If we … view ourselves as “saints,” then we will begin to see our sin in a whole new light.  If we really are “holy ones” then whatever sins we commit are a deeper, more profound, and more serious departure from God’s calling than we ever realized.  Our sin, in a sense, is even more heinous because it is being done by those who now have new natures and a new identity.

Read all of Saint of Sinner: Rethinking Our Christian Identity by Michael Kruger at Canon Fodder.

For Our Good?
David Murray lists twelve “goods” that can result from sin that is repented of and forgiven. 

1. We are humbled.
2. We are sensitized. 
3. We are silenced.
4. We are drawn nearer.
5. We are dependent. 
6. We are careful.
7. We hate sin.
8. We fight the devil. 
9. We are disciplined. 
10. We love Christ. 
11. We are helpful. 
12. We long for heaven.  

Read the whole piece for explanations of each point. (HeadHeartHand Blog).