The Sin Nature

1 John 3:22 KJV
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

The sin nature is a touchy subject for some Christians. Some think it is eliminated at salvation, others think it goes dormant, and many think it’s something you contend with every day - even as a believer.

What’s the truth? For that, we must take the whole counsel of God - meaning, not one verse alone but deciding our doctrine by the entirety of what scripture says on the topic.

Let’s dive in!

1 John 3:8-9 KJV
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. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

Reading this alone would cause the reader to assume any sin in your life means you are lost and “of the devil.” However, we must reconcile those verses with these:

1 John 1:8-9 KJV
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

These verses come from the same book! People can’t claim it’s a contradiction among authors like they try with James & Paul. So what are we to do?

It is not the mere act of committing a sin that is the issue here; it is the issue of one's lifestyle. Is your life one of godliness where you occasionally slip-up and fail or one where sin is a daily activity - planned and devised?

The former is a saved person who needs to seek forgiveness for their trespass; the latter is a sinner who needs the born-again experience.

Which one are you?

Corresponding Sermon: Phil Fulton 09/13/2020