Some Christians believe that we will continue to sin, each and every day - even after being saved. It seems to me that this is a false doctrine, even if it happens to some believers. What is your opinion?
What are God’s plans and purposes for His redeemed children? Are we to sin, each and every day? Or does God call us to a higher standard of holiness? What is your opinion? Please provide Biblical proofs.
There is a difference between a doctrine that is false and one that is interpreted or communicated in an unhelpful way. For instnace, it was perfectly true that 90% of Britian’s egg production was infected with salmonella. It was very foolish of the minister of health to announce it, leading to a catastrophic drop in egg consumption and the slaughter of millions of poultry. The fact was that eggs were safe enough to eat,as they had been for the past twenty years.
Similarly, we all make compromises with the world. I drink expensive beer whilst children starve in Africa. I don’t say things I should say because I want to be able to do my scientific research without hassles. My book is partly a way of communicating Catholic teachings, partly a vehicle for my ambitions. (Buy a copy at
here).
Also, most people commit sins that go beyond this, and are objectively malicious.
The two mistakes you can make are to dwell on and obsess over the fact that you are not perfect, and to say that it doesn’t matter at all, because I am saved, aren’t I? If you are a saint then you will too busy dealing with the emnity of the world to congratulate yourself much on your sanctity. If you are not a saint then you must concentrate on becoming one, but normally by doing positive things much more than by avoiding error. That is not to say that if you commit a habitual sin you should not strive to avoid it, but unless the sin is really dominating your life, it is not right to make it the centre of your spiritual being. Sins can be forgiven. The real enemy to salvation is indifference.
Ultimately I think God does call us to a higher standard of holiness. Normally I say that conversion goes through three stages.
Stage one is where the convert should be encouraged to concentrate on his real, legitimate, personal interests.
Stage two is where he has got to recognise that goodness involves giving, and he has got to deny his real interests in favour of those of others.
Stage three is where he realises that it is not possible to deny your own real interests in favour of other people, because the rewards are always greater than the amount given.
Once you’ve got to stage three you are better man than I am.
