So why is acceptable when a child of God calls themselves a sinner? Just as we don't reinforce bad behaviour through the use of titles, why do we justify sinning by calling ourselves sinners? Christ didn't die so that we could continue to sin, but so that we can be set free from the power of sin. Many of the epistles are written to the saints-that's you!
I think of the song with the chorus, "Jesus, Jesus/Friend of sinners/Friend of mine" And I wonder how this reinforces the idea that Christians are still sinners because of the sequence in wording. Jesus is the friend of sinners (as I am commanded to be too) and Jesus is my friend, but I am not a sinner!
One may do stupid things, but is not stupid
One may fail, but is he or she a failure?
How is it that we allow actions to dictate who we are? The DO has been confused with the WHO. Who I am is not dependent on what I do, but upon Jesus Christ.
Contagious Christianity provides the illustration of DO vs. DONE. Most think that life and religion is about the DO, DOing things to gain approval and acceptance. Following Jesus is about the DONE, Jesus has DONE it all when He died on the Christ, there is nothing we can DO. We just have to accept the DONE of the resurrection, the DONE that takes away our sin.
So if we aren't sinners, who are we? [click to make bigger]
I guess my problem is that there are many who stand to give testimonies and say they are sinners. They talk about the cycle and struggle of sin as if its never ending, that we'll struggle till we die. I've watched it happen in some of our Wesleyan churches and no one corrects or instructs them. Sure they give God the glory for how he's helped them and will continue to help... the next time. What about holiness? What about entire sanctification? What about victory?
still a thought in process, you're welcome to help me out
2 Comments:
In my understanding, Paul continued to describe himself as a sinner even after his conversion and 'entire sanctification'
But I actually agree with you in the sense in which you posted. Too many Christians, when they speak of themselves as sinners, seem to mean they continue sinning but God saves them anyways.
Whereas, I think Paul was simply remaining humble about his past.
AMEN, Heidi! You've hit on one of my pet peeves about Christians. The Bible calls us "new creations" though, right?
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