Expert: Roy Wallen - 1/5/2012

Question
QUESTION: Hello Mr. Wallen,

I have a question regarding Ephesians 5:5-6 "You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world. Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey him." In other books as well Paul makes a list of sins and says people who practice such will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

My question is this: let's say a Christian commits one of these sins or he falls into the trap of one these sins and struggles with it for a long time. Is that Christian doomed forever?

I'm concerned because I know me and I know that at some point in the future I will commit at least one of those sins. Its not because I want to (my flesh does) but as long I live in this flesh its bound to happen. But what happens if I do commit one of those sins or struggle with it?....Is it all over?

Thanks,
Tressa

ANSWER: Dear Tressa,

The structure of the language in the Bible draws a distinction between a lifestyle commitment to sinning in repeated fashion and "simply" committing a single sin.  When we sin (and we all do, including me), we have the promise that God is faithful and just to forgive us if we confess the sin (1 John 1:9).  If we reject godly living and choose to adopt a pattern of sin without repentence, we will not inherit the kingdom of God.  The structure Paul uses, through the inspiration of the Spirit, is in the form of continual sin.

It is only "all over" if we choose to sin without repentence.  We are new creatures (see Ephesians 4:17-32) and, if committed to Christ and Christ-like living, we will repent when we sin.

Sincerely,
- Roy


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: That was clear. Thanks!

However I have one last question: what about sin we don't remember? Or what if we have a sin habit that is below the conscious level but still present? For example, we look at pictures of people and make judgements about them - by sight. It is sin but we may not realize it or beware of it and you can't confess what you are not aware of.

Thanks,
Tressa

Answer
Hi Tressa,

The Holy Spirit will reveal what we need to confess (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).  As we grow in faith and knowledge (2 Peter 1:5-6), we will see more and more how much we need to confess and humble ourselves.  In addition, it may be necessary to confess sins of which you are not aware -- simply tell God that you want Him to forgive trespasses that you may not even know are trespasses.

If we are sentitive to God's leading, diligently study His Word, and respond to prompting of the Spirit, we will know how we can live more like Christ.

all the best,
- Roy