Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 1/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: We have to answer to God for our past sins yet when we become born again our sins are forgiven and forgotten as if they never happened. Seems like a paradox to me. Could you explain this to me ? Thanks T.P.Tucker

ANSWER: T.P.,

Thank you for your question. This is one that has hindered many Christians. Yes, it does "seem" to be a paradox, but I do not think that it is. Let me explain...

First we must understand what it means to be a Christian. A Christian is not a religious person or merely a member of a church; a Christian is one who has been forgiven of his or her sin and has an ongoing personal relationship with God. Not only this, a Christian is someone that Jesus Christ lives in, one that has been born again (John 3.3) and lives in the assurance that Jesus paid the price for them to be right with God and go to heaven.

So a Christian has had their past sins forgiven by God. This forgiveness allows the person to receive the Spirit inside their heart, and removes the penalty for sin (eternal separation from God in hell).

Micah 7:19
He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

However, the person who rejects Christ and His forgiveness will stand in judgment for their sins, and their rejection of Christ.

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Rev. 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

T.P., I am not sure if this is exactly what you are asking so I only gave you a brief answer. If this is right and you would like for me to elaborate, or if I am wrong in understanding your question please feel free to let me know.

God Bless,
Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1/


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

QUESTION: So what happens if a Christian sins after accepting the Lord as their saviour. Also a nonChristian can be a murderer, adulterer, pedophile, rapist and be guilty of these sins for years yet the minute he confesses these sins to Christ his sins are forgiven and forgotten.

Answer
T.P.,

Thank you for the positive rating. I had a feeling you had more questions, and you verified my feelings in your comment..."We aren't finished our discussion yet.".

I look forward to continuing our discussion. However, you may want to start a new question as this will get rathery leghty and hard to read.

Hope you have a great day!

Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1/


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T.P.,

Thanks for the follow-up questions. I will do my best to answer them one at a time.

1. "So what happens if a Christian sins after accepting the Lord as their saviour."

If a person who becomes a Christian sins (and we all do) they can either repent from that sin, ask Christ for forgiveness of that sin, and turn away from that sin. Or they can can continue in that sin until they forfeit their walk with Christ, or until the effects of that sin causes them to repent.

I think that this portion of our churches articles of faith may help...

SECURITY AND FREE WILL OF THE BELIEVER -
We believe the Christian will be persevered unto the end and be saved because of the power of Gods grace pledged for their support. We believe any saved person who has sinned (backslidden), but has a desire to repent, may do so and be restored to God's favor and fellowship. However, since man continues to have free choice, it is possible because of temptations and the weakness of human flesh for him to fall into the practice of sin and to make shipwreck of his faith and be lost once again.
Scripture References: I Timothy 1:18,19; John 15:1-7; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 3:14; II Peter 2:20,21

2. "Also a nonChristian can be a murderer, adulterer, pedophile, rapist and be guilty of these sins for years yet the minute he confesses these sins to Christ his sins are forgiven and forgotten."

The simple answer T.P. is yes. As I wrote before, when a person becomes a Christian their past sins forgiven by God immediately. This forgiveness allows the person to receive the Spirit inside their heart, and removes the penalty for sin (eternal separation from God in hell).

But what it sounds like you are asking is...

"Are the consequences of the sins committed by a person before they become a Christian (or for that matter after they become a Christian) no longer in effect after this person asks the Lord for forgiveness?"

The answer to this is not as cut and dry as the former question. Why? Because when a person truly repent and ask Christ to forgive them (once again either at their conversion or if they sin after they are saved) those sins are totally forgiven by God. But the effects and consciences of those sins are a different matter.

Let look at a couple of the examples you gave.

a. murderer;
If someone commits murder, but then afterwards truly repents and asks Christ to forgive them then they are forgiven (by this I mean true, heartfelt conversion and not simply remorse and guilt for doing wrong). However, they will have to pay the consequences for that act. They may receive the death penalty, life without parole, or they may receive a parole. All of these consequences may vary, but this persons spiritual standing with God is made right because of their sincere, heartfelt repentance and conversion.

b. adulterer;
Has the example above, if someone commits adultery, but then afterward truly repents and asks Christ to forgive them then they are forgiven (by this I mean true, heartfelt conversion and not simply remorse and guilt for doing wrong). However, they will have to pay the consequences for that act. Their marriage may end up in divorce, if there is children they will be hurt, ect... As in the example above, these consequences may vary, but this persons spiritual standing with God is made right because of their sincere, heartfelt repentance and conversion.

The same could be said with the other examples you listed as well. The point I am trying to make is that though the consequences may vary, there will be consequences.

T.P., it is important that you understand that our forgiveness and right stand with God is not based upon how bad we have been, or how good we have been. If this were the case, then none of us could be good enough. We all fall short. This is no excuse for sin. Sin is not without effect. But God's forgiveness is not limited by sin (except for one, the blasphemy of the Holy Ghost, but that is another subject entirely). Through the finished work of Christ on the Cross, God provided atonement for all who would receive it by faith.

John 3:3,16; 1 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20: 1 Pet. 2:24, Romans 10:9-10

T.P., I hope that this helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

God Bless,
Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1/