Expert: Joe Norman - 11/15/2011

Question
We all know even Christians are not perfect and have struggles. We also know that Sanctification should be occurring and a Christian has conduct. My question is when does sin become a serious problem in a Christians life? When does a christian become a lukewarm christian? And after receiving Christ in your life, can Christians backslide or sin enough to loose there salvation?

Answer
Hi Josh,

I appreciate you choosing me to answer your question. You ask something that many have debated and argued over for hundreds of years. I am of the opinion that sin doesn't become a serious problem in a Christian's life when it becomes habitual or when it becomes your lifestyle. For instance, being homosexual and having homosexual sex...or even if you are straight having sex regularly outside of a marriage covenant...or becoming a thief...etc. When sin is a way of life it's a problem. When you no longer do your best to become more and more Christ-like it's a problem. I point you to I John 1:7 which basically says that if we continue to walk in the light as He is in the light, Christ's blood continues to cleanse us from all sin. So it's quite clear that we continue to sin even while we walk in the light but walking in the light means our focus is not to sin that grace may abound (Rom.6). We are living as best we can to please God and OBEY Him...not because we can or do earn our salvation but rather to remain faithful and committed to our covenant relationship with God - showing our love for Him and our trust in His promises.

A Christian becomes "lukewarm" when they are just "going through the motions" and not truly walking the walk so to speak. I am convinced any Christian CAN backslide or sin enough to lose their salvation. God will always be there ready to embrace us but we can choose to turn our backs on Him and walk away. There are warnings all through the New Testament to remain faithful until death and Paul specifically speaks of running a race and seeking the crown of life. The race is not won by the swift but to him who keeps on running. Paul constantly says to endure to the end...not to give up...and not to sin that God's grace may abound. I suggest you carefully study the book of Hebrews too because much of that will help affirm that we can fall from God's grace. If you have further questions please let me know.

I do apologize for taking so long to answer you but I am in college full time and working. I will try to reply faster next time.

In Christian love, Joe Norman