We begin a new series of studies with what may be a shocking title to you: a believer can commit any sin a non-Christian can. The coming essays will prove that statement to you, from experience and from the highest authority, the Bible itself.
But first, we must lay the foundation by addressing a common misunderstanding: the mistaken belief that II Cor. 5:17 teaches that once a person believes the gospel, he is delivered from committing sin. In other words, we should see the new believer throwing his packs of cigarettes away, swearing off the excessive use of demon rum, breaking off an adulterous relationship, stopping lying, and correcting his "colorful" language. Those would be good things to do, and it would be wonderful if he did. To put it another way, II Cor. 5:17 is telling us to expect a changed life; he would never commit adultery, a genuine believer would never drink to excess; he would never deny the faith, he would never . . . you get the picture.
As Paul writes II Cor. 5:17, notice the key words at the beginning: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." His subject is being "in Christ" positionally, which results in being a "new creation." .
So, what's new about being in Christ?
1. He has a new destiny, heaven, not hell.
2 He has been transferred from death into life.
3. He has peace with God.
4. God has credited to him the righteousness of Christ.
5. He has been purchased out of the slave market of sin.
6. There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ.
Those are just some of the over 30 things that make up "the new creation" in Christ.
If you keep reading this series, you will be amazed to learn what sins a believer can commit.
TBC
