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Non-Christians and Sin

A few weeks ago I received this question. “If it is impossible for sinners not to sin, does that mean they always fall to each and every temptation they experience?” Before I was a Christian, for twenty years I lived a clean moral life. In a gross sense I did not sin every time I was tempted. However, every time I did resist temptation, I took credit for it and became very self-righteous. In other words, I sinned when I was not sinning. In other words when a non-Christian does not sin he comes under the description of Isaiah 64:6 and Romans 3:19, 20.

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” Isaiah 64:6

“Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.” Romans 3:19, 20

He is also sinning in violation of Matthew 22:37, 38.

“Jesus replied ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”

A person outside of Christ does not have to be tempted to sin. He sins normally.


(Taken from Day & Night, 2001)

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Anonymous said…
I have just found your blog and look forward to perusing it in the coming weeks. Thank you.
6:02 PM
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