The question of whether a believer in Christ can still be considered a sinner is one that has intrigued theologians and laypeople alike for centuries. To address this question adequately, we must delve into the nature of sin, the transformative power of redemption through Christ, and the ongoing process of sanctification in the life of a believer.
At its core, sin is understood to be any action, thought, or attitude that falls short of God's perfect standard of holiness. The Apostle Paul succinctly states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, ESV). This universal condition of sinfulness is the starting point for understanding human nature and the need for salvation. It is this very condition that necessitates the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
When a person places their faith in Jesus Christ, they are justified before God. Justification is a legal term that signifies being declared righteous. This is not based on one's own merits but on the righteousness of Christ imputed to the believer. Paul explains this beautifully in his letter to the Romans: "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1, ESV). This justification means that in the eyes of God, the believer is no longer seen as a sinner but as righteous because of Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross.
However, justification is just the beginning of the Christian life. The process that follows is sanctification, which is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life to make them more like Christ. This process is gradual and involves the believer's active participation. Paul exhorts believers to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12-13, ESV). This indicates that while the ultimate work is God's, the believer has a role to play in their spiritual growth.
Despite being justified, believers still live in a fallen world and retain their sinful nature. This dual reality is poignantly described by Paul in Romans 7:15-25, where he laments his ongoing struggle with sin: "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate" (Romans 7:15, ESV). Here, Paul acknowledges that even though he is a new creation in Christ, he still battles with his old sinful nature.
This brings us to an essential distinction: positional sanctification versus practical sanctification. Positionally, believers are sanctified and set apart for God through faith in Christ. This is a once-for-all act. However, practically, believers are in the process of being sanctified, which involves daily repentance and striving to live according to God's will. John writes, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8, ESV). This verse underscores the reality that believers, while positionally righteous, still commit sins and need ongoing cleansing.
The term "sinner" in the context of a believer can thus be understood in two senses. In the positional sense, a believer is not a sinner because they have been justified and made righteous by Christ. In the practical sense, however, a believer can still be considered a sinner because they continue to struggle with sin in their daily lives. This is not a contradiction but a reflection of the 'already-but-not-yet' tension of the Christian life. Believers are already redeemed and justified, but they are not yet fully sanctified and glorified.
The hope for believers lies in the promise of ultimate sanctification and glorification. Paul writes, "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6, ESV). This assurance provides comfort and motivation for believers to persevere in their faith and strive for holiness, knowing that God will complete the work He has started in them.
Moreover, the community of believers plays a crucial role in this process. James encourages believers to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed" (James 5:16, ESV). The Christian community provides support, accountability, and encouragement, helping believers grow in their faith and overcome sin.
In Christian literature, this ongoing struggle with sin and the process of sanctification is well-documented. For instance, in John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress," the protagonist, Christian, encounters various trials and temptations on his journey to the Celestial City. This allegory vividly illustrates the believer's journey of faith, marked by both victories and failures, but always moving towards the ultimate goal of eternal life with God.
In summary, a believer in Christ is not considered a sinner in the positional sense because they have been justified and made righteous through faith in Jesus. However, in the practical sense, believers can still be considered sinners because they continue to struggle with sin in their daily lives. This dual reality reflects the ongoing process of sanctification, where believers are being transformed into the likeness of Christ. The hope of ultimate sanctification and glorification provides assurance and motivation for believers to persevere in their faith, supported by the Christian community and the promises of God.
