“Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14-15, ESV).
What’s wrong with me? Why do I keep committing the same sin over and over? Will I lose my salvation?!
First, every sin is a willful sin, it doesn’t make sense to say that “willful sin” or “ignorant sin” will determine our eternal security. Every sin is born of a sinful nature from our birth. Paul said in Romans 7:17-19 ESV [17] So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. [18] For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. [19] For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
What hope would there be for any of us?! No … the apostle John assures us of something quite different and encouraging: If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:7-9, ESV).Again, it’s a day-by-day, moment-by-moment process. Should we go on in disobedience and presume on God’s grace? With Paul I say God forbid! Look for the way of escape and sin less, but no one is sinless so confess often and repent. For only by grace are we saved.
Apply the Principle
Confess your sin and determine in your heart to break the stronghold. Enlist a trusted believer as an accountability partner on your journey toward sanctification.
With Love B