Am I a sinner or saint? This is a dilemma a new Christian face. There are some cult groups that take advantage of this, especially those who are not experiencing assurance of salvation based on the Word of God. In fact, these groups twist the Scripture to make believers accept their distorted teachings. In fact, the Christian life is God’s work.
1) Sinner: “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) When the Spirit of God convicts a person through the Word of God, s/he repents and exercises faith on Lord Jesus Christ. Now, that person is declared as righteous. (Romans 5:1; 8:33) False teachers will ask the question: “Are you a sinner or not?” If we say sinner then they will ask us to join their church. If we say we are not, then they will say we are liars. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (I John 1:8,10) Hence, they will tell, we are sinners and should join their church or group.
2) Saint: The Lord has called us to be saints, not remain sinners. (Romans 1:7) Our past sins are forgiven; we must be conquerors by overcoming temptations that we face every day in this world. This is struggle, and even termed as spiritual warfare. Taking the spiritual armour, we must fight against satan, world, and flesh. (Ephesians 6: 11-18)
3) Perfect: False teachers quote this verse and ask are you perfect. “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) If we say no, they will show verse from John and say we are liars. If we say yes, then they will ask ‘how’? It is an essential quote that Apostle John clearly states that we will be like Him when he appears. (I John 3:2-3) God is working in our lives and makes us perfect.
Do I joyfully cooperate with God to become perfect?