The following were submitted during parts 2 and 3 of the current sermon series. As usual, the comments section is open for discussion.We have been working hard to get to your questions. If your question is not answered here, check the previous post. If its not there then its probably coming up on the list.
I understand we are saved by faith and declared sinless (justification), but what if I still sin?
We are in fact saved by faith and by that we are justified (Eph 2). Christ gives us his righteousness which allows us access to a perfect and holy God. But what about daily sin? This is where the concept of sanctification enters the picture. God knows that although we are justified, we also are continually and daily working to become more like his Son. This is why we ask for forgiveness, not so we can gain eternal life (we already have that) but so that we will have perfect fellowship with the Father and with his people (1 John 1:3,9).
Why should we do good works?
There are two issues. The motivation and the results. We do good works to others in obedience to God (Eph 4:1, 1 John 3:18) and because we are motivated by the great work He has done for us (salvation). We should be careful to note, that our good works are not done to gain eternal life (Eph 2:9). The result is that as we do good works, we are demonstrating that character and righteousness of Christ to a world that does not know him.
Is there such a thing as backsliding?
Backsliding is generally used to describe a Christian who (for whatever reason) in a season of life does not demonstrate the behavior and character of Christ so much so that others question the authenticity of their salvation. The term cannot be found in scripture but there is a term in scripture that defines this idea perfectly, “fleshly”. You can find it in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3. In several places in this letter, Paul refers to them as “brethren” a term he uses almost exclusively to refer to Christians (1:10; 2:1). In chapter 3 he calls them “fleshly”, because they were consistently exhibiting behavior that was not indicative of their Christian confession (3:3). Paul believed they could return to a state of obedience (4:6).
Didn’t get your question in during the service? Drop us a line in the comments below!
