Victory Over Sin And Walking In The Spirit. Series

Accepting Jesus as Savior at a young age, even as young as 7, does not guarantee a life of perfect obedience or immunity from sin. Salvation is a gift of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ, and it is a personal relationship that grows and matures over time.

While accepting Jesus at a young age can be a genuine experience, it is important to understand that salvation is not just a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of following Jesus and growing in our relationship with Him.

As we grow and mature in our faith, we learn to surrender our lives to Jesus, including our thoughts, words, and actions. However, we are still capable of making mistakes and sinning, even as believers.

But we know 1 John 3:8-10 says

"He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil. Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother."

This passage highlights the contrast between the nature of God and the nature of the devil, and how our actions reflect whose nature we are exhibiting. However, it's important to understand that as believers, we still struggle with sin but have the ability to confess and receive forgiveness and change ourselves. (1 John 1:9).

The Bible teaches us that we are saved by grace through faith, and that our salvation is secure in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:38-39). However, it also teaches us to confess and repent of our sins, and to seek forgiveness and restoration when we fail (1 John 1:9, Luke 15:11-32).

Salvation is a Lifelong Journey of Faith

Salvation is often viewed as a one-time event, a moment of decision to follow Jesus. However, the Bible reveals that salvation is a lifelong journey of faith, growth, and surrender to God.

_Philippians 2:12-13 - "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."_

Here, Paul encourages believers to continually work out their salvation, indicating a ongoing process.

_Hebrews 3:14 - "We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end."_

This verse emphasizes the importance of perseverance and endurance in our faith journey.

_2 Peter 3:18 - "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."_

Peter urges believers to grow in their faith, indicating a lifelong process of maturation.

_Matthew 24:13 - "But the one who endures to the end will be saved."_

Jesus teaches that endurance and perseverance are essential to ultimate salvation.

According to the Bible, it is not possible for humans to live completely without sin in this life. The Bible teaches that:

- "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

- "There is no one who does not sin" (1 Kings 8:46).

- "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8).

However, the Bible also teaches that:

- Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven of our sins and reconciled to God (Romans 3:24-25, 1 John 1:9).

- We can be sanctified and set apart for God's purposes, progressively becoming more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 7:1, Hebrews 10:10).

- We can live a life that is pleasing to God, empowered by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 22-23).

So while we cannot achieve sinless perfection in this life, we can strive for holiness and maturity in Christ, relying on His grace and strength to overcome sin and live a life that honors God.

According to the Bible, the Holy Spirit helps believers avoid sin and live a righteous life. Here are some verses that support this:

- "And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place my statutes within you, and you shall keep my rules and do them." (Ezekiel 36:27)

- "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)

- "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit." (Romans 8:5)

- "If we by the Spirit put to death the misdeeds of the body, we will live." (Romans 8:13)