Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Welcome back to my blog. I hope you are well. In today’s post, we will explore what it means to remain in faith even when we sin—regardless of whether the sin is considered small or great, venial or mortal. Before we continue, it’s important to break down what sin is and how it affects our faith.
Understanding Sin and Its Impact on Faith
Sin is a violation of God’s command and will. When we transgress against others or ourselves, we ultimately transgress against God. As the book of Job advises, sinning against others is also a sin against God.
You might ask: How does sin affect God?
God’s laws and order are divine and intended to help us live harmoniously and prosper. When we sin, we break these laws and harm others—and because the laws are divine, we also sin against God. Think of it like a government system. Leaders, such as a prime minister or judges, pass laws to improve citizens’ lives. When a citizen violates the law—for instance, by stealing or committing murder—it harms both the victim and the government. The law is disregarded, and a fellow citizen is violated.
As a result, the offender must pay the cost to both the victim and the state, perhaps by serving a prison sentence. The purpose isn’t just punishment; it’s to teach the importance of obedience and to restore order. Likewise, any violation of God’s law affects our relationship with Him.
Why God Hates Sin
Sin is more than just an immoral act—it damages our relationship with God. If you believe that God is your Creator and love Him, it is natural to want to serve and please Him. While sin can separate us from God, it does not separate God from us. Where God is, so are His children. As Romans 5:8 shows, while we were still sinners, God sent His Son to die for us. This is sacrificial, unconditional agape love.
Yet, this doesn’t mean there are no conditions to maintaining the relationship. The key condition is found in:
Psalm 2:7
“He said to me, ‘You are my son; today I have become your father.’”
John 15:4
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you.”
In my view, this is all God requires from us, no matter what sin we have committed. Further reading in both texts shows the rewards of remaining in God.
Psalm 2:8–9 says:
“Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
John 15:4–16 explains further:
“No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine… Apart from me you can do nothing… If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you… My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you… You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last.”
Remaining in God
To remain in God is to obey His commandments and trust in Him. Obedience and love describe the conditions of God’s love. Jesus tells his disciples, “I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends.” Psalm 2 also shows a deeper relationship—God calls us sons and daughters.
In a sermon I recently heard, the priest asked: Do we think God is always where Christians are? The answer was no. One can identify as a Christian but still act immorally. That doesn’t change your faith, but it doesn’t mean God is present in your actions. Rather, where God is, there are Christians. When God lives in us, we bear fruit. That’s the condition of unconditional love. Without conditions, it would be an abusive relationship—where one party (us) can act however we please, and the other (God) must accept it. God does not tolerate abuse, and He doesn’t abuse us either. The Bible is full of examples, like Saul, who broke this relationship—and suffered the consequences.
The Role of Faith Despite Sin
Sin may separate us from God, but God does not separate Himself from us. Through sin, we discover grace and the desire for righteousness. God does not always respond as He did with Saul. Take Abraham, for instance. Though he made many mistakes, he never worshipped another god. His faith remained intact. As Romans 3:21–26 explains, Abraham wasn’t justified by his actions, but by his faith in God and His promise. His faith sealed his destiny. Through faith comes righteousness, and vice versa.
Our Baptismal Promise
We were not called sons and daughters of God for nothing. In baptism, we were cleansed. As Jesus said, it fulfilled all righteousness. During baptism, we confess our faith and make a covenant through blood, water, and spirit. This is when God identifies with us—as He did with Jesus during His baptism.
Even when we falter, we must cling to our baptismal promise and call on God for help, protection, and mercy. Sin has consequences—it removes the covering God uses to protect us, leaving us vulnerable to further temptation. But faith is what God asks for to restore what has been lost.
Looking Ahead
In a follow-up blog, I will explore how it’s possible that—even in sin—we can still commune with God. As long as we have faith and remain faithful, God still abides in us. This is the mystery of Christianity, and I look forward to exploring it further with you.
Until next time, keep faith and remain faithful to God no matter what.
TALKINSEN
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