Jack:
There's a "contradiction" here that I've never felt I understood; I've asked a number of teachers about it, and would like to get your slant.
You've said: "...the one who genuinely believes will no longer live a life of sin..." Supporting that statement, there are, as you indicate, many scriptures teaching that Christians are new people and won't lead a life of sin.
But there are other scriptures which describe "ALL" men as sinners in need of God's mercy. The example which comes quickest to my mind is
Romans 3:10-18, 23-24 and its context. Paul seems to be particularly trying to lead his readers away from thinking they are free from sin and in any way better than the worst of sinners. Also, in each of his letters he addresses Christians, at least some of whom presumeably are faithful, and calls on them to repent. That to me indicates he's addressing people he assumes are sinning.
It obviously wouldn't be true to say that casual or unrepentent sinners aren't living a life of sin, but scripture seems to indicate that even faithful people have sin in their lives (
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;...).
I've known people who are convinced they are sinless because they have faith, but even my eyes can see they have sin. There are others who believe that any person who sins isn't Christian any more, but I can see their faith as they keep on trying to live a Christian life.
Me, myself, I have to acknowledge I have sin in my life and could run myself nuts trying to determine if I have "enough" faith to make it.
So: Is your belief absolute that "...the one who genuinely believes will no longer live a life of sin..."? Or can a person who tries to be faithful have hope even though he does still have sin in his life?
In faith, Dave
Viva Texas <*))><
dave@christos.cjb.net, dpeirce@christian.net
My way
IS the highway - God.