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QUESTION 120
If there isn't a sin that can enter heaven, how can a Christian enter there because they are not perfect?

ANSWER:
That is a good question. If a Christian would say , "I have no sin he deceives himself and the truth is not in him." 1 John 1:8.

When a person is saved, they are not CURED from sin. They have been forgiven of its penalty and delivered from its power. They are perfect in their standing before God in Christ. (Hebrews 10:14). But, their condition is not perfect in their present state. The "cure" comes later. When the Lord comes and redeems our bodies and conforms us to His image, then, and then only will we be cured of sin, and can enter the very presence of God and heaven. We will be conformed to His very image. (Romans 8:29).

Sin is not so much a disease, but a defilement. We are not said to be cured of sin now, but we are cleansed of it. "...the blood of Jesus Christ cleaneth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7. "...washed us from our sins in His own blood." Revelation 1:5. This makes us clean in the sight of God, but we are not sinless yet. Salvation is sure when you are saved, but it is not completed at that time. It is scriptural to say, "I am saved." Ephesians 2:8. This has to do with the penalty of sin. It is also right to say, "I am being saved." (Galatians 1:4). This comes from this present evil world and the power of sin. It is likewise right to say, "I am going to be saved." This will take place when the Lord comes.

Dear reader, "Have you counted the cost?" It is not what you give up of this world, but what you receive in Christ. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Oh how awful the cost if your soul should be lost. The "good news" is that you can be saved today, instantly, when you repent of your sins and trust Christ as your Saviour.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen