We rejoice that in Christ we are washed of our sin (e.g. 1 Cor 6:11; Titus 3:5). However, we do not yet live that out perfectly. We are called to walk in the light, being honest about ourselves and our failings (e.g. James 5:16; 1 John 1:5-10), rather than presenting a façade.
At the same time, our new birth means that we now wrestle with sin (e.g. Rom 6:11-14; 1 John 3:5-6) and by God’s grace and the power of His Spirit, we do make progress (e.g. Rom 6:17-18; Col 3:7-10; 1 Peter 4:1-4).
Question: What would a church look like if its people were not honest about being ‘real sinners’?
Question: What about if its people didn’t take seriously the call to be ‘growing saints’, but simply accepted and continued in their sin?