Is Living Without Sin Really Possible?
Drawn from the teaching of Professor Gary S. Maxey · 2 min read
This is the first question every honest reader asks. It is also the one most often answered with a shrug. Here is how Professor Gary Maxey answers it.
The short answer
Yes, he says, with a careful definition. In his book on the Highway of Holiness, Professor Maxey writes that we can live above sin every day and live free from its slavery. He bases this on Scripture. John writes that whoever is born of God does not sin (1 John 3:9). Paul writes that sin will not rule over believers (Romans 6:14).
What he does not claim
He is careful to say this is not the same as being flawless. Believers still have weaknesses and make errors. These come from ignorance, prejudice, misunderstanding, illness and weariness. They are not a standing rebellion against God. A person can be wrong in judgment and still be right in heart.
He also says we do not do this by our own strength. Every sin can be overcome, he writes, but not through self-effort alone. The provision is the cross and the life of Christ given by the Holy Spirit.
Why he says it with such confidence
His argument is about God's character. God commands holiness. He is not a cruel taskmaster who demands what is impossible. If he calls us to be holy, he has made provision for it.
The honest difficulty
Many readers will say that their own experience contradicts this. Professor Maxey does not hide from that. He describes his own struggles with anger, jealousy and pride, and he says there is an inner problem that needs a deeper cleansing than forgiveness alone. The promise is not that we feel no pull. It is that God can cleanse the heart and give victory.
Where other Christians differ
Many faithful believers read these verses another way. They hold that Christians struggle with sin until death, while growing in grace. Professor Maxey disagrees with them strongly, and says so. A fair reader should read the passages for himself and weigh both views.
What to do
Read 1 John 3:1-10 in one sitting. Write down every sentence that speaks about what a child of God does or does not do. Then ask yourself one question. Which of these do I believe, and which do I explain away?
Drawn from the teaching of Professor Gary S. Maxey.
