What is abiding in Jesus? Can we sin while we abide in Jesus? Are we lost the moment we sinned, because we are no longer abiding in Jesus?

We may sinned, we may fall from time to time, but as long as we repent and ask God forgiveness, he would forgive us, and we are still a just and righteous person.

If we fall into sin, do you think we are still "just and righteous" before we repent, before God forgives us?

Abiding in Jesus is a biblical metaphor. It envisions converted Christians connected to Christ and producing the fruit of His righteousness. It does not envision them producing sinful fruit. If we are not abiding in Jesus we are not in a saved state.

I do not think Moses was abiding in Jesus when he struck the rock in anger. Do you agree? Or, do you think the fruit of abiding in Jesus includes sinning?

Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” This is completed action. We need not stumble over it, if we will but remember that everything is in Christ. In Christ we have already been blessed with all spiritual blessings. All men are called to that which God has prepared for them, but none are “the called according to his purpose” unless they have made their calling and election sure by submitting to his will. Such ones are predestinated to be saved. Nothing in the universe can hinder the salvation of any soul that accepts and trusts the Lord Jesus Christ.

And all such are justified. The death of Christ reconciles us to God. “He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2. His death has secured pardon and life for all. Nothing can keep them from salvation except their own perverse will. Men must take themselves out of the hand of God, in order to be lost. Much more, then, those who accept the sacrifice are justified. “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son; much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life...Everything that Christ has we have if we accept him.(emphasis mine;from Waggoner on Romans)

Of course when we sinned we are no longer righteous. The moment we repent and ask God forgiveness, when he forgives, we are just and righteous again. And how many times a day we pray asking God forgiveness whether we sinned or not? I my self at least 5 x a day.

In His love

M: You seem to be suggesting that sinning does not forfeit salvation, that refusing the gift of repentance is what cancels the privileges of salvation.

R: Yes, otherwise salvation would be just like a yo-yo, as James said, or like a light switch, as you said. I see it more as an umbrella, and losing salvation as stepping out from under the umbrella by refusing to repent. Christ's righteousness still covers you until you have the opportunity to repent.

T: Moses would be a good example. Did he lose his salvation when he lost his temper and struck the rock?

M: Does sinning happen under the umbrella? Or, does it happen the moment we step out from under it? Can we commit a known sin while abiding in Jesus? For example, can we get angry at our kids and smack them while abiding in Jesus? Is anger and smacking kids the fruit of abiding in the Vine?

T: Are you saying "yes"?

M:I do not think Moses was abiding in Jesus when he struck the rock in anger. Do you agree? Or, do you think the fruit of abiding in Jesus includes sinning?

M:I do not think Moses was abiding in Jesus when he struck the rock in anger. Do you agree? Or, do you think the fruit of abiding in Jesus includes sinning?

T: My question was, "Did he lose his salvation when he lost his temper and struck the rock?" What's your answer? Is it "yes"?

John did not teach that salvation was to be earned by obedience; but that obedience was the fruit of faith and love. "Ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins," he said, "and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him." 1 John 3:5, 6. If we abide in Christ, if the love of God dwells in the heart, our feelings, our thoughts, our actions, will be in harmony with the will of God. The sanctified heart is in harmony with the precepts of God's law. {AA 563.1}

There are many who, though striving to obey God's commandments, have little peace or joy. This lack in their experience is the result of a failure to exercise faith. They walk as it were in a salt land, a parched wilderness. They claim little, when they might claim much; for there is no limit to the promises of God. Such ones do not correctly represent the sanctification that comes through obedience to the truth. The Lord would have all His sons and daughters happy, peaceful, and obedient. Through the exercise of faith the believer comes into possession of these blessings. Through faith, every deficiency of character may be supplied, every defilement cleansed, every fault corrected, every excellence developed. {AA 563.2}

True sanctification means perfect love, perfect obedience, perfect conformity to the will of God. We are to be sanctified to God through obedience to the truth. Our conscience must be purged from dead works to serve the living God. We are not yet perfect; but it is our privilege to cut away from the entanglements of self and sin, and advance to perfection. Great possibilities, high and holy attainments, are placed within the reach of all. {AA 565.1}

The reason many in this age of the world make no greater advancement in the divine life is because they interpret the will of God to be just what they will to do. While following their own desires, they flatter themselves that they are conforming to God's will. These have no conflicts with self. There are others who for a time are successful in the struggle against their selfish desire for pleasure and ease. They are sincere and earnest, but grow weary of protracted effort, of daily death, of ceaseless turmoil. Indolence seems inviting, death to self repulsive; and they close their drowsy eyes and fall under the power of temptation instead of resisting it. {AA 565.2}

M: If we fall into sin, do you think we are still "just and righteous" before we repent, before God forgives us?

J: Of course when we sinned we are no longer righteous. The moment we repent and ask God forgiveness, when he forgives, we are just and righteous again.