In teaching this passage, I noted that a fundamental issue with the church today is directly connected with our understanding of what happens when a person becomes a follower of Christ. In other words, how do we know when someone becomes a Christian and, thus, part of the church universal? To Paul, it was clear that he took great confidence that the Church at Thessalonica was real and true (“chosen” by God, v.4) because they had clearly changed and everyone knew it. In fact, they were joyfully accepting abuse from people who didn’t like the fact that they had turned from worshiping idols (see I Thess.1:6). Therefore, the change that these people underwent was obvious, radical, and complete.

Are you saying that a true follower of Christ will never sin?

Nope. In fact, a mark of a follower of Christ will be a continual realization and self-confession that he or she is a sinner in need of grace.

The Apostle John says:

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (I John1:8-9, NIV)

Although we will struggle to various degrees in our life with not trusting God fully, we should see a progression of maturity in our identity as a “new creation.”

So, what does “new creation” mean?

Paul, writing to the Church at Corinth says,

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (II Cor. 5:17, NIV)

Let’s remember that while Paul does affirm we change when we begin to trust in Christ, it is also true that there were those at Corinth who were not perfect at all (see I Cor. 1:10-12; 5:1-13; 6:1; 11:17; 12:3, etc.). So, Paul must have a clear idea of change and yet not so much that we are now spiritually perfect. If this was the case, Paul should have accused the Church at Corinth of not being a true church!

Does that mean I should put my confidence in working toward growing spiritually strong enough to not sin? In other words, are REALLY spiritually mature people expecting to not sin?

Nope. As a matter of fact, a mark of a REALLY spiritually mature person is a graphic and deep understanding of how sinful he or she is. We all struggle with not trusting in God while we are here on earth. Since a sin against God is really not trusting him, but trusting ourselves, we will not be perfect until we are taken to be with Jesus. It is then that we will see Him and trust Him and enjoy Him; we will live without the sting of sin!I am so ready for that day!

OK. So, where does that leave us in regard to the question, “How much should I change when I get “saved?'” Stay tuned and we will move through this subject over the next couple of weeks…

BTW. If you have a friend who struggles with this, feel free to invite them to join the discussion.