Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1 John 3:4, KJV)
"Whose gospel message would I trust my son to?" This question continues to guide me as I prayerfully evaluate sermons, teachings, pastors, teachers, churches, statements of faith, and fellowship.
If my son asked someone how to be saved, and then did exactly as they told him to, would I have confidence based on Scripture that he would be saved? If they say anything other than believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross for his sins and rose again, then the answer is a deeply grieved no.
So when a church website tells me I must turn from my sins to be saved, I run fast and far away. When a YouTube evangelist tells me that I must turn from my sins to be saved, I mark and avoid them (Rom. 16:17). When a pastor, teacher, or ministry adds turning from sins as a necessary step for salvation, I do not listen to or trust them. And certainly will do everything I can, including fervent prayer, to keep my son from them.
Here's why.
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1 John 3:4, KJV)
What does "turning from sin" actually mean? If someone told lies, and turned away from telling lies, what would they be doing? They would tell the truth. They would stop lying. They would be keeping the ninth commandment. Is this how Scripture tells us to be saved? The answer is a resounding no. The Bible could not be more clear: we are not saved by keeping the commandments or by any works of righteousness of our own. (Titus 3:3-7, Rom. 4:3-8, Rom. 3:20-26)
If you have been proclaiming a "turn from your sins" salvific message, please stop now. For the sake of my son. For the sake of everyone else's son or daughter. For the sake of every soul alive.
If you have believed you must turn from your sins to be saved, it's greatly important that you understand you are not saved by ceasing to sin. Instead, you are saved by faith in the One who perfectly kept the law on your behalf, died to pay for your sin, and rose from the dead for your justification. (Rom. 4:16-25) Scripture tells us:
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor. 5:21)
Rest your hope fully on the One who took your sin upon Himself and exchanged it for His righteousness. If you are saved, then in the eyes of God, you are sinless because of Jesus. Not by turning from your sin. But because He took your sin from you and gave you His perfection.
Remember this: only sinners get saved.
When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mark 2:17)
I write about these heresies because I am grieved and heartsick over the rampant false gospels prevalent in our world today. But more than anything, I am passionate about the true gospel that tells us what Jesus did for us and how we may become born again to eternal life.
Learn more:
Saved? What next?
As a born again believer, the choice is yours. Do you love the Lord? Are you grateful for His forgiveness? Scripture exhorts us to live in a way that honors Him. Not for salvation, but out of love as you grow in grace and the knowledge of Him. (Titus 2:11-14) This doesn't make you more saved, but it does help you become fruitful in the faith. By abiding in the vine (John 15:4-5) and walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-25), you can learn to serve God in holiness (Rom. 6:21-23).