No born-again believer who has been changed into a new creation by Christ wants to live in continual sin. We become confused about this because so many people who say they are "Christians" have no regard for God's Word and think they are saved merely by saying so to someone.
Our words are nothing to God. Our love of Him comes from a heart that produces His character when He changes us into a new creation. Its His Work not our own.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Ephesians 2:10
"10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
1 John 3:8-10 "…8 The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this the children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother.…"
This is also why a born again believer does not lose their salvation, the Holy Spirit has sealed them with the Spirit of Christ as a guarantee of our inheritance.
Ephesians 1:13-14
"13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, 14 who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory."
Hebrews 12:5-7 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” 7Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"
All that is required to become saved and born-again is the confession of our sinful nature and a desire to be changed by Christ. After that He does all the work in us, He gets all the glory we get none!
Hallelujah! When this happens all pride is removed because we know He is the One Who saves, we have nothing to boast about.
Romans 3:27-28
"27 Where then is boasting? It has been excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law."
Those who are trying to get into heaven by their own works will not make it. It is all Christ or nothing.
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