Believers are Never Called Sinners in the New Testament - Michael Edwards
Forty-seven times the Greek word translated sinner is used in the New Testament. Not one of these verses is spoken by Jesus or the Apostles about a believer who had sinned.
The title of sinner, like the title of unrighteous, hypocrite, ungodly or unholy are exclusively reserved for unbelievers. The same truth applies to the sinner sub-titles of liar, thief, murderer, homosexual and all others apply only to unbelievers.
Why are believers in the Bible called righteous and not called sinners when we know for a fact that believers then like now, commit acts that constitute sin? For example in 1 Tim 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9 we see a long list of sins found in believers at the time that would disqualify them as a church leader. There were others like those in the Corinthian church, who committed a lot of sin, sexual sin, and Paul calls them Saints, never sinners.
The Answer
1)We were made sinners by Adams disobedience and we are made righteous by Jesus obedience.
Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Rom 5: 18-19 ESV
2) We were called sinners before we believed in Christ and his obedience.
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rom 5:8 ESV This verse notes a change in status, while we were still sinners.
After we believe, the Bible clearly distinguishes believer's in Christ (righteous) from an unbeliever (sinner) in the following manner.
Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous (believer), but sinners (unbeliever).” Matt 9:13 ESV (emphasis mine)
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