Believers - Never Called Sinners in the New Testament
Forty-seven times the Greek word translated sinner is used in the New Testament. While they did use the word sinner, not one of these verses is spoken by Jesus or the Apostles about a believer who had sinned. See HERE.
The title of sinner, like the titles 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.
Why are believers in the Bible called righteous and not called sinners, when 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 called sinners at one time before we believed.
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."
2)In several verses, the Bible clearly distinguishes a believer (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)
Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner (unbeliever) who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons (believer) who need no repentance. Luke 15:7 ESV (emphasis mine)
3) Continue reading short study HERE. |
