“Sin ceases only to reign; it does not also cease to dwell in them.”
–John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, 3.3.11
Christians are people in whom sin dwells but no longer reigns. This is no small distinction.
Andy Naselli
Thoughts on Theology
Thank you for the clarification of “no small thing.” This is particularly helpful for me as I seek God grace to help me live out Pastor Conley’s message on Col. 3:5-7.
I am new to blogging and am not sure if I am leaving this message properly.
Just reading the statement of sin no longer reigning could you comment on if you believe it is possible for a believer to have a sin reign.
Romans 6 makes a statement to not allow sin to reign in your mortal body.
Thank you for considering this question.
Hey, Gary. The question you ask is short, but a sufficient answer would take a lot of theological synthesis and nuance.
May I recommend a couple of sources?
1. John Piper’s sermons and writings on Romans 6.
2. John MacArthur’s chapter on Romans 6 in The Gospel According to the Apostles.
In a quick read of Pipers two part sermons on Rom 6:11-14, he seems to indicate that he does allow for the believer to allow sin to reign.
I will read it again when I have more time so I can read it more carefully. Please let me know if you think that he does not say that a believer can allow sin to reign. I am sorry for the short questions but maybe we can discuss this more thouroghly some time
Again, this would take a long time to develop (and this is not the time or place for it), but I’d argue that sin cannot reign in a believer in the sense of exercising permanent hegemony.
I thank you for your response. I understand that there is much to be said about the subject. I am studying the doctrine of Sanctification and am looking for truth.
I really was interested when I saw your lectures at Detroit and went to the web site. When I saw that you were also a BCM graduate and lecturing at Detroit I know you have had to have thought through a lot of these issues. I am not sure if I would agree with your positions or not. Truly I am trying to understand where both sides are coming from. I want to fall obviously with scripture. There are men whom I have great respect for on both sides of the issues. After I have listened to your lectures would you be open to discussing some of these things?
Perhaps we should continue this conversation via email. (I’ll send you a message now.)