Led by His Spiritনমুনা

Salvation produces a new creation with a new nature. However, it does not completely remove the inward struggle against temptation. There are two appetites within us, and each wants to have its way. The new nature doesn’t sin. In fact, it can’t sin. But that is not all there is. The old nature doesn’t do right. In fact, it can’t do right. Paul wrote, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not” (Romans 7:18).

Sometimes this constant struggle makes Christians doubt whether they are even saved. While it is true that some people who profess to be saved are not, it is also true that every child of God still sins. We should not sin. We do not have to sin. But we do sin. And when we sin, we should quickly confess and forsake it, for if we do not we will be chastened by God. Just as we did not do anything or stop doing anything to get saved, we do not keep our salvation by our actions or by avoiding sin. The only time sin should make us doubt our salvation is if we continue enjoying it without being chastened.

From the moment we are saved, our eternal destiny is completely settled. The Holy Spirit comes to live within us, and He will never leave. “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:12–13). God never loses one of His children. The gift of salvation comes with a “no return” policy. Sin grieves the Holy Spirit, but He never leaves a child of God.