In the Christian journey, understanding the relationship between sin, repentance, and salvation is crucial. One alarming sign that often sparks concern is habitual sin without deep remorse. The Bible is clear on the call to holiness and the transformative power of salvation, which should manifest in a believer’s life. This article explores why ongoing sin without genuine repentance is a significant indicator that one might not be truly saved, drawing insights from various theological perspectives and additional references.

The Call to Holiness

The Apostle Peter, in his first epistle, writes: “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:14-16). This passage highlights the transformation expected of those who follow Christ. Holiness is not an option; it is a command. The Christian life is a continuous process of becoming more like Christ, which includes turning away from sin and embracing righteousness.

In contrast, habitual sin without remorse suggests a lack of transformation. The call to holiness is rooted in God’s own nature. As John Calvin writes in his “Institutes of the Christian Religion,” “the regenerate, indeed, are never perfectly in this life brought to the full measure of the holiness that is required of them; yet it is necessary that this be their constant pursuit” (Book III, Chapter 14). The pursuit of holiness is a distinguishing mark of true believers.

The Nature of True Repentance

John Piper addresses the question of the authenticity of repentance in the face of recurring sin in one of his interviews on Desiring God. He emphasizes that genuine repentance involves a deep, heartfelt sorrow for sin and a sincere turning away from it. If one continues in habitual sin without experiencing profound remorse, it raises serious questions about the sincerity of their repentance. Repentance is not merely about feeling guilty but involves a transformation of heart and mind that results in changed behavior.

Charles Spurgeon, the renowned 19th-century preacher, also speaks to the nature of true repentance. He describes it as a “heartbrokenness over one’s own sin, an intense hatred of sin, and a sincere turning from it.” Spurgeon underscores that true repentance leads to a radical change in one’s life. Therefore, a lack of deep remorse and continuous sin is a stark contrast to what is expected of a truly repentant heart.

The Pursuit of Holiness Despite Forgiveness

A common misconception is that because all sins are forgiven, there is no need to strive for holiness. However, this is a misunderstanding of the gospel. Piper points out that the forgiveness of sins through Christ’s sacrifice is the foundation that empowers and motivates believers to pursue holiness. It is precisely because we are forgiven that we should strive to live holy lives as a response to God’s grace, not as a means to earn salvation.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book “The Cost of Discipleship,” famously warned against “cheap grace,” which he defined as the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, and communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, and grace without Jesus Christ. This concept underscores the danger of taking God’s grace for granted. True grace leads to a transformation that compels believers to pursue holiness diligently.

Evidence of True Salvation

One of the critical evidences of true salvation is the presence of ongoing sanctification in a believer’s life. This involves a growing sensitivity to sin, a desire for holiness, and a pattern of repentance and renewal. The absence of these signs suggests a fundamental problem. If someone continues to sin habitually without experiencing deep remorse, it indicates that the Holy Spirit may not be at work in their life, convicting them of sin and guiding them toward righteousness.

The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 6:1-2, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” This rhetorical question challenges believers to reflect on their relationship with sin. True salvation results in a break from the bondage of sin and a new way of living.

John Owen, a Puritan theologian, in his work “The Mortification of Sin,” emphasizes the necessity of actively fighting sin. He writes, “Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.” Owen argues that a genuine Christian will engage in the continual process of putting sin to death, demonstrating the work of the Spirit within them.

The Danger of Complacency

GotQuestions.org addresses the issue of complacency in sin. When a person treats sin lightly, assuming that forgiveness means sin has no serious consequences, they misunderstand the nature of God’s grace. Grace is not a license to sin but a call to live in a way that honours God. Habitual sin without remorse is a sign of taking God’s grace for granted, which is a dangerous place to be spiritually.

The Book of Hebrews issues a stern warning in Hebrews 10:26-27: “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.” This passage underscores the seriousness of ongoing, willful sin and the judgment that awaits those who persist in it without repentance.

Other Perspectives

To understand the gravity of habitual sin without remorse, it is helpful to compare and contrast different theological perspectives. For instance, Reformed theology, as articulated by John Calvin, emphasizes the perseverance of the saints. True believers, according to this view, will persevere in faith and holiness because of the sustaining work of the Holy Spirit.

On the other hand, Arminian theology, while affirming the necessity of holiness, emphasizes human free will and the possibility of falling from grace. Jacob Arminius wrote, “Justification and sanctification are connected; those who are justified are also sanctified.” From this perspective, a lack of remorse for sin and continual engagement in it might indicate a rejection of God’s grace and a falling away from faith.

Wesleyan theology, as articulated by John Wesley, also stresses the importance of holiness and the potential for entire sanctification in this life. Wesley believed that a genuine Christian would exhibit a profound transformation, marked by a sincere love for God and neighbour, and a growing victory over sin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, habitual sin without deep remorse is a strong indicator that one might not be truly saved. The call to holiness, the nature of true repentance, the pursuit of holiness despite forgiveness, and the evidence of true salvation all point to the transformative power of the gospel. As believers, it is essential to examine our lives for signs of ongoing sanctification and a genuine desire to turn away from sin. If these elements are missing, it is crucial to seek God earnestly, repent sincerely, and strive to live a life that reflects His holiness.

For further reading and a deeper understanding, consider exploring the articles from Bible.org, Desiring God, and GotQuestions.org, which provide valuable insights into the nature of sin, repentance, and the Christian call to holiness. Additionally, the writings of theologians such as John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Owen, Jacob Arminius, and John Wesley offer rich theological perspectives on these crucial issues.

Further Reading

Online Articles

1. Bible.org. “The Call to Holiness (1 Peter 1:14-16).” Accessed June 8, 2024. https://bible.org/seriespage/6-call-holiness-1-peter-114-16.
2. Piper, John. “Is My Repentance Real If I Keep Committing the Same Sin?” Desiring God, February 5, 2016. Accessed June 8, 2024. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/is-my-repentance-real-if-i-keep-committing-the-same-sin.
3. Piper, John. “If All My Sins Are Forgiven, Why Pursue Holiness?” Desiring God, March 24, 2017. Accessed June 8, 2024. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/if-all-my-sins-are-forgiven-why-pursue-holiness.
4. GotQuestions.org. “If All My Sins Are Forgiven, Why Not Just Keep On Sinning?” Accessed June 8, 2024. https://www.gotquestions.org/forgiven-why-not-sin.html.

Books and Theological Works

1. Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Translated by Henry Beveridge. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1957.
2. Spurgeon, Charles. All of Grace. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 1984.
3. Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. The Cost of Discipleship. Translated by R.H. Fuller. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1995.
4. Owen, John. The Mortification of Sin. Edited by Justin Taylor. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2006.
5. Arminius, Jacobus. The Works of James Arminius. Translated by James Nichols and W.R. Bagnall. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1986.
6. Wesley, John. A Plain Account of Christian Perfection. London: Epworth Press, 1952.

Bible

1. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2001.

Additional References

1. Hebrews 10:26-27. In The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2001.
2. Romans 6:1-2. In The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2001.