1. We are saved from past sins and then empowered to not sin through grace?
2. We are positionally saved from sin in advance since no one can ever stop sinning while in the present bodies? Sin is no longer an issue?
3. We must try really hard to stop sinning by our own efforts?
Which option best explains the truth?
Any one of those 3 choices by theirself is not the answer.
Rev 3:17-19
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
(KJV)
The shame and nakedness idea is about appearing in Heaven with a lack of the white raiment, the clothing of the righteous. Per Rev.14, our works follow us to Heaven. I assume our works in Christ Jesus is what will make up our white raiment in Heaven, according to the above passage.
1 Pet 4:8
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
(KJV)
James 5:19-20
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
(KJV)
