Are we Saints or Sinners?
By Kurt Bomar
Avery County
How should we view ourselves—as sinners or saints? I’ve heard good preaching supporting both positions. We even have a hero of the Bible who seems to support both views. David.
In the below Scripture, we see David thinking rather highly of himself:
2 Sam. 22:21-22 “The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I am not guilty of turning from my God.”
But what about Psalms 38 & 51:
Psalm 37:4-7 “My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly. I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body.”
Psalm 51: 1-3 “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.”
At first glance, we might be tempted to say that the difference is that it was early in David’s career when he felt good about himself and when he felt guilty it was later in life because of the Bathsheba incident. And while that is partially true, I think the real reason isn’t because of aging, but rather because of a change in position.
Positionally, when stand in the presence of our savior, we are overwhelmed with our sin as we view the One who is holy. We see ourselves as sinners. However, when we stand in the presence of our enemies, we can proclaim our righteousness in Christ. I find this to be a very healthy balance.
Who is our greatest enemy? Satan. What is his greatest tool? Condemnation.
You’ll never be used greatly by the Lord until you learn that you are righteous in Christ Jesus. When He died on the cross and said, “It is finished.” It was finished indeed. The price for every sin you have ever committed or will commit has been paid. But we also need to spend intimate time with our Lord so He can continue to work on our sinful nature.
When I am in the presence of my enemies, I see myself through the cross. When I stand before the cross, I see myself as I am.
Selah (think about it)
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Kurt Bomar is the Assistant Pastor of Walnut Grove Church located in Avery County. You are welcome to join them on Sundays at 11:00 AM for worship! (When we are allowed to meet in the building again). You can read more Christian news from Kurt Bomar HERE.
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