1. The question of salvation and our security of salvation is a solid biblical doctrine. Eternal security is the doctrine of perseverance of the saints (Romans 8, John 8:31, Jude 24-25). In other words, God's salvation: His divine election, calling, regeneration, repentance, justification, faith, conversion, and glorification are God's doing and are decreed (His free-act of choosing according to His wise, justice, and merciful counsel) before the foundation of the world (Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 1:3-14, 1 Peter 1:3-5, John 15:16). This means are salvation is secured and the saints will persevere in the faith. This also means that we are further sanctified (John 15:1-11). In other words, we did not get saved only to obtain fire insurance! God saved us unto good works (Ephesians 2:10). True saving faith results in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). True conversion, because it is God which caused us to respond (effectual call, 1 Peter 1:1-2) that then He will complete His work (Philippians 1:6, Romans 8:28-30, Heb 10:23). What this further means is that those who truly have been born again, regenerated, converted have a new heart, desire, affection, will, principle, implanted in the heart and the light of the gospel has so gripped them that the now want to obey God and forsake sin. This spells out the true converted. If these qualities which are so clearly spelled out in the Bible are not evident, then you have to question someone's profession. Questioning someone's profession--lovingly, carefully, and boldly--enables us to warn those that our truly on the fence; and, it helps them self-examine their profession so that they do not become self-deceived (Hebrews 10:26, Mathew 7:21-23, 2 Corinthians 13:5 1 John 1:8-10).
2. Yet, the Christian, follower of Christ, believer, saint, & disciple can fall into periodic sin (1 John 2:1-2). Why? Because we still live in the flesh (Romans 7-8:11). The flesh wars against the Spirit (Romans 8 :1-11). We are still admonished to put off the old man (Ephesians 4:17-32, Col 3:5-11). We are still admonished to mortify the deeds of the flesh. We are still commanded to be led by the Spirit, to be filled by the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-21), to be built up on the most Holy faith (Jude 20-21), etc. This means that a Christian will struggle with sin in his life from evil thoughts, acts, deeds, conduct, speech, and much more (Romans 7, 1 Corin 10:13). This is why we are told to let the Words of Christ dwell richly in us (Col 3:16). This is why we are told that we are to study the Word (2 Timothy 2:15), be in prayer and watchfulness (Eph 6:18-20, Mat 26:40-41), be fervent in not forsaking the assembling of ourselves (Hebrews 10:24-25), to be accountable to each other (Js 5:16), to be willing to submit to every command (Mat 22:34-40), etc. In other words, the flesh still wars against the Spirit and we must consistently be on our knees and continually be submitted to the Lordship of Christ in our lives.
3. In other words, God will certainly enable us Phil 2:13-14, John 15:3-5). But, simultaneously we must be obedient. He works through us in mighty ways ensuring our sanctification (the divine side which is effectual, Phil 2:13-14) yet the flip side is always an attention to cooperate with God in being obedient (2 Peter1:5-11). This spells out a bit of a mystery in a sense but a truth nevertheless.
4. This leads to the fact that any sin committed by a saint then must be recognized for what it is Psalm 51:3). It must be recognized that it offends a Holy God (Psalm 51:4, Luke 15:18). It must be repented of and confessed (Acts 2:38, 3:19). There must be a constant willingness to turn from evil and go the other direction toward righteousness. There must be deep desire to please God (John 8:29). If these aspects are manifested in a saints life then there will always be restoration, renewal, and re-engagement. If these are not evident, again, then maybe there is a deeper problem where salvation is not really there (1 John 3:4-10).
5. Example: Psalm 51. The example of David, among many others, is a great one. David, a man after God's own heart (a very special description of David's character), is one that committed murder and adultery. He committed what could be considered a low-down despicable crime. This crime was selfish, sinful, and lower than a worm. The crime was dual in nature. He slept with Bathsheba and had her husband killed in battle so that he (David) would not be found out. A prophet blew the whistle on him! He was found out. Psalm 51 is the written record of his repentance, confession, and turning to God for mercy and grace. If God was not gracious and merciful, David would have no recourse but to be forever bound to his sin and separated forevermore from the presence of God. But that was not the case!! God forgave him. He released him from his guilt and shame. And, if you read the Psalm slowly and carefully, you will see the solid profile of a repentant heart. In other words, there was still a chance for David to turn from his evil ways as long as he was alive. Keep in mind that according to the law, David was to be cut off (capital punishment) from the Israelites). Also, notice that David request was for God to restore the "joy of your salvation" not to restore salvation that he already possessed (Psalm 51:12).
6. In other words, if and when a person sins, if there is true repentance afterwards then God will forgive (Psalm 51:16-17). Notice I said "if and when," this means any sin. Yes, you have a new heart and principle implanted that makes you want not to sin (Rom 7) but that doesn't mean we can't. Secondly, the issue of murder is addressed by Jesus in the Gospels. He said that you are not off the hook if you manage not to murder, steal, commit adultery because if you've lust, thought of steeling, or hated your brother then you have committed those acts in your heart, and therefore, are liable and guilty of sin. This means we all have the potential to sin and commit heinous crimes. (Mk 7:14-23)
7. Therefore, the issue isn't the level of sin as to the "sin" period (Js 2:10-13), whether that is a violation of thought or act. We've all have fallen short of the glory of God because of sin. We can't let our pride get in the way and let our own standard be set up and against God's. Every sin is forgivable. Our pride is getting in the way when we think that how can someone get away with murder as a Christian but the better question is, how can any of us get away with any sin including those of the mind or attitude? God is a Holy God (Isaiah 6)and he could have zapped all of us(Hebrews 10:26)! However, you are right that a Christian has a new heart and mind if he is renewing that everyday then he would probably not desire to murder (Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:17-32). But, however, a Christian can still commit a major crime in a passionate moment where the flesh is stronger and the spirit is weak. Nevertheless, it behooves us to be vigilant in prayer and watchfulness.
8. So the answer to the first two questions: Can a saint or a Christian commit murder? yes in two ways in your heart through anger and hate, and the deed itself in moments of weakness. In fact, you could commit suicide, which seems to me like even worse due to the nature you don't have the the ability to repent, but as long as the person was genuinely saved, then the person goes to heaven. He/she committed a self-inflicted irreversible crime that on this side of heaven could not ask for forgiveness (cf 1 Corin 11:27-32, some of the Corinthian Christians were suffering the penalty of death due to their sacrilege at the Lord's table but they were still saved). You see we can't diminish the power of God to save to the uttermost those who he has chosen. Just remember that God does not base our salvation on our own level of goodness neither on our own willingness to be perfect because we would fail miserably. Thank God that He sees us through Jesus' perfect record of obedience (Romans 4-5). His track record is applied to us. His righteousness is imputed unto us (Phil 3:8-10). Therefore, we can never out-sin ourselves out of heaven as long as we are repentant and are sorrowful over our sin (Romans 6:1-2, 2 Corinthians 7:9-10).
9. So the answer to the third question: Can a saint who commits this crime of passion, so to speak, loose his salvation? No. As per Scripture, if that were the case then David would be lost and we would not have the confidence that through his royal line the Messiah would exercise His Davidic Kingship subjugate all the enemies (Davidic Covenant).
10. In other words, God forgives all sin except the sin of unbelief and the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. These are the two which have no remedy or forgiveness due to its very nature (Mathew 12, 1 John 5:14-18, Hebrews 4:1-11, Hebrews 6:4-6, Hebrews 10:19-25).
11. Lastly, in regard to Leviticus as being difficult and not relevant. Just remember some very important principles. First, when you are born again, newly saved, or just become a Christian, you have to be patient with yourself in understanding deep truths. They don't come overnight. The disciples did not understand much of Jesus' teaching until much later. There is a maturing process required (Hebrews 5:11-14). The truths and principles embedded in Leviticus must be gleaned through time as you come to understand basic doctrines of salvation, holiness, the character of God, redemption, sin, atonement, confession, and much more. Secondly, you must commit yourself to be humble and suspend lots of pre-judgements until God has taught you the fundamentals. Remember God illuminates or opens your heart to the basic truths of salvation and that is the beginning. But, to that knowledge you must add little by little, line upon line, precept upon precept, and a little here and there. But, you must be diligent. Lastly, Remember the grand themes of Leviticus as we discussed. The holiness of God, the pure and pristine worship of him, how to approach Him acceptably, and how to distinguish the unclean from the clean. These are the lessons from 11-15. Embedded there is the command by God to be obedient whether you like it or not; and. whether you understand it or not. Whether it makes sense and whether it controls all aspects of your life, you must be obedient. The NT application to this is to avoid sexual immorality (1 Thes 4:1-3), avoid the worldly wisdom (1 John 2:15-17, Romans 12:1-2, Js 4:1-4), avoid the deeds of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Col 3:5-11), avoid attitudes of the heart (Mk 7:14-23, Mt 15:1-20), just to name a few of the things to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. The practical lesson is to learn to distinguish from the clean and the unclean, between the unholy and the holy through the NT passages.
I hope this is helpful. Keep on learning. Keep on striving for godliness and Christlikeness that is your focus. You have to be able to wed doctrine and practice in a wonderful ceremony. Both are necessary, and they are not mutually exclusive. Can I have your husband's email? I'll send him some emails here and there.
Blessings,
Pastor James T. Cater
Miramar Church
6390 SW 32nd Street
Miramar, FL 33023
(954) 981-4677
pastorjim@miramar.org
www.miramarchurch.org