Born–again Christians will never become completely sinless in this life. But that does not mean we are hopeless.

To understand our ongoing struggle with sin, we must think in terms of the ordo salutis—the order of salvation. For this discussion, we will focus on four key aspects: regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification.

1. Regeneration — Imperfect, Yet Renewed

By the grace of the Holy Spirit, we have been born again (1 Peter 1:3; Titus 3:5).

Unlike non-believers, we now possess a new, Christlike nature (Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26)—a heart that desires to glorify God in all that we feel, think, say, and do. Yet, like non-believers, our sinful nature remains. Therefore, we can never become completely sinless or perfect in this life (Romans 7:15; Galatians 5:17).

For this reason, born–again Christians do not claim present sinless perfection.

As the Belgic Confession rightly states, “Although great weakness remains in [us], [we] fight against it by the Spirit all the days of [our] life” (Article 29; Canadian and American Reformed Churches [CANRC] version).

2. Justification — Counted Perfect in Christ

By faith, all our sins have been forgiven (Isaiah 53:5-6; Colossians 2:13-14), and Jesus’ perfect justness–righteousness is imputed—credited—to our account before God (1 Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 3:9).

This means that, even though we remain imperfect in this life, all the sins we commit—in heart, mind, soul, eyes, and body—are cleansed by Christ’s blood. God counts us as perfectly just and righteous in His sight—not because we are, but because of our union with Jesus, who is.

The Heidelberg Catechism expresses this with remarkable clarity:

“Although my conscience accuses me that I have grievously sinned against all God’s commandments, have never kept any of them, and am still inclined to all evil, yet God, without any merit of my own, out of mere grace, imputes to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ. He grants these to me as if I had never had nor committed any sin, and as if I myself had accomplished all the obedience which Christ has rendered for me, if only I accept this gift with a believing heart.”

(Lord’s Day 23, Q&A 60; CANRC version)

This is the heart of the gospel.

3. Sanctification — Perfecting, Progressively

The Holy Spirit causes and enables believers to grow in Christlikeness (2 Corinthians 3:18; Ezekiel 36:27).

More and more, we are being set free from sin. More and more, we are becoming like Christ in justness, righteousness, and holiness.

Because our sinful nature remains, we will never be perfectly sinless in this life. Yet because of the Spirit’s sanctifying work, we are truly and progressively growing in Christlikeness in every area of life.

Sin remains—but it no longer reigns over us. By God’s grace alone, we increasingly live out this new reality in our daily lives.

4. Glorification — Yet to Be Perfected

At the second coming of Christ, we will be made perfect like Him (Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2):

• Completely transformed

• Never to sin again

• Absolutely just, righteous, and holy

Forever and ever.

Summary

All who are united to Jesus by faith are:

1. Imperfect — though regenerated

2. Perfect — through justification

3. Perfecting — through sanctification

4. Yet to be perfected — at glorification

Personal Application

In light of these truths, the Christian life should be marked by a simple, repeatable pattern:

C — Confess

Confess your sins honestly before God and ask for forgiveness.

B — Believe

Believe and thank Him that:

1. Christ has paid for all your sins, and

2. Through faith in Him, you are fully forgiven.

A — Ask

Ask the Lord to continue sanctifying and making you more and more like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Final Word

You are not what you once were.

You are not yet what you will be.

But in Christ—

you are already

counted just

and righteous,

made new,

continually being

made new

while in this world,

and will be made

perfectly new

in the world yet to come.