I’m sure we all realize that the true definition of the term Christian is “one who has been born again into living relationship with God.” Because this union is the result of God’s Spirit taking up residence within us, a rock-solid bond has been established with God—a relationship that cannot easily be broken.

But here a question arises: “As a Christian, does sin separate me from God?” It’s not unusual to hear this answered “yes.” We are often taught that sin causes a separation between us and God, creating a rift which can only be restored when we confess our sin to Him.(1 John 1:9) Therefore, moving forward with our life in God is possible only when our tie with Him can be reestablished through forgiveness.

Though this view certainly seems to have merit, it’s not actually the case. Frankly, sin does not separate a believer from God in any manner. Unquestionably, any sin displeases God and therefore can’t help but affect our relationship with Him, but it does not separate us from Him. If it did, it would mean that God would have to vacate our spirit each time we sin, and then come back once again when we repent.

This hardly seems practical, since it means that God would have to sever the very tie so utterly necessary to overcoming sin in the first place. It would mean cutting off the very resource essential to spiritual growth.

Excerpted from: Free from the Power of Sin: The Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself