Some Christians believe that under the New Covenant, nothing can separate them from God, not even sin. This idea is often based on verses like Romans 8:38-39, where Paul says that nothing can separate us from the love of God. While God’s love is unconditional, this does not mean that sin has no impact on our relationship with Him. The Bible clearly teaches that sin can indeed be a hindrance to fellowship with God, even under the New Covenant.
This incorrect view of sin is a result of the so-called “hyper-grace” doctrine, which claims that sin no longer has consequences for believers. This is a dangerous misconception that is spreading like a virus and to which many in the Netherlands are becoming susceptible. It undermines the need for repentance and holiness, whereas the Bible calls us to a life of obedience to Christ.
1. Sin Hinders Fellowship with God
Isaiah 59:2 states: “But your iniquities have separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” Although this is an Old Testament verse, the principle remains true in the New Testament. In 1 John 1:6-7, we read: “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” This shows that walking in sin disrupts our fellowship with God.
2. Sin Can Hinder Life and Prayer
Peter warns in 1 Peter 3:7 that wrongful actions can hinder prayers: “That your prayers may not be hindered.” This demonstrates that sin can create a barrier between the believer and God. Likewise, John says in 1 John 3:21-22: “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” This suggests that disobeying God’s commandments affects our prayers being answered.
3. Jesus’ Warnings About Sin and Our Relationship with God
Jesus Himself repeatedly warns about the consequences of sin, even for believers. In John 15:5-6, He says: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” This shows that sin and not remaining in Christ can cause serious separation.
Furthermore, in Matthew 6:14-15, we read: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” This implies that our actions affect our relationship with God, even if we are already in Christ.
4. The Need for Confession and Repentance
Even though salvation in Christ is certain, the New Testament repeatedly calls for confession and repentance. In 1 John 1:9, we read: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This would be unnecessary if sin had no impact on our relationship with God. James 4:8 also says: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
5. Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of the Lord
The Bible teaches that we are already made holy through Christ, but that we must perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord. In 2 Corinthians 7:1, it says: “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” This means that while we are sanctified in Christ, we are called to actively grow in holiness and turn away from sin.
Paul calls believers to crucify the flesh and not give in to its desires: “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). This is not something done in our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit: “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13).
Balance Between Freedom and Holiness
Although believers should not live in fear, the path to the Kingdom of God is not broad, but narrow. Jesus says in Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” This means that life in Christ requires discipline, self-denial, and perseverance, but we do not have to do this in our own strength – the Holy Spirit helps us remain steadfast on this narrow path.
Conclusion
Although the love of God is unchanging, the New Testament clearly teaches that sin has consequences for our relationship with Him. Sin can disrupt fellowship with God, hinder prayers from being answered, and even lead to spiritual separation. Therefore, Scripture calls us to continuous repentance and holiness.
The hyper-grace doctrine, which claims that sin no longer affects our relationship with God, is a dangerous deception that threatens to influence many in the Netherlands. The New Covenant does not exempt us from the consequences of sin but rather calls us to a deeper life in Christ, where we actively walk in His righteousness. We are called to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord and to crucify our flesh, not by our own strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. This does not mean that we should live in fear, but we must be aware that the way is narrow and requires dedication.
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ but there are certainly consequences if you take sin lightly!
