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The short answer is, yes.

Let’s compare two contrasting passages in the bible. Notice I said contrasting and not contradicting. There is a huge difference.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:8 [NASB]

Let’s compare that verse with this one:

No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

1 John 3:9 [NASB]

Why would 1 John 3:9 say that if you are born of God that you cannot sin? Didn’t John just say a couple of chapters ago that we have sin and to deny this fact means that the truth is not in us? And didn’t he just get done telling us what to do once we sin?

John did say that. The entire bible is filled with believers that sin. We cannot escape it. Paul couldn’t escape his battle with sin and neither can you.

sin means missing the mark. There can be no denying that you will sin from time to time. You will miss the mark. You are NOT God. You are not perfect. We are not perfect.

Okay so what is John talking about in chapter 3 verse 9 then? I think the best way to read sin in that verse is the phrase ‘practicing sin’. The point is in your attitude toward sin.

As a Christian do you want to keep sinning? Is this something you like doing, or is it something you are trying hard not to do? Do you go through life trying to avoid sin? Or do you go through life making it your duty to sin? Is sin your job; your calling?

As a Christian I am comfortable saying that I am not perfect. I do sin. But I try very hard not to sin. I do not make a practice of it. As long as I live in this “tent” I will be a sinner. But I am not a practicing sinner and God is working to make me cleaner every day. He washes me, and is washing me. After I die, or am raptured, I will be free of the bondage of sin and will sin no more. Hallelujah!