If becoming saved, in the christian sense, makes you a "new creature"?

Question

Why are you still tempted by the sins of your "old" life? I know that the idea of satan means that you'll always be tempted, but why are still tempted by the specifics of your sinful life?

For example, why are drug addicts still tempted by drugs? Why are homosexuals still tempted by attractive members of the same sex? Why are liars still prone to telling lies?

Although we're all tempted, why do the sins of the old still carry over to the new? Why don't we start again with a clean slate?

By the way, don't tell me pretty stories about drug addicts who have walked away from drugs forever, and gay people who have converted. These stories might prove a point for you, but you can't tell me without a shadow of a doubt that these people aren't tempted by their old life.

Rick W ... my, my ... you won't be saving any souls by insulting those who are questioning.

Luckily ... you're just another example of how people generally can't explain their beliefs, so they turn to anger and insults. Oh, well.

Rick W ... my, my ... you won't be saving any souls by insulting those who are questioning.

Luckily ... you're just another example of how people generally can't explain their beliefs, so they turn to anger and insults. Oh, well.

iluvinhabited ... Umm, the bible says that, dear. 2 Cor. 5:17

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Answer 1

they shouldnt ... and if a person gives into it theyre being decieved and led off of the path ...

Answer 2

Well like you said in your question, that is what Satan does. And as for the specifics: what better way is there to tempt you? Satan knows that the best way to tempt a drug addict trying to reform him/herself is with drugs. The easiest way to tempt a homosexual (of anybody else) is by attractive people.

But I definitely wouldn't go as far as to say that "the sins of the old still carry over to the new". That's not true. If you ask for forgiveness, then you will be forgiven. Trying to change yourself, and giving up one's old sinful ways is difficult, and Satan is going to do everything in his power to make you give up. But you do start with a "clean slate". That of course is referring to the state of your soul. Just because your soul has been cleansed (to a point) doesn't mean that the world has been cleansed. All that temptation is going to be there still. It's just up to you to make sure that you don't get tempted. And although it blows, the best way to not be tempted is to move yourself far away from the temptation.

To sum it all up, and to answer your question: because that's what works best in the eyes of Satan.

Answer 3

Good question. Do not confuse temptation with sin. Many believe that if they are tempted they think they have "thought sinful thoughts". This in not necessarily true. If one allows that temptation to seduce them into a sinful action, whether in deed or thought, then they have sinned. When we are saved, we are not free from temptation, but we are equipped with the truth and power to defeat that temptation. It is our duty as a saved person to utilize the power of God to fight the temptation. Satan will only tempt you with something you desire to do in the first place-it will always be tough-but you can overcome. In the following passage a "trial" is temptation:

12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 1:12-15 (NIV)

Answer 4

As long as we are on this earth we will never be completely perfect, and sin will always be a problem to us. Only in heaven will we be free of its influence forever, for only then will we be like Christ. The Bible says, "When he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2).

I often compare sin to a chronic illness—for that is what it is: a spiritual illness residing in our souls. A chronic illness may go into remission or not bother us as much as it once did—but it is still there, lurking in our bodies and waiting for an opportunity to overcome us. The same is true of sin. The Apostle Paul's experience is the same as ours: "Not that I ... have already been made perfect" (Philippians 3:12).

Only one person was completely sinless, and that was Jesus Christ. He was born without sin, and—in spite of Satan's fiercest efforts—He never sinned. That is why He could be our Savior and take upon Himself all our sins. If we had to depend on our own righteousness, we could never be saved, for sin still clings to us. But Christ took all our sins upon Himself, and His righteousness was given to us.

I have always tried to follow the advice I heard a preacher say many years ago: Keep short accounts with God. When you know you have sinned, confess it to God immediately and seek His forgiveness. Then ask Him to help you avoid that sin in the future, and to live a life that more and more honors Christ.

Answer 5

What is "reborn" is your spirit, not your body. So, if I were, say, and alcoholic, my being born again will not take away my body's craving for alcohol...but it will equip my spirit to fight that urge.
I'm not going to tell you any "pretty stories", but I will tell you the truth. Jesus can and does help people to overcome the sin and the damage it does in their lives...but there is a catch. YOU have to sincerely want to get rid of that sin.
Honestly, if I were fighting something like alcoholism, drug addiction, or homosexuality in my life, I would rather do it with the power of Jesus behind me than all by myself. Let others do as they wish.....

Answer 6

I am a christian which means that I have too many flaws within myself to be of any good to anyone else but through my personal beliefs and constant prayers I have obtained a few of these qualities: patients with those that wish to abuse me through all means, understanding that we are not all alike and should respect the differences, courage to not give up on anyone and to reach out an try to teach others the joy that being a christian has brought me, knowledge that when someone doesn't wish to learn that you should politely back off and not bother them - unless later they ask it of you, Charity/Love for not only my family but all of those around me that help/need help in my community/surroundings, and there isn't enough space to tell everything so all I do is THANK GOD! and try to help those in need - remember we never change from birth till death let us try to change things around us for the better!! Have a fine day.

Answer 7

Isn't sin basically anything that makes one feel most "alive" in their life...and least submissive to authority? All the archaic religions are interested in controlling the personal behavior of as many people as possible...when scaring people with terms like sin and hell doesn't work, it'll be no surprise if the church resorts to more immediate forms of intimidation from corporal punishment and social ostracism all the way to illegal kidnapping and imprisonment.

Answer 8

It is not the flesh that is made new but the spirit. The flesh will always be sinful but the spirit being made in Gods image is cleansed of the corruption(sin)of the flesh.....or it becomes new, clean.
The spirit always has the ability to be perfect because it was made in the image of God and it's nature is pure. But to be perfected you need Christ to cleanse it.
Yes, you get a new shiny slate....OK spirit slate. Flesh will always be flesh and the nature of flesh is sinful.
I hope that helps and not confuses you.

Answer 9

A change of heart doesn't mean that temptations vanish, just that we are more equipped to handle them. And when we fall, as we all will do, He is foriving and it gives us understanding to help our brothers and sisters who stumble.

Satan knows our weaknesses probably better than we do. Without God they are impossible to defeat, but with God all things are possible.

The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

And yes, We become a new creation in Christ.

Answer 10

You are only human. You are allowed to make mistakes. Just because you have been "saved" does not mean that you will completely forget your previous life. You will always have temptation. Also, I don't think that someone should have to be "saved". Do you really need someone to tell you that you believe in Christ? Shouldn't that be your own decision?

Answer 11

You have read the Bible how many times and don't know the answer to this simple question ? Romans 7