This is a very important question, and we as believers need to have a good understanding on this topic.  Some use the expression of “sinless perfection” to describe the state of one who has put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Some have actually stated they have never sinned after being saved.  Perhaps part of the confusion on this topic can be found by reading 1 John 5:18 which says, “We know that whosoever is born of God SINNETH NOT; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”  There are a couple of thoughts to help us realize the truth of this verse.

First, let’s read this verse from the Amplified Bible.  That says, “We know [with confidence] that anyone born of God DOES NOT HABITUALLY SIN; but He (Jesus) who was born of God [carefully] keeps and protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” 

The English Standard Version says, “We know that everyone who has been born of God DOES NOT KEEP ON SINNING, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.”

The New Living Translation puts it this way, “We know that God’s children DO NOT MAKE A PRACTICE OF SINNING, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.”

We must realize the truth being presented that we who are saved no longer continue to live the sinful life we did before we were saved.  Imagine the heartache and confusion of those who expect to live a sinless life after being saved.  Imagine the doubt that occupies the mind when one realizes he has sinned after accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior.  How can there be any peace or assurance for the one who believes he should live a sinless life but does not?  Those who claim to live a sinless life are only trying to convince themselves (and others) they are perfect, but it doesn’t take too long to realize the acts of sin that still occur in believers.

Now, let’s consider what the Apostle John had written earlier in this epistle.  1 John 1:8-9 tells us, “If we say that we have no SIN, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our SINS, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  This is, of course, written to the believer, the one who is saved.  Notice that “sin” is in the singular in verse 8, and “sins” is in the plural in verse 9. SIN refers to the corrupt nature of the old man still present in us.  SINS refer to the actual acts that flow out of that corrupt nature that is still present with the believer.  Since this is true of every believer, we see that, even after salvation, we still have a capacity to sin.  What do we do when we, as believers, sin?  Just what we just read in verse 9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  (CC)  (677.6)