Answering Mili from Vasai in the Light of Scripture and the Spirit

Dear Mili,

Thank you so much for your sincere question. It is clear that you are not just seeking an answer for the sake of knowledge, but you desire truth in your inner being (Psalm 51:6 AMP). That is precious to the Lord. You have asked:

“How long can a person sin and still be a Christian?”

This question is not only important for you, Mili, but it is one that echoes in the hearts of many believers, especially those who are walking through struggles or trying to help others who are caught in cycles of sin. May this answer, by the help of the Holy Spirit, not only bring clarity to you but also to others who are listening with open ears and yielded hearts.

Let us now turn to the Word of God and the light of the Spirit to understand this truth in depth.

Answer:

A Dangerous Question or a Discerning One? #

Before we go further, let us gently consider why such a question is asked.

Is it to see how far one can go before being disqualified?
Or is it a genuine cry of the heart, troubled by weakness and longing for assurance?

The answer changes everything.

God is not looking for people who want to “get away” with sin, but He is overflowing with mercy toward those who grieve over it and cry out for help.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18 AMP

Foundational Truth: Salvation is a Birth, Not Just a Belief #

Salvation isn’t just saying a prayer. It is the supernatural new birth — a real transformation of nature and allegiance to Christ.

“Jesus answered him, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.’”
— John 3:3 AMP

A person born of God receives the very seed (Greek: sperma, σπέρμα) of God in their spirit.

Word: “Born” (Greek: gennaō, γεννάω)
Meaning: To be fathered, regenerated, or begotten from above — a divine impartation of God’s own life.

This shows that becoming a Christian isn’t just about changing behaviour, but about receiving God’s nature (2 Pet. 1:4).

But here’s the key: that nature will fight against sin. It does not feel comfortable continuing in it.

What Does the Bible Say About Continuing in Sin? #

Let’s look at some clear passages. Below is a comparison table:

So Then: How Long Can a Christian Continue in Sin? #

The honest answer: #

As long as they continue to resist the conviction of the Holy Spirit,
ignore the Word, and shut their ears to correction —
they may still call themselves Christians, but they are not walking in Christ.

Jesus warned:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.”
— Matthew 7:21 AMP

The redemptive truth: #

Even when someone stumbles, the Spirit does not abandon them. He convicts, corrects, calls — until the heart becomes too hard to hear. This is why Scripture warns:

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”
— Hebrews 4:7 AMP

How Do I Know If I’m Still a Christian? #

Here are signs of a living faith, even if sin has been present:

The Heart of God is Restoration, Not Rejection #

The question is not how long you can sin and still be saved.
The question is:

How long will you resist the hand that longs to restore you?

Let’s End With a Picture from Luke 15 #

The prodigal son was still a son even when eating with pigs.
But he was lost — lost to fellowship, to peace, to purpose.

The Father never stopped loving him. But the restoration only began when he said:

“I will arise and go to my Father.” — Luke 15:18

And the Father RAN to meet him.

❖ Summary #

“I trust this offers a helpful and concise response to your question.”

In Christ,
Shaliach.