I was speaking with a friend who said that Christians cannot lose their salvation, but a true Christian won’t continue to sin. I know that Christians should try to live a good life, and be guided by the Holy Spirit to live for God, and I want with all my heart to make the right choices but it seems more times then not, I end up failing.
I’ve answered questions like this numerous times but it bears repeating. No one has ever been able to completely stop sinning upon becoming a believer, no matter how hard we try. Even Paul said he couldn’t do it . But he said when he did sin God didn’t count it against him but against the sin nature that still lived within Him (Romans 7:18-20). Sins are violations of God’s law, but Paul said we have been given a righteousness from God apart from the Law. It comes through faith to all who believe (Romans 3:21-22). This righteousness allows God to see us as if we don’t sin at all. He sees us as if we’re a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) as righteous as He is (2 Cor. 5:21) That’s because by His one sacrifice for sin, Jesus has made us perfect forever (Hebr. 10:14). As soon as we confess our sins, He forgives us and purifies us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9)
After we’re saved we receive the Holy Spirit who advises us on proper Christian behavior. Out of gratitude for the free gift of salvation we should follow the Holy Spirit’s advice as best as we can. After the rapture we’ll be rewarded for doing so. But your friend it right, our salvation cannot be lost due to post salvation behavior. Jesus Himself promised this (John 10:27-30).