Saints as Sinners

What happens when a Christian sins, and they do? There are many factors involved. Consider this scenario including several factors.

The person involved is a prominent Christian leader and the fact of the sin is well documented, it’s a fact. All sins are wrong, but some are more egregious than others. The sin involved is such. The parties are identified. The perpetrator is not simply regretful he got caught, but is genuinely remorseful, contrite, and repentant. Such is acknowledged by him before God and the public. What then?

The person is forgiven by God. Consider, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1: 9)

Upon such response as noted above God is faithful and just to forgive sin. Sin as used in the text is a reference to the act of initial salvation. In the life of a believer the sin transpires and repentant confession is offered. In the text “unrighteousness” is a reference to the sins of a believer, that is one who earlier received forgiveness for sin resulting in salvation.

God is faithful and just to forgive the Christian of unrighteousness. The fact He is faithful to do it means He will do it every time. The fact He is just in doing it means He has devised the proper just reason for doing so. That justification is the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

Assuming the act is completed and the person forgiven, what then? That person is spiritually cleansed. Therefore, the person is spiritually restored to fellowship with God.

Should they therefore be restored to their former leadership role? No, sin has consequences even for the one restored.

King David sinned and was genuinely repentant and restored in his relationship with the Lord. However, the consequence is he was not permitted to build the temple. 

Moses sinned by disobeying God at Meribah. God instructed him to speak to the rock. He disobeyed and struck the rock instead. He repented and was restored in his relationship with God. However, the consequence was he was not permitted to enter the Land of Promise.

Both were restored in their relationship with God, but not fully in their relationship with their roles. Sin has a consequence. 

A criminal can repent of sin and be forgiven. That does not mean they are acquitted of their crime. Sin has consequences.

A Christian leader who genuinely repents of sin can be restored in their relationship with God, but not restored to their former role of leadership.