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I’ve heard this term quite a number of times but have never quite understood it. Does it deal with living in such a way that a, or many, particular sins are fundamental to that way of life? Is it having full understanding of future sin and doing it anyway? Exactly where does it deviate from plain old sin.
How about addictions? Physical, sexual, social, psychological? Are these included?
I’ve heard it said that living in sin proves that Christ is not alive in an individual. And yet I’d much rather believe that “as far as east is from west, so far has God removed our transgressions from us”. I know the second part is biblical. Any evidence for the first?

In my experience, the term “living in sin” refers to someone who is living with her boyfriend. Or vice versa. In practial usage it seems to refer mainly to sexually deviant behaviour. And it also implies adult status—I haven’t heard to rebellious teenagers who still live at home being referred to as “livin in sin.” One must have moved out in order to gain that distinction I think. Anybody disagree? I’ll let others comment on Calvinistic implications of Norbert’s questions :)

actually, i don’t think i’ve ever heard the phrase used in any other way than what dan is talking about—two people who are living together without being married. i never thought before how strange that is…

Forgive my theological mumbo jumbo, but aren’t we all constantly living in sin? Isn’t the very makeup of our post-fall human state that of nothing else but sin? I don’t quite understand the concept of living outside of sin, seeing as we are fallen creatures by our own doing through Adam and Eve.

I agree that the statement is often attached to the sexually permissive, but the statement itself is truly a hypcritical “one finger at you and four at myself”. We all sin daily and thus live in sin. It is only through a transformation of body, soul and spirit that this will be remedied. Acceptance of Christ comes from the realization of our sinfulness. The influence of His Spirit empowers us to struggle and fight that tendency…but we must also be aware that we will never overcome our own sinfulness in our present form…but we will be delivered from it when we are removed from it.

“Living in sin” is actually proof that there is a Creator. If in fact we didn’t recognize that state, could we be held accountable for our own sinfulness? Where is the need for God if there is no ungodliness present. This is NOT to say that we are justified in remaining in sin, but need to accept that we will always be influenced and held by it until we are released. Holiness should be our desire for that is what Christ wants of us.

Personally, I think the Christian should start owning up to the fact that if we take on this struggle with the passion we are asked to; there is little time and effort left to be watching and accusing others of their shortcomings.

Yes we are all constantly living in sin. Some of us wish we were living in a little more of it… :)

You know, Dan, it is true that we are known by the desires of our heart. Somehow, they push their way out and eminate from us. The only response I can give to that desire is the statement: You are loved. Nothing can ever change that. Not even you.

I don’t get what exactly you’re getting at here. I thought I was making a funny, but I guess that didn’t come across. And yes, it’s nice to know I’m loved.

This is Grant, not Kristin. Sorry for the mix-up.

You know, of course, Dan, that behind every funny is a little seed of truth. A seed that sprouts up and becomes a full flowering plant. A plant that is harvested and travels a hundred miles or more to our grocery stores. Where we purchase it and take it home with us. And then we consume it. At which time it gets absorbed into our cells. That which our body cannot use gets excreted as waste. The waste travels through miles of pipes underground until it eventually settles into the soil to be used again as God sees fit. Look how far our little seed of truth has come!