Will We Be Sinless Before the Second Coming of Jesus?

Before Christ’s Second Coming, God’s people are called to live in victory over willful sin, yet they have no grounds to proudly proclaim their own sinlessness. Salvation, sanctification, and readiness for Jesus’ return always remain a gift of His grace, not a human achievement.

The question of sinlessness before the Second Coming often sparks extremes. Some believe a Christian inevitably must continue sinning. Others claim that one can attain a state in which they no longer need forgiveness, Christ’s intercession, or daily dependence on God. The biblical and Adventist answer avoids both extremes: Christ is truly able to deliver from the power of sin, yet no one can boast in themselves or rely on their own holiness.

Abiding in Christ Is Incompatible with Willful Sin

The Apostle John does not teach that a believer will never stumble or never need mercy. But he speaks clearly: whoever abides in Jesus cannot comfortably and persistently live in known sin. True faith changes the direction of life.

“Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.” 1 John 3:6

This is not referring to an isolated temptation, an unwitting mistake, or a fall followed by sincere repentance. It refers to the habit of deliberately choosing evil: harboring resentment, deceiving, justifying impurity, pride, greed, or disregarding God’s will. Grace does not grant permission to sin; it teaches us to renounce ungodliness and live a holy life.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” Titus 2:11–12

Victory Is Possible Only Through Christ’s Power

God’s command is never a call to self-improvement apart from the Savior. Christ not only forgives past sins, but He also gives the power for obedience today. A believer does not overcome through willpower, but through daily abiding in Him, prayer, God’s Word, and the working of the Holy Spirit.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13

This promise does not encompass the right to do whatever we please, but the ability to remain faithful to God under any circumstances. A Christian can say “no” to sin not because their nature has become divine, but because Jesus reigns in their heart. This is precisely how God’s people prepare for the final crisis: not with careless self-confidence, but with tested trust in the Lord.

Why We Cannot Claim: “I Am Without Sin”

The Bible warns against spiritual pride. Even a mature person of God never ceases to need cleansing by the blood of Christ. It is the very acknowledgment of our need that leads to forgiveness and restoration.

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Ellen G. White repeatedly emphasized that God’s people must gain the victory over every known sin. At the same time, she decisively rejected self-exaltation and any claim to independent holiness. The closer one draws to Christ, the more deeply one sees His purity and the more one relies on His righteousness. Thus, biblical holiness is not self-proclamation, but a humble life of faith and obedience.

What Will Happen at Jesus’ Return

Before Christ comes, believers are called to maintain faithfulness and forsake every known sin. Yet the final transformation of our mortal, fallen nature will occur at the resurrection or translation of the saints. Then God’s children will receive immortal bodies, entirely freed from the effects of sin.

“We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet… For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” 1 Cor 15:51–53

Therefore, the Adventist hope is not focused on human perfection as a merit, but on a perfect Savior. He who began a good work in the believer will bring it to completion.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil 1:6

Practical Conclusion

Do not ask first: “Can I call myself sinless?” Rather ask: “Have I surrendered every known sin to Christ today?” Daily ask the Lord to search your heart, confess what He reveals, receive His forgiveness, and trust in His power for obedience. Readiness for the Second Coming consists in a living communion with Jesus: humble, faithful, and filled with hope.