Hi Dave,
I thought when God calls us we become a new creation, a new creature and so this new man cannot sin.
Now the old man can sin and does sin and for this cause we are held accountable but if the bible says those in Christ do not sin then it must be the new man who does not sin.
Thats my understandings.
God bless.
Rick I think this is the Scripture you are referring to.
1John 3:9 Everyone who is begotten of God is not doing sin, for His seed is remaining in him, and he can not be sinning, for he is begotten of God." (CLV)
Now this Scripture all by itself seems to be what you are thinking means the elect "cannot sin." But here are more Scripture from John on this.
1John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and
the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
v. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
v. 9 If we confess our sins,
He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
v. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
1John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
v. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
Psa 119:160 The sum of Your word is truth, And all of Your righteous ordinances are eonian." (CLV)
mercy, peace and love
Kat