As a Christian, it is possible to have correct thinking (orthodoxy) and not live by it. James wrote, “To one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin” (Jam 4:17). There are times when believers know God’s Word, but because of negative volition, do not apply it. Biblically speaking, it is possible for believers to commit any sin an unbeliever can commit. For example, Aaron led the Israelites to worship an idol (Ex 32:1-6). Gideon made an ephod which became an object of worship in Israel (Judg 8:27). Samson slept with prostitutes (Judg 16:1-4). In fact, there are examples in Scripture of believers who fell into habitual sin, in which they repeated the same sin over and over. This did not cause them to forfeit their salvation, but hindered the work of God in an area of their life.

Abraham had a recurring habit of lying about his relationship with his wife, Sarah. In Genesis 12, fearing for his life, Abraham told Sarah, “Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you” (Gen 12:13). Later, in Genesis 20, he did it again, telling Abimelech, “She is my sister” (Gen 20:2). After God intervened and saved Sarah, Abraham admitted that he had instructed her, saying, “Everywhere we go, say of me, ‘He is my brother’” (Gen 20:13b). This pattern of behavior reveals a habitual sin. Longman states, “Here we have an example of a habitual sin. After the first occurrence when he went to Egypt (Gen 12:10–20), he knew that God was displeased with his behavior, but he continued to struggle with his self-protective lying until at least this point in his life.”[1]

For decades, King David practiced the sin of polygamy contrary to the Law of Moses, which specifically commanded the king of Israel, that “he shall not multiply wives for himself” (Deut 17:17). This command was meant to prevent the king from being led astray, as was common among pagan rulers who amassed wives for political alliances, wealth, and personal indulgence. Despite this clear directive, David engaged in polygamy throughout his life. His first recorded wife was Michal, the daughter of Saul (1 Sam 18:27), and while fleeing from Saul, he married Abigail and Ahinoam (1 Sam 25:39-43). After becoming king, he continued this pattern, marrying Bathsheba following his grievous sins of adultery and murder (2 Sam 11:2-27). Additionally, 2 Samuel 3:2-5 names six other wives—Maacah, Haggith, Abital, and Eglah, along with Abigail and Ahinoam—and Scripture further records that “David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron” (2 Sam 5:13). This reveals that his polygamy was not a momentary lapse but an ongoing practice in violation of God’s law.

Solomon is another example of a believer falling into habitual sin. God called Solomon “My son” (2 Sam 7:14), heard his prayer (2 Ch 1:8-10), made him king over Israel (2 Ch 1:11), granted him “wisdom and knowledge” (2 Ch 1:12), used him to write three books of the Bible (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon), directed him to build the temple in Jerusalem over a period of seven years (1 Ki 6:38), made him ruler of Israel for forty years (1 Ki 11:42), and we are told that “Solomon loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of his father David” (1 Ki 3:3a). These are all signs of a true believer. However, according to Scripture, Solomon disobeyed God’s command for the king of Israel, which stated, “He shall not multiply wives for himself” (Deut 17:17a). Despite this directive, Solomon practiced polygamy, having “seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines, and his wives turned his heart away” (1 Ki 11:3). Solomon’s disobedience was not a singular event but extended over many years, persisting until the end of his days. By the conclusion of his life, Solomon had forsaken his wisdom, as “his wives turned his heart away after other gods” (1 Kings 11:4a). Because Solomon consented to their corrupting pagan influence, he was “not wholly devoted to the LORD his God” (1 Ki 11:4b). Because he had negative volition, “Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD” (1 Ki 11:6). Solomon’s evil practices demonstrate that a true believer—who cannot forfeit his salvation—can completely turn away from the Lord and commit himself to a lifestyle of sin. After Solomon turned away from the Lord and worshipped idols, Scripture reveals God severely disciplined him for his sin (1 Ki 11:11-43).

Dr. Steven R. Cook

[1] Tremper Longman III, Genesis, The Story of God Bible Commentary, 265.