The text was originally written in Greek, as you know, and in Greek the present tense verb sin has a linear aspect that can be represented by a straight, unbroken line, meaning continual practice of sin (continuous present) and is progressive. Do you continually practice sin, or do you walk in obedience, but imperfectly, your walk at times broken by temporary lapses, whether short or long. The one who sins continuously is not lapsing, they are in a constant state of rebellion, even moral sinners, because their unbelief is also sin
The verb sin in the text is a present tense verb in the Greek and is linear, indicating a continual state of lawlessness, see verses 4-5. The Chrstian sins, 1 John 2:1, but John does not use the present tense form for sin in that text, he uses an aorist tense verb, which is not a linear verb (continually and progressive) but is rather a punctilious verb, which means it is action seen as a point in time, scan be represented by a dot and not a line, not continual, but temporary lapses
Now a temporary lapse can even be long. But it is temporary. A continual sin is not temporary, but permanent
John is talking about people who confess God with their mouth, but wholly and continually without ceasing deny Him in their actions
We perhaps have denied God in the past with our actions, but like Peter, we are grieved by it, and like Peter, when we turn again, we may strengthen our brethren
Sorry for the long post. I wanted to give as comprehensive answer as I could
The verb sin in the text is a present tense verb in the Greek and is linear, indicating a continual state of lawlessness, see verses 4-5. The Chrstian sins, 1 John 2:1, but John does not use the present tense form for sin in that text, he uses an aorist tense verb, which is not a linear verb (continually and progressive) but is rather a punctilious verb, which means it is action seen as a point in time, scan be represented by a dot and not a line, not continual, but temporary lapses
Now a temporary lapse can even be long. But it is temporary. A continual sin is not temporary, but permanent
John is talking about people who confess God with their mouth, but wholly and continually without ceasing deny Him in their actions
We perhaps have denied God in the past with our actions, but like Peter, we are grieved by it, and like Peter, when we turn again, we may strengthen our brethren
Sorry for the long post. I wanted to give as comprehensive answer as I could
Given my experience is why I ask.
As you know a severe gambling problem?
So if gambling is a sin then I have a problem with my salvation?
I hated it with a passion.
In fact and this is true.
I found myself gambling in the bookies playing the slots and didn't know I was.
Say at my desk at work and then seemed to come to reality when I walked out having lost 1,000s and won 1,000s.
Either way I was not happy.
I even poured oil over the doorframes and asked for angels to protect me.
Is that the continual sin per the verses quoted?