I have heard people say over the years, "I'm just an old sinner saved by grace". I've always wondered if this is just an excuse to continue sinning. Using those words seems to be identifying as a sinner rather than the redeemed. It is true that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). In John 8, the adulterous woman (In Leviticus 20:10, it says both shall be put to death, where was the man?) was brought to Jesus for her encounter with Him. In the end, Jesus showed why he came. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:17) He didn't condemn the woman, but did tell her to go and from now on sin no more. In John 5, a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years encountered Jesus. Once healed, Jesus also tells him to sin no more. It would be unjust of Jesus to say "sin no more" if it were not possible. Once you, in your sinful nature, decide to accept Jesus as your savior and Lord, putting your faith in Him and Him alone, you are born again and sealed with the Holy Spirit. You have been cleansed of your sins and you now have a new nature and you are to walk in the newness of life. Understand that we all have two things that we have fighting against us. Our own flesh and Satan (because he hates God). James 1:14-15 "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." (Abort the desire) 1 Peter 2:11 "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles (means this is not your home, heaven is) to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul." The word “soul” is the Greek word psyche, which describes a person’s mind, will, and emotions. This is the area where Satan wages his greatest warfare against an individual. We look to the scriptures for the answer. 2 Corinthians 10:5 "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ," James 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." So when a thought pops in your mind, judge it based on the Word of God. Basically if it's a bad thought, take authority over it and reject it (This is one way you resist the devil). This is part of the process of renewing your mind which will require you to study the Bible, the Word of God. Also remember you have the Holy Spirit, your helper, learn to listen and obey his guidance. And if you mess up and sin, don't hide from God like Adam did, go to God, confess your sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9). So identify yourself as in Christ, you are a child of God, a new creation, loved, forgiven, redeemed, strong, protected, complete, chosen, never alone, accepted, His masterpiece, a temple of the Holy Spirit, a light in the world, a citizen of heaven, an heir with Christ, filled with His Spirit and empowered for His purposes.