I do not like the phrase "sin and still be saved" because it is to vague, and could lead others to think they have a license to sin and do not have to change.
You should not like it because it is a loaded term often used to make allowance for iniquity in the heart.
Salvation is not just the forgiveness of sins but is inclusive of a being set free from the bondage of sin.
The bondage of sin is literal, not figurative. In other words any individual who chooses to engage in wrongdoing (ie. violating their conscience) is in bondage to sin and by definition not saved.
Salvation is inclusive of a very real heart transformation. The hearts of the saved has been purged of inward iniquity and this the motivation to yield to evil has been completely destroyed. Temptation still exists of course but the enslavement to "yielding to temptation" does not.
Thus an individual whom is saved does not engage sins like these...
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
This is inclusive of adultery and hatred in the heart (Mat 5:21-28). The iniquity within the heart has been completely purged.
Now being saved from sin does not mean we have all knowledge, understanding, or wisdom. We still grow in grace and knowledge and due to the need to grow we most definitely fall short of the mark at times. Yet this falling short are not to be confused with wickedness or willful sin. An example of falling short can be setting a priority wrong, directing our energies in a less than efficient way, misjudging an individual based on a superficial initial presentation. We might draw a false conclusion about something without realising that we need to examine something more and be patient. There are many ways to miss the mark out of which we grow to maturity.
"Sin and still be saved" is generally sentiment expressed which makes no distinction between sins of ignorance and sins of rebellion. "Sin and still be saved" is generally sentiment rooted in a purely abstract positional view of salvation, a salvation in which the service of sin is taught to still exist.
Apostle John shows us in his epistle in the first chapter how future sins are covered, and he says two things continuing to walk in the light (1 John 1:7) and confessing those sins (1 John 1:9).
Future sins are not covered. That is erroneous.
Paul wrote this...
Rom 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Rom 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Whose sins are covered? It is those whom have no guile within their spirit.
Psa 32:1 A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psa 32:2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
It is the faithful (those walking according to the Spirit) whose faith is reckoned as righteousness.
Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Rom 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
Genuine faith has steps because it is reflective of a heart condition, it is reflective of a spirit without guile.
1Joh 1:7-10 is speaking of a correct initial approach to God whereby one comes clean in repentance. It is not speaking of future ongoing sins and therefore future ongoing cleansing. Clean is clean. Pure is pure.
Those who contend that 1Joh 1:8-10 is teaching that future sins are cleansed by the blood upon confession are teaching that a sacrifice remains for ongoing sin. The Bible is very clear when it says...
Heb 10:26 For
if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Heb 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
The context of the above passage is this...
Heb 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
Heb 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Heb 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Heb 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Heb 10:21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Take note that where sin is remitted there is no more offering for sin. The cleansing upon entering into the New Covenant is designed to be a one time cleansing which is why the writer of Hebrews states there is no ongoing sacrifice for ongoing sin.
God did not send Jesus to provide ongoing cleansing for ongoing filth. God sent Jesus to effect a true freedom from sin and a true cleansing. Jesus offered himself on our behalf to purify us and redeem us from all iniquity.
All iniquity means all iniquity.
Pure means pure.
Modern religion denies this which is why dogmatic teachings exist which give comfort to people by providing them with a notion that they can engage in rebellion to God and not surely perish. Don't be deceived by this sentiment.
John is clearly putting emphasis in 1Joh 1:7-10 on the correct means to approach God in order to be cleansed once and for all. We have to come clean with God (ie. true heart) and confess that we have rebelled, then upon trusting and yielding ourselves to God we are cleansed of all our sin. We are given a fresh start, we begin our walk of faith in accordance to the Spirit which now indwells us. We now have to endure unto the end in order to inherit eternal life.
God has given us everything we need by which we escape the corruption that is in the world through lust in order that we may be partakers in the divine nature. It is through partaking in the divine nature (quickening by grace/love shed abroad in the heart) that we walk victoriously in this world over the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes and the pride of life. We have been crucified with Christ and we no longer live for ourselves but live for righteousness abiding in the Spirit of life in Jesus Christ.
This is the truth. A truth most reject because most really do not want to truly repent.
It is a strait gate and narrow way and we have to strive and endure. It is the means of true life.
God bless.
