Yes, but what claims should one make on the basis of this answer?

Those who are really seeking to perfect Christian character will never indulge the thought that they are sinless. Their lives may be irreproachable, they may be living representatives of the truth which they have accepted; but the more they discipline their minds to dwell upon the character of Christ, and the nearer they approach to His divine image, the more clearly will they discern its spotless perfection, and the more deeply will they feel their own defects. {SL 7.2}

Is it possible to live sinlessly without sinning?

But aside from the claims one may or may not make, there is something even more fundamental:


More important than not making the claim to sinlessness, true saints will not even THINK they are sinless. Why? Because they will deeply "feel their own defects."

Are such people being misled, feeling defects that are not really there? Or are they seeing things as they truly are?

Revelation 5:9
And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear!

In all your transactions with your fellow men never forget that you are dealing with God’s property. Be kind; be pitiful; be courteous. Respect God’s purchased possession. Treat one another with tenderness and courtesy. {ML 235.3}
My Life Today, p. 235.4 (EGW)
If you have enmity, suspicion, envy, and jealousy in your hearts, you have a work to do to make these things right. Confess your sins; come into harmony with your brethren. Speak well of them. Throw out no unfavorable hints, no suggestions that will awaken distrust in the minds of others. Guard their reputation as sacredly as you would have them guard yours; love them as you would be loved of Jesus. {ML 235.4}
My Life Today, p. 235.5 (EGW)
The grace of God leads men to place themselves in all their business transactions in the place of those with whom they are dealing. It leads men to look not only on their own things but also on the things of others. It leads them to reveal tenderness, sympathy, and kindness. Cherishing a right spirit, living a holy life—this is what being Christlike means.... {ML 235.5}
My Life Today, p. 235.6 (EGW)
Let your life be controlled by the wide, generous principles of the Bible, the principles of good will, kindness, and courtesy. {ML 235.6}

In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah the work that the people of God are to do in Christ's lines is dearly set forth. They are to break every yoke, they are to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked. . . . If they carry out the principles of the law of God in acts of mercy and love, they will represent the character of God to the world, and receive the richest blessings of Heaven.
From My Life Today - Page 246

Those who have pity for the . . . widows, the orphans, and the needy, Christ represents as commandment keepers, who shall have eternal life.
From My Life Today - Page 244

Are such people being misled, feeling defects that are not really there? Or are they seeing things as they truly are?

I would think that if one is to live sinlessly, he would be required to do it without sinning. IOW, "without sinning" is a necessary condition for living sinlessly.

Perhaps a more pressing question is this: If one has stopped committing sin, does that mean he is sinless? Furthermore, if he was truly sinless, would it be a sin for him to claim otherwise?

Those saints who do not sin because they are abiding in Jesus "have defects, weaknesses, and imperfections". Jesus also had them.

Having defects, weaknesses, and imperfections is not the same thing as acting them out.

Those saints who do not sin because they are abiding in Jesus "have defects, weaknesses, and imperfections". Jesus also had them.