I’m pretty good at avoiding certain sins, like murder and theft. However, others plague me. As a Christian, I desire to emulate Christ. So, why do I continue to sin? What does that say about my faith? What should I do about it? In this blog post, I’m sharing three biblical truths about sinfulness that have helped me accept my standing with God as a saint and sinner.

1. Everyone Sins

Sin is a rebellion against God, a transgression against His laws or commands. The Lord makes it clear that everyone sins. It’s a a certainty in this world. Not simply for unbelievers to battle, we all sin “and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 ESV).

Greed. Gluttony. Anger. Fornication. Promiscuity. Entitlement. Drunkenness. Arrogance. Covetousness. Pride. Idolatry. Jealousy. Each of us has certain temptations that trouble us more than others, but the truth is, sinning is real and unavoidable, even for followers of Christ.

Sinfulness as a Christian

As Christians, our old sinful flesh has been crucified. Jesus took on our sins and gave us His righteousness. Being a new creation in Christ, the Bible tells us we are to set aside sin, to flee the devil and evil. So why do you and I continue to have the same sinful thoughts? Why do we do the same sinful things?

Sadly, in this fallen world, we continue to live in the flesh, even while being redeemed in the spirit. The old Adam in us wars against the new Adam. Our flesh and our spirit play tug of war. The struggle is real. As much as we wish it were otherwise, sinfulness as a Christian will remain the case until we go to heaven or the Lord returns.

No sooner do we repent of one or more sins, than we find ourselves giving in to it or them again. No matter how much we remind, admonish, or cheer ourselves on to better things, higher things, we continue to fail in performing righteously. On our own, we are helpless against sin and the devil. The good news is, we aren’t on our own.

It’s Every Christian’s Battle

The Apostle Paul gave a simple and clear explanation of every Christian’s battle.

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. ¹⁹ For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” Romans 7:18b-19 ESV

Paul’s honesty is refreshing and comforting. We know God’s will. We have God’s law (the Ten Commandments) to expose our sin, give us boundaries, and guide us in our thoughts, words, and deeds. We desire (often) to serve Him.

But no matter how hard we try, we will fail. Sinfulness, even for Christians, is a reality. We serve the law of God with our minds, but serve the law of sin with our flesh (see Romans 7:25b).

2. Jesus Christ Paid the Price for Everyone’s Sins

Thanks be to God, then, that we have a deliverer!

Jesus rescued us. He died for my sins, for your sins, for everyone’s sins. Though we trespass against our neighbor and our God, He extends mercy. Though we sin, the Lord leads us into repentance and forgives and restores us.

Christ Jesus would have no reason to come to earth, be born of a virgin, suffer, and die a horrible death, forsaken by His Father, had we been able to escape sinfulness by our own means. Christ died for our sins, because we can’t by our own will and strength be free from its bonds.

Like Paul, we cry out,

“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24 ESV).

And Jesus answers,

“For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 20:28 ESV).

How marvelous!

3. In Christ, We Have a Clean Conscience

I’m still frustrated by how often I give into temptation. Perhaps you are too. If so, we’re in good company with all of the saints in heaven and on earth—not one stood rock solid against sin and the devil. 

Yet receiving the grace of God, we can of one accord, in repentance (contrition and faith) and gratitude, proclaim

^“Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25a ESV).

He has delivered us from this body of death. Christ paid the price for our sins. We stand redeemed and saved. A sinner in the flesh; a saint in the eyes of God. What a glorious truth!

To be clear, the Lord doesn’t make light of sin. In fact, He hates it, and He calls us to repentance. But He has already paid the price for every one of our transgressions with His blood. The Father’s wrath for our trespasses against Him fell on His Son. All who rest in the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ are forgiven of their sins. They are free from the bondage of sin and death.

Through the power of the Word and the help of the Holy Spirit, we will grow more Christlike in our thoughts and behaviors. God grant that it be so.

But, also, let our conscience be clean for

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 ESV).

Sinfulness as a Christian seems wrong. It’s not how it should be. But until Christ returns, it will continue to be. For now, my friend, walk in freedom. For Christ died to secure it for you and me.

“For freedom Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1 ESV). 

Great Redeemer and Sanctifier, You gave Yourself on the cross for all of my sins, wiping them away. What a merciful and gracious God You are. Help me walk in the freedom You have secured for me. In Your name, Amen.

Reflection: As Believers, we should be aware and remorseful of our sin. How do you maintain a clean conscience in light of God’s grace for your sinfulness?