Do Christians Still Struggle with Sin?
Do Christians Still Struggle with Sin? Yes — the Bible teaches that believers have a new nature in Christ but still contend with the old flesh, creating an ongoing internal battle until glorification.
Key verse: Romans 7:19 (KJV)
Yes — the Bible teaches that believers have a new nature in Christ but still contend with the old flesh, creating an ongoing internal battle until glorification.
Yes — the Bible teaches that believers have a new nature in Christ but still contend with the old flesh, creating an ongoing internal battle until glorification.
"The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do." — Romans 7:19 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Paul describes this struggle vividly: 'The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do' (Romans 7:19). Galatians 5:17 explains, 'The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.' This internal conflict is normal for believers — not a sign of failed faith. The new nature desires God's will; the flesh pulls toward sin. Romans 6:11 instructs believers to 'reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ.' Victory comes not through willpower but through the Spirit: 'Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh' (Galatians 5:16). Romans 8:1 provides assurance: 'There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.' The struggle itself is evidence of spiritual life — the unregenerate don't fight sin. Complete freedom comes at glorification: 'We shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is' (1 John 3:2).
Topic Overview
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Key Scripture References
"The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do."
"The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh."
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers into the likeness of Christ — set apart from sin and growing in holiness through the Spirit's power.
How Can Christians Resist Temptation?
The Bible promises that God provides a way of escape with every temptation and instructs believers to use Scripture, prayer, and the Spirit's power to overcome.
How Does God Forgive Sin?
God forgives sin through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ — when a person repents and believes, God removes their guilt 'as far as the east is from the west.'
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
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The answer above sits inside Romans. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Romans on day 334 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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