Why do Christians sin?

[Russell Earl Kelly PHD]

Why do Christians sin?

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (habitual?)

I need help understanding these texts. I seek opinions; I do not seek to argue.

At our natural birth, we have a sinful nature and will eventually sin.

Since, at our new birth, the old man is dead and we have a spiritual nature, why do we still sin?

 

[kyredneck]

Why do Christians sin?

14​	For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15​	For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do.
16​	But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17​	So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me.
18​	For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not.
19​	For the good which I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I practise.
20​	But if what I would not, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me.
21​	I find then the law, that, to me who would do good, evil is present.
22​	For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23​	but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members.
24​	Wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me out of the body of this death?
25​	I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then I of myself with the mind, indeed, serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Ro 7

16​	But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17​	For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. Gal 5

13​	for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified:
14​	(for when Gentiles that have not the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are the law unto themselves;
15​	in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness therewith, and their thoughts one with another accusing or else excusing them); Ro 2

 

[Silverhair]

Why do Christians sin?

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (habitual?)

I need help understanding these texts. I seek opinions; I do not seek to argue.

At our natural birth, we have a sinful nature and will eventually sin.

Since, at our new birth, the old man is dead and we have a spiritual nature, why do we still sin?

Yes we are saved and we have a new nature but we are still living in this world and have to deal with our human nature our free will. Your question is the same one a good friend had and the clearest answer I could give him was found in 1 John.

1Jn 2:1 My little children, {believers} I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

So we know that John is writing to believers and they can and do sin, so no sinless perfection.

What does John say about those who say they do not/cannot sin?

1Jn 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1Jn 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

Are we sinless because we are forgiven, cleansed and given the Holy Spirit? Absolutely not. We are regenerated in our human spirit, given a new nature, but the old nature has not been removed.
What does the Bible say about sin and what is the biblical definition? The Bible says, “Sin is the transgression of the law” (1John 3:4). So any command by God that is not obeyed perfectly would be defined as sin. The apostle John makes it clear that, “All unrighteousness is sin” (1John 5:17). So one would have to be perfectly righteous to not sin any longer. Paul also states, “for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23) which would include everything we do. And James makes a general statement about ones conscience and omission “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

 

[Rodger]

Why do Christians sin?

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (habitual?)

I need help understanding these texts. I seek opinions; I do not seek to argue.

At our natural birth, we have a sinful nature and will eventually sin.

Since, at our new birth, the old man is dead and we have a spiritual nature, why do we still sin?

Because we are "Sinners". We are forgiven but we are still sinners because the sin nature is never dead until we are dead.

When I peak of the sin nature, I am referring to the fact that we have a natural inclination to sin and given the choice to do God’s will or our own, we will naturally choose to do our own thing.

Now if you do not believe that, why is it that No one has to teach a child to lie or be selfish; rather, we go to great lengths to teach children to tell the truth and put others first. Sinful behavior comes naturally because we are born with a sin nature.

The Bible speaks of “sinful flesh” in Romans 8:3.

It’s our “earthly nature” that produces the list of sins in Colossians 3:5.

And Romans 6:6 speaks of “the body ruled by sin.”

The flesh-and-blood existence we lead on this earth is shaped by our sinful, corrupt nature.

The Apostle Paul, after he was saved wrote in Romans 7:14-17
"For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me."

 

[37818]

Why do Christians sin?

Romans 3:10, As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: . . .

Everyone needs to believe Jesus is the Christ.

 

[Russell Earl Kelly PHD]

Thanks, guys. I love your deep thoughts on this question.

We are born the first time as legal sinners and with the propensity to sin; that is our original nature.
Now comes the new birth, being born again, a second spiritual birth, a new natdure, a birth to everlasting life (2 Cor 5:17)

What does Paul mean in Romans 6 when he says the old man is dead and crucified with Christ? Evidently, the "old man" man is not are carnal sinful nature. What is it?

If we now have two natures, dare we say that the new nature cannot sin?
Sin killed the original nature (Rom 6:23). The new nature cannot be killed.
Romans 7 is highly debatable; many say it is a description of Paul leading up to his salvation in the last verse and chapter 8.

 

[Martin Marprelate]

Thanks, guys. I love your deep thoughts on this question.

We are born the first time as legal sinners and with the propensity to sin; that is our original nature.
Now comes the new birth, being born again, a second spiritual birth, a new natdure, a birth to everlasting life (2 Cor 5:17)

What does Paul mean in Romans 6 when he says the old man is dead and crucified with Christ? Evidently, the "old man" man is not are carnal sinful nature. What is it?

If we now have two natures, dare we say that the new nature cannot sin?
Sin killed the original nature (Rom 6:23). The new nature cannot be killed.
Romans 7 is highly debatable; many say it is a description of Paul leading up to his salvation in the last verse and chapter 8.

In Eph. 3:16, Paul prays that we might be 'strengthened with might through the Spirit in the inner man.' So what is this 'inner man,' and why does it need strengthening?
The inner man is our redeemed nature. In Rom. 7:22, Paul says, 'For I delight in he law of God according to the inward man....' but he goes on, 'but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.'
So the Christian, having been born anew, has a new nature, his 'inner man.' But there is still a relic of his old sinful nature, which dwells, not in him, but in his 'members' - his body. So the Christian still has these lusts, sinful desires, so that Paul cries out, 'For the good I will to do, I do not do, but the evil I will not to do, that I practice' (Rom 7:19). We see the same thing in Gal. 5:17. 'For the flesh [our old sinful nature] lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.'
So the Christian has a lifelong battle with the sin that dwells in his members, and that is why he needs to be strengthened in the inner man. 'Therefore put to death your members that are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry' (Col. 3:5). The battle will not altogether cease until we shed this old sinful body for a shiny new one. But Christians are promised victory. 'For you died [to your old life] and your [new] life is hidden with Christ in God' (Col. 3:3) 'And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly' (Rom. 16:20).

 

[Jesus Saves!]

I believe if we’re truly saved, our inward man is pure. It’s up to us to keep the outward man under subjection to the inward man. The outward man is not saved for its going back to the dust, it’s the inward part that belongs to God and is kept by the power of God.

 

[Rodger]

Romans 3:10, As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: . . .

Everyone needs to believe Jesus is the Christ.

Correct.

Now why post something so obviouse and established from the Bible?

 

[JesusFan]

Why do Christians sin?

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (habitual?)

I need help understanding these texts. I seek opinions; I do not seek to argue.

At our natural birth, we have a sinful nature and will eventually sin.

Since, at our new birth, the old man is dead and we have a spiritual nature, why do we still sin?

e still have that old flesh nature abiding, which will wage wart in us until death or second coming

 

[37818]

Correct.

Now why post something so obviouse and established from the Bible?

Wasn't thought through.
Ecclesiastes 7:20, For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

 

[Rodger]

Wasn't thought through.
Ecclesiastes 7:20, For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Romans 2:23......."ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God".

What is the glory of God ???? It is the standard of His acceptance which was manifested in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[Rodger]

e still have that old flesh nature abiding, which will wage wart in us until death or second coming

Yes.

The old sin nature never dies, until we do.

 

[37818]

Romans 2:23......."ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God".

What is the glory of God ???? It is the standard of His acceptance which was manifested in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1-2, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:12, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

2 Thessalonians 2:14, Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:13, But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

1 Peter 5:10, But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

John 1:9, . . . the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Hebrews 1:3, Who being the brightness of his glory, . . .

 

[Rodger]

Romans 5:1-2, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:12, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

2 Thessalonians 2:14, Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:13, But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

1 Peter 5:10, But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

John 1:9, . . . the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Hebrews 1:3, Who being the brightness of his glory, . . .

Help me out here. What are you trying to say????

 

[37818]

Help me out here. What are you trying to say????

I said it.

John 1:9, . . . the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Hebrews 1:3, Who being the brightness of his glory, . .

Jesus Christ He is the visible brightness of God's glory in Heaven. Always was.

 

[Dr. Bob]

GOOD NEWS. When I was born again, God took my old fallen sin nature and gave me a new heart, a new nature. My "soul" was saved. My "heart of stone" at enmity with God has been miraculously transformed into a living heart.

BUT what about my body (flesh) and its condition? It is NOT new, yet. It is sinful and slowly marching toward the grave. Thankfully, my redeemed soul WILL join my new perfect body for eternity. Can't wait for that!

AND . . . that leaves my mind/intellect/volition/will part. Like my body, it is NOT regenerated like my soul was. It is to be renewed by ME (thru transforming power of God's Word).

Romans 12:1-2 shows how reasonable this is - You've got a soul, a body and a mind.
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers," NEW BORN AGAIN SOUL NOW
"by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" - STILL OLD SINFUL BODY NOW UNTIIL IT IS CHANGED IN HEAVEN
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" - CHANGING MIND TO MORE LIKE CHRIST EVERY DAY NOW
"that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

 

[Rodger]

GOOD NEWS. When I was born again, God took my old fallen sin nature and gave me a new heart, a new nature. My "soul" was saved. My "heart of stone" at enmity with God has been miraculously transformed into a living heart.

BUT what about my body (flesh) and its condition? It is NOT new, yet. It is sinful and slowly marching toward the grave. Thankfully, my redeemed soul WILL join my new perfect body for eternity. Can't wait for that!

AND . . . that leaves my mind/intellect/volition/will part. Like my body, it is NOT regenerated like my soul was. It is to be renewed by ME (thru transforming power of God's Word).

Romans 12:1-2 shows how reasonable this is - You've got a soul, a body and a mind.
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers," NEW BORN AGAIN SOUL NOW
"by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" - STILL OLD SINFUL BODY NOW UNTIIL IT IS CHANGED IN HEAVEN
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" - CHANGING MIND TO MORE LIKE CHRIST EVERY DAY NOW
"that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Absolutly a Biblical post.