Understand How To Handle Sin In Your Life
Some have the false impression that a Christian never sins - but this is simply not true! A very large portion of Paul's letter to the Romans focuses on this point. However, our relationship to sin is a totally different one, now that we are Christians. To summarize what is written elsewhere in this site, a non-Christian has a nature that is predisposed to sin. But a Christian has a new nature - and this nature is to be LIKE Christ, and it is fed by the strength of Christ. But we still live in our 'flesh' which still has a fallen nature to it.
Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it...For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. Romans 7:20, 22-23
But, when we sin, our Spiritual man becomes aware and saddened. When we sin, we are reminded of our separateness from God, and of the need and wonderful path of redemption Christ provided to us. But our sin breaks our relationship with Christ.
Analogous to a marriage relationship, when a spouse is hurtful to another, they must 'make-up' in order to repair the relationship - they don't have to get re-married! If they don't 'make-up', they will decline into a relationship that is full of mistrust, has no love, and perhaps will eventually divorce. The same is true with our relationship with Christ. When we sin, we hurt our relationship, but we don't break it. He covered all our sin, but wants to get on with the healthy relationship that is fruitful and productive.
So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. Romans 7:4
So we work as hard as we can to do what our master wishes, in order to bring forth fruit, but when we do fail we quickly repair the relationship (from our aspect) and ask forgiveness, then move on. For more on this important topic, please review both the Doctrine and Maturity pages.
For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13
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