Are Christians Always Expected to Sin?
Are Christians always expected to sin in word, thought, and deed? Is Romans 7 living as good as it gets? Here are some thoughts!
Do Christians continually have to sin?
Romans 7:14-25 provides a striking reflection on the human struggle with sin. In these verses, Paul portrays the tension between the desire to do good and the frustrating reality of falling short. He writes in verses 22-23, 22 “For in my inner self I delight in God’s law, 23 but I see a different law in the parts of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and taking me prisoner to the law of sin in the parts of my body.”
This internal battle is relatable for many Christians. For some, it becomes an accepted part of the Christian life, even to the point where they view their struggle with sin as inevitable—as if they are locked in a spiritual stalemate. Paul’s words seem to mirror their experience, leading them to accept a theology of “sinning Christianity”—the belief that, as humans with sinful natures, falling into sin is unavoidable, and there is little that can be done to change this reality.
The result is a kind of spiritual resignation, where Christians view their journey as one that will always be marred by sin. But is this truly the best that the Christian life can offer?
Paul’s words can be interpreted in two different ways. Some believe that in Romans 7:14-25, Paul is describing his struggle as a mature Christian, a battle between his spiritual desires and his sinful nature. Others argue that Paul is reflecting on his life before conversion, when, as an unsaved Pharisee, he tried to follow the law but was constantly defeated by sin. He’s using “historical present” language to describe a previous event. Dallas Willard describes this Romans 7 struggle this way:
The person who has been brought into the additional life by the creative action of the word of God now lives between two distinct realms of life and power: that of the natural or fleshly and that of the supernatural or spiritual. Even while dead in our sins and unable to interact constructively with God, we are still capable of sensing the vacuum in the natural life apart from God and of following up on the many earthly rumors about God and where he is to be found. Once the new life begins to enter our soul, however, we have the responsibility and opportunity of ever more fully focusing our whole being on it and wholly orienting ourselves toward it. This is our part, and God will not do it for us.[1]
Regardless of one’s views, the key to understanding Romans 7 is to read Romans 8. In verses 1-2, Paul says, 1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, 2 because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” This idea points to a higher calling in the Christian life. Instead of resigning to the inevitability of sin, believers are called to embrace the new life that Christ offers—a life where the Spirit empowers them to overcome sin.
The message here is one of liberation. While the struggle with sin is real, it does not have to define a Christian’s life. Through the Holy Spirit, there is the possibility of walking in “newness of life,” where sin no longer reigns. This is not to suggest that perfection is attainable in this life but rather that the power of sin can be significantly diminished as believers live more closely with Christ.
Christians do not, and should not, live in willful habitual sin against God. This is to be their new norm. They are not “saved sinners.” They are “set apart saints.”
In Romans 8:5, Paul says, “For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit.” He goes on to say in verses 6-7, 6 “Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so.”
From these verses, we notice several things. First, the Holy Spirit offers a decisive mind. A mind controlled by the flesh is focused on selfish desires, constantly seeking self-satisfaction. This leads to inner conflict when trying to follow God's will, as fleshly motivations resist spiritual direction. On the other hand, a mind aligned with the Spirit is clear and focused on fulfilling God’s desires. It reflects how Jesus lived, always in tune with the Spirit’s guidance.
Second, the Spirit provides a peaceful mind. A mind consumed by fleshly desires leads to anxiety and hopelessness, as it is disconnected from God’s eternal promises. In contrast, a mind governed by the Spirit experiences life and peace—a peace that transcends understanding. It brings calmness, security, and assurance, even in the face of uncertainty.
Lastly, the Holy Spirit offers a submitted mind. A fleshly mind is hostile toward God, resisting His laws. However, the Spirit enables complete submission to God’s authority. This submission is not forced but comes through humility, repentance, and the deep meditation on God’s Word, which shapes and transforms the heart to align with His will.
Romans 7 does not need to be the pinnacle of your lived Christian experience. Through the power of the Spirit, you can live as Christ lived and walk as he walked. Sinless perfection? No. But Holy Spirit guided obedience to God the Father? Absolutely.
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[1] Willard, Dallas. Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God (p. 205). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
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