Why Christians Still Struggle With Sin — And What the Bible Really Says

July 13, 2025

Introduction: Salvation Doesn’t Mean Sinlessness

One of the most damaging misconceptions in Christianity is the idea that once someone believes in Jesus, they will suddenly stop sinning. This unrealistic expectation leads many believers into guilt, shame, and self-condemnation when they fall short.

The truth is, Christians do still struggle with sin—and the Bible never says otherwise. In fact, it explains exactly why we continue to wrestle with the flesh and how we should respond to that struggle.

What Is Sin, According to the Bible?

Before we talk about why Christians still sin, let’s define what sin is.

“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” — 1 John 3:4 (NIV)

Sin is disobedience to God’s perfect standard. It’s not just actions—it includes thoughts, attitudes, and motives.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23 (NIV)

Even after we’re saved, we remain in a fallen world and in a body that is still susceptible to temptation.

Paul’s Personal Struggle With Sin

In Romans 7, the Apostle Paul—a man who wrote much of the New Testament—describes his ongoing battle with sin:

“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” — Romans 7:19 (NIV)

He explains that there’s a constant war between the spirit (our new nature in Christ) and the flesh (our old sinful nature).

“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.” — Romans 7:20 (NIV)

Paul wasn’t excusing sin—but he was acknowledging the reality of the struggle. Christians are not immune to sin—we are aware of it more than ever because we have been made spiritually alive.

Trying to Stop Sinning in Your Own Strength Will Fail

Many new believers, when faced with their old habits, try to stop sinning through sheer willpower. But human strength was never meant to conquer sin—that’s why Jesus came.

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (NIV)

Trying to earn or maintain your salvation through works leads to exhaustion, pride, or despair. It also shifts your focus away from Jesus and back to yourself.

Trusting in the Finished Work of Christ

The gospel is clear: Jesus paid for all our sins—past, present, and future—through His death and resurrection. The moment we believe, we are fully justified and eternally secure.

“But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.” — Hebrews 10:12 (NIV)

Salvation is not maintained by behavior. It's kept secure by the finished work of Jesus Christ.

“Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” — Galatians 3:3 (ESV)

Faith is not just how we begin the Christian life—it’s how we continue to walk every day.

Struggle Is Not the Same as Rejection

If you're a believer who struggles with sin, that doesn’t mean you're unsaved. Struggle is evidence of life. Dead people don’t wrestle. The very fact that you’re convicted by your sin shows that the Spirit is at work within you.