Is Sinning Normal for Christians? (Romans 7-8)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

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.”