Many movies and stories include a villain. In the Christian story, our sinful nature and the devil play that role. Evidence of our sinful nature is everywhere. Theft necessitates locks and passwords. Dishonesty demands courts and judges. Violence requires police and military forces. Jesus, as the hero, sacrificed Himself to save us from sin and death. However, the question arises: to what extent are Christians free from sin? Does our inclination towards sin, our sinful nature, persist? If it does, has Christ’s sacrifice truly made a difference? Has good genuinely triumphed over evil? Let us examine what the Bible says about our sinful nature, to answer these important questions.
Understanding the Sinful Nature in Biblical Terms
The Book of Genesis states that Adam and Eve were created “very good” (Genesis 1:31). However, their original sin altered the nature of humanity. Jeremiah describes the human heart as “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9), and David acknowledges, “I was sinful when my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5).
In Romans 7, Paul discusses the conflict between our knowledge of what is right and our sinful nature’s interference:
“For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” (Romans 7:18, NIV).
The term “sinful nature” in the NIV is translated from the Greek word “sárks,” meaning “flesh.” It can refer to natural human desires but often highlights how they lead us away from God’s intentions. Just as Adam sought to “be like God,” we are driven by self-centered desires, meriting God’s punishment.
This may seem unfair – why should Adam’s sin render us sinful and guilty? Romans clarifies this, illustrating the power of Christ’s grace:
“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned… For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:12, 17 NIV).
This premise—that Adam’s sin entrapped us in sin and death—enables Christ’s perfect sacrifice to liberate us. However, if Adam’s sin gave us a sinful nature, shouldn’t Christ’s sacrifice remove it?
The Ongoing Struggle with Sin
James 3:2 states, “We all stumble in many ways” (NIV), and James 5:16 urges believers to confess their sins and pray for each other, indicating an ongoing struggle. Other scriptures also address sin within the church and recount sins committed by prominent believers like Moses, David, and Peter.
These experiences resonate with our struggles with temptation and weakness. Yet, some passages describe believers as being “dead” to sin and “free” from its power:
“We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning” (1 John 5:18, ESV).
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24, ESV).
These passages suggest a transformation post-salvation. How can Christians struggle with sin and yet be free from it? The answer lies in understanding salvation and sanctification.
Salvation and Sanctification
Salvation frees us from sin’s punishment. Christ’s sacrifice cleanses us of guilt. However, salvation is the beginning. It opens the door to sanctification—freedom from sin’s power.
Unlike salvation, sanctification is a lifelong process of becoming more Christ-like. Upon receiving salvation, we also receive the Holy Spirit to guide us:
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it… The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:12-17, NIV).
God, instead of removing temptation, gave us the Holy Spirit to guide us towards love and righteousness. This new desire diminishes sin’s appeal. This work of the Holy Spirit is the “firstfruit” of a future complete redemption.
The Importance of Understanding Our Sinful Nature
Theological concepts like “original sin” and “sinful nature” may seem abstract but are important for understanding the core truths of Scripture. They help us comprehend why we need Christ and the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives.
God is the hero of the Gospel story, and sin is the villain. Without understanding sin, the Gospel story remains incomplete. Grasping these theological themes deepens our appreciation of God’s plan and the extent of His love and sacrifice.
Understanding our sinful nature and the ongoing process of sanctification highlights the profound transformation and hope that Christ’s sacrifice brings into our lives.