We are a new creation in Christ Jesus — made new through His death and resurrection, given to us by Word and Sacrament.
But if that’s true, why do we still sin?
This is something every Christian struggles with.
Scripture declares us perfectly righteous in Christ. Romans 5:1 says, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Yet we still sin.
Paul wrestled with this too. In Romans 7, he confesses, “I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”
So what’s going on? The answer is that we are both sinner and saint.
We are new in Christ, but we still carry the old Adam, the sinful self that clings to the devil, sin, and even death.
But Scripture assures us: the old Adam will not win. Christ does.
The righteous self, created by Jesus, will triumph. We will see this fully when we’re raised from the dead and meet the Lord face to face.
Until then, we struggle with temptation, with sin, with weakness. But we are not alone.
Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit, our comforter and strength.
And when we fall, that does not undo who we are in Christ. We are still His new creation.
As 1 John 1 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” And Romans 8 declares, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
We are justified which means we are declared righteous right now, and one day, we will see that righteousness perfectly.
For now, we cling to Christ, who has promised that sin will not separate us from Him.
Contributor Chris Brademeyer is Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oakes, ND.
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