If I am a New Creation, Why Do I Still Struggle with Sin?

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:10).

It is true that my old self has been crucified with Christ and that it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

Theologically, this is an absolutely true statement. That is what happens when we repent and believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

If this is true, then how come I still struggle with sin every single day? If this is true, if someone were to observe my life, see my thoughts, see my desires would they be able to see that Christ is the one living in me?

What are we supposed to do with this sin that we struggle with? Am I doing something wrong? Did I miss something? Why do I struggle with sin if Jesus is the one living in me?

That’s a great question.

Here’s the thing. While it is true that Christ lives in me, my old nature and flesh hasn’t gone away. In fact, the new nature, the new creation still lives in the old nature and flesh. And every day, every moment there is a war between the old and the new nature.

So, if you are struggling and battling with sin, that’s great! Keep at it. Don’t quit. Don’t give into sin. Keep fighting sin.

When Christ returns and when we are reunited with Christ, this flesh and this body will be destroyed. We will be given new bodies: bodies that no longer wage war with the new nature and new creation.

But as long as we live in this body we will wrestle with sin.

That we are wrestling is a sign that the Spirit and Christ is alive and well within us.

Keep battling. Keep going. Don’t ever give into sin.