The Bible clearly teaches that all people are sinners and fall short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23). Even after we become Christians, we continue to struggle with sin in our lives. So in that sense, yes, believers do commit sins daily. However, the Bible also teaches that believers are a “new creation” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and we should strive to live holy lives that are pleasing to God.
Here are some key biblical truths about sin in the lives of Christians:
- We have a new nature in Christ that desires to please God, but we still struggle with our old sinful nature (Galatians 5:16-17).
- God has forgiven us of our sins, but we need to continually confess our sins to maintain close fellowship with God (1 John 1:9).
- Temptation to sin is inevitable, but God provides a way out of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).
- The Holy Spirit empowers us to say no to sin and yes to righteousness (Romans 8:13, Galatians 5:16).
- Sin causes a disruption in our relationship with God, but He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us when we confess (1 John 1:6-7).
While Christians still struggle with sin, the Bible calls us to “put off” the old lifestyle and fully embrace our new identity in Christ (Ephesians 4:22-24). Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can have victory over willful sin and aim to live holy lives. As we walk closely with God, reading His Word, praying and participating in fellowship with other believers, we can better resist temptation and avoid sinning deliberately (Psalm 119:9-11).
However, because of our fallen nature, Christians will inevitably still fall into sin at times – whether intentionally or unintentionally. Some key verses on the reality of ongoing sin in the lives of believers include:
- “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)
- “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:19)
- “If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:10)
Based on verses like these, most Christian theologians throughout church history have acknowledged that believers continue to sin daily in thought, word or deed, despite their new life in Christ. But these sins do not cause us to lose our salvation, rather they affect our fellowship with God. As the old hymn “Come Thou Fount” says regarding our propensity to wander from God, “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it; Prone to leave the God I love.”
Charles Spurgeon once said, “To be humble, and confess that we still have sin lingering within, is a very healthful sign. … Holiness shuts out sin from the heart, and eventually shuts it out of the life; but while we are imperfect, the infection which lurks within will show itself in actual sin.”
Saint Augustine offered a prayer that captures the ongoing struggle succinctly: “Lord, deliver me from that evil man – myself.” Even the godly apostle Paul admitted that he continued to have struggles between his old sinful nature and new nature in Christ (Romans 7:14-25). So biblical scholars widely agree that Christians do continue to sin daily in thought, word or action.
However, the Bible makes a distinction between willful, premeditated sin versus unintentional sins committed in weakness or ignorance. Hebrews 10:26 warns against deliberate, ongoing sin: “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.” 1 John 3:6-9 also differentiates between persisting in sin and occasional stumbling:
“No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil…. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.”
Based on this, theologians conclude that while Christians still sin daily in thought, word or deed, willful patterns of unrepentant sin reveal a heart that is not fully devoted to Christ.
In summary, because of the ongoing tension between our old and new natures, believers do commit sins daily. But Christianity is not just about forgiveness of sins, but transformation into Christ’s image. Our goal should be to walk in the Spirit, resist temptation and see consistent victory over sin. When we stumble, we have an advocate in Christ and need to quickly repent and move forward in obedience. Through God’s power, we can have increasing victory over willful sin patterns. The struggle remains daily, but God gives us everything we need for a holy life.
Now that we’ve considered the general question of whether Christians still sin daily, it may be helpful to look at some specific areas where believers often struggle with ongoing sin.
Common Daily Sins for Christians
While any type of sin can crop up in a Christian’s life, here are some common categories where believers tend to commit daily sins, knowingly or unknowingly:
Sins of Thought
- Covetousness – longing for or being discontent with what God has given us materially (Exodus 20:17)
- Lust – entertaining sexual thoughts about someone other than a spouse (Matthew 5:28)
- Bitterness – brooding over being hurt or offended (Ephesians 4:31)
- Pride – thinking too highly of oneself compared to others (Romans 12:3)
- Unbelief – doubting God’s Word, promises and faithfulness (Hebrews 3:12)
- Anxiety – worrying excessively about circumstances (Matthew 6:25-34)
- Resentment – stewing inwardly about being wronged (Hebrews 12:15)
These negative thought patterns and attitudes of the heart are unseen by others, but the Bible warns that what we think about continually influences our actions (Proverbs 23:7). That’s why Scripture instructs us to take every thought captive and think on what is pure, lovely and admirable (2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8).
Sins of Word
- Gossip – talking negatively about someone who is not present (Proverbs 20:19)
- Slander – making false accusations about others (Proverbs 10:18)
- Lying – deceiving others through our words (Colossians 3:9)
- Profanity – using foul language or taking the Lord’s name in vain (James 3:10)
- Flattery – excessive praise of others for personal gain (Proverbs 26:28)
- Boasting – bragging about one’s achievements (James 4:16)
What we say reveals much about our hearts. That’s why Jesus said we will have to give account for every careless word on judgment day (Matthew 12:36). Scripture urges us to speak truthfully, wholesomely and only what builds others up (Ephesians 4:25, 29).
Sins of Action
- Laziness – lacking diligence and initiative in carrying out duties (Proverbs 13:4)
- Drunkenness – impairment and loss of self-control through alcohol (Ephesians 5:18)
- Gluttony – overindulging appetites and lacking self-restraint (Proverbs 23:2)
- Hypocrisy – pretending to live one way publicly but acting differently in private (Matthew 23:25-28)
- Theft – taking what rightfully belongs to someone else (Exodus 20:15)
- Partiality – favoring certain people over others (James 2:9)
- Sexual immorality – any sexual activity outside of marriage (1 Corinthians 6:18)
Of course this isn’t an exhaustive list, but these are some common examples of sins of action believers wrestle with. That’s why we’re exhorted to walk wisely, make the most of our time and bring even our bodies under control by the Spirit’s power (Ephesians 5:15-18).
Overcoming Daily Sin
Living in a fallen world, having a sinful human nature and facing an adversary intent on tempting us, what strategies does God offer for having victory over daily sins?
Walk by the Spirit
Galatians 5:16 says “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” As believers, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit who empowers us to obey God’s commands and resist sin. When we walk closely with the Spirit through prayer, worship and saturating our minds with Scripture, we experience supernatural power to overcome temptation (1 John 4:4).
Put on the Armor of God
Ephesians 6 describes spiritual armor that enables us to stand against sin and the attacks of the enemy. Key pieces include the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith and sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Putting on this armor daily prepares us to resist temptation.
Flee Youthful Lusts
Rather than flirting with temptation, 2 Timothy 2:22 tells us to “flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness.” Getting away from compromising situations and replacing sinful thoughts with godly pursuits helps avoid stumbling.
Prayer and Fasting
Jesus said in Matthew 17:21 that prayer and fasting can strengthen our spiritual resistance against demonic strongholds. Fasting helps weaken the power of the flesh so the Spirit can empower victory.
Accountability and Confession
Admitting struggles and sins to other mature believers provides accountability to keep pressing forward (James 5:16). Staying plugged into Christian community rather than trying to battle alone is essential.
Identity in Christ
Remembering we are new creations with a holy God living within helps us walk differently than our old self (2 Corinthians 5:17). Sin no longer needs to master us (Romans 6:14).
The Bible is filled with examples of godly men and women who stumbled and struggled with sin like we do. Yet in each case, when they repented and returned to the Lord, He was quick to forgive, restore and strengthen them to walk uprightly once again. Every time we fail, God offers new hope and mercy to get back on the right path (Lamentations 3:22-23).
As believers, willful sin should greatly disturb us, while unintentional failures should lead us back to the cross. Charles Spurgeon said, “He who stands with his foot on the neck of his sins is the happiest man alive.” Though the battle continues daily, a life of holiness is possible as we rely on the Spirit’s power and God’s amazing grace.