Is sin a daily reality for us? Can we go an entire day without sinning?
There is no Bible verse that specifically states we sin every single day. However, the Bible is clear all people have sinned: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Because of sin, we stand in need of reconciliation with God. This happens when we believe in Jesus as God's Son who lived a sinless life, died on our behalf, and rose from the dead; by His grace and through faith in Him we can be forgiven and receive eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 10:9).
In addition, even as Christians we struggle with sin. We are forgiven (1 John 1:9) and have the ability to overcome temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), yet still struggle with sin (Romans 7).
Sin can take place in a variety of forms, including thoughts, words, and actions. For example, Jesus taught that adultery was sinful, as well as looking at a woman with lust (Matthew 5:27-28). Murder was sinful, as well as thinking hateful, angry thoughts about another person (Matthew 5:21-26).
One must also consider that "whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin" (James 4:17). We have been commanded to love God with the entirety of our being and to love others as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31; Matthew 22:37-39). When we fail to do so, it is sin.
With the standards Jesus gave, it is clear we each sin on a regular basis. As the apostle Paul neared the end of his life, he appeared to view his life as more sinful rather than less sinful as he better learned about the seriousness of his sins to God: "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost" (1 Timothy 1:15).
Is it possible to go an entire day without sinning? If we are conscious for any period of time, we are likely to think at least one sinful thought, speak one sinful word, or make one sinful action.
However, this reality is not cause for despair. When we realize the extent of our sin, it causes us to realize our deep need for God, the breadth of His forgiveness, and the wonder of His grace to provide our salvation. Even the person who sins the least on earth has sinned many times. This is why Paul could write, "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin" (Romans 7:24-25). Realizing the depths of our depravity helps us to see the extent of God's grace. And it is cause for great praise. He has saved us in Christ and is faithful to continually forgive us (1 John 1:8-10). Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8).
Not only that, but we've also been equipped and encouraged in the battle against sin. With God's help, we resist the attacks of spiritual evil and depend on our Lord for help: "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith" (1 Peter 5:8-9). Ephesians 6:12-13 teaches us to put on the full armor of God, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." Hebrews 10:23-25 says, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
The battle with sin is real, but in Christ we are victorious and can rest assured that we are completely forgiven and sealed in Him (Hebrews 10:11-14; 1 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 1:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
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