Day 116

Of the fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment thereof.

Chapter 6, Paragraph 5.

“This corruption of nature, during this Life, doth remain in those that are regenerated:…“

Scripture Lookup

Romans 7:18,23

Ecclesiastes 7:20

1 John 1:8

Reflection

Repent, believe, and never sin again. Sounds good, doesn’t it? There are groups that do believe that Christians can reach a state of perfection in this life. But Scripture does not teach such a doctrine. While those in Christ are a new creation, and no longer slaves to sin, the corrupted nature inherited from Adam and Eve still remains. The Christian life is marked by a struggle with sin.

Oftentimes we read about the remaining corruption of sin in the believer, and we recognize it in ourselves. Yes, although we are called to holiness I still sin; yes, my struggle with sin is why Jesus came; yes, He has forgiven me and yes, He is sanctifying me. But do we recognize the same in our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? Do we acknowledge that although they are called to holiness, they still sin? Do we realize that Jesus came due to their struggle with sin? That they are forgiven by Him, and are being sanctified by Him? May we be careful to be gracious with other Christians, knowing that they also are not perfect.

So as Christians, we press onward while fighting the corruption that remains in us. Thankfully, we are not alone in the fight. God Himself is renewing us, and it is by His strength that we are able to overcome. May we continue to lean upon Him and not ourselves, knowing that He is the only One who can change our fallen nature.

Questions to Consider

• As a Christian, are you surprised when you sin?