Topical Bible: Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them

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In Christian theology, the concept of sin in the life of a believer, or saint, is a topic of significant importance. While saints are those who have been set apart by God and redeemed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the presence of sin remains a reality in their earthly lives. This entry explores the biblical understanding of the remnants of sin in the lives of saints, drawing from scriptural references and theological insights.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul addresses the ongoing struggle with sin in the life of a believer in several of his epistles. In Romans 7:18-20 , Paul writes, "For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do. And if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." This passage highlights the internal conflict that saints experience, as the remnants of sin continue to influence their actions despite their desire to live righteously.

The Nature of the Struggle

The struggle with sin is not indicative of a lack of salvation but rather a reflection of the ongoing process of sanctification. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, transforming them into the likeness of Christ. Philippians 1:6 assures believers of this process: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."

The Dual Nature of the Believer

The believer's dual nature is a key aspect of understanding the presence of sin in their life. While they are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), they still contend with the old nature, often referred to as the "flesh." Galatians 5:17 states, "For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to one another, so that you do not do what you want."

Victory Over Sin

Despite the ongoing presence of sin, believers are not left without hope or resources. Romans 6:14 declares, "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." Through the power of the Holy Spirit, saints are equipped to overcome sin and live in obedience to God. Ephesians 6:10-11 encourages believers to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes."

The Role of Confession and Repentance

Confession and repentance are vital practices for saints in dealing with the remnants of sin. 1 John 1:9 promises, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This ongoing cycle of confession and repentance is part of the believer's journey toward holiness.

Conclusion

The presence of sin in the life of a saint is a complex reality that underscores the need for continual reliance on God's grace and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. While the remnants of sin persist, the promise of ultimate victory and sanctification remains assured through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 7:17,23
Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 5:17
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Sin in Believers
... are justified; what wonder that we have so many ... doctrine does not encourage to obey
sin, but to ... sound doctrine "once delivered to the saints," and delivered ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 13 on sin in.htm

Prison Meditations Directed to the Heart of Suffering Saints and ...
... garments white; Here, though in bonds, I have release From ... Here come the angels,
here come saints, Here comes ... lively, strong and bold Thus to oppose their sin. ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/prison meditations directed to the.htm

Against the Belief of those who Think that the Sins which have ...
... from this petition to indulge in habitual sin maintain that ... person commends himself
to one of the saints, and says ... what that kind of life we have been speaking ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 27 against the belief of.htm

Easter Sunday
... Much of the old leaven still remains, but it will be ... Note, one thing the text teaches:
Even the saints have weakness, uncleanness and sin yet to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter sunday.htm

The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed.
... in this covenant and though thou fall into sin, yet wouldst not ... any man draw back,
his soul shall have no pleasure ... it, that the rest of the saints belongs not ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iv the character of.htm

Confession
... not been for certain circumstances he would not have done this ... not seek to shield
himself; he paints his sin in its ... He says, "Many of the saints did I shut up ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 4 confession.htm

David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah.
... but they did not long continue in sin""When they ... they allege not that which
distinguished them as saints, but that ... This they may have in full, and yet be of ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon x davids sin in.htm

The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth.
... thee sensible of this sin, as of any sin in the ... How little of God the saints enjoy
under the best means ... rest there upon the cross, would he not have taken it ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter x the saints rest.htm

Saints, Sages, and Saviors: the Law of Service
... of the sage, sitting serene and holy, the conqueror of sin and sorrow ... The saints,
sages, and saviors of all time are they who have submitted themselves to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/saints sages and saviors the.htm

"And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because of Sin; but the ...
... showing, in his own example, how much sin remains in the ... is furnished to the chiefest
of saints, and yet, in ... of Christians,"that, as the best have reason to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxvi and if christ.htm