The sin nature is the fallen nature that was passed down to us due to Adam’s fall. The Lord does not remove it at salvation and if it is not addressed properly, it will control or dominate us even as Christians.
The following are the ways it typically has been addressed by Christians, with the last being the only way to victory:
IGNORANCE – Much of the church has little or no knowledge of the sin nature.
DENIAL – The belief that although the sin nature was present prior to becoming a Christian, once saved we no longer have a sin nature. Paul tells us the very opposite in the following verse: “For sin (the sin nature) shall not have dominion over you” (Roman’s 6:14). So, we can see that the sin nature is still present and needs to be addressed after we become Christians.
LICENSE – The idea that because we have a sin nature we can’t help but sin. Paul said “Shall we continue to sin, that Grace may abound? God forbid.” Roman’s 6:1,2. We are saved out of sin by the Lord.
STRUGGLE – The belief that we must struggle against sin in our daily lives. This is not Christianity. We will fail in our efforts and live a most miserable life.
GRACE– The only way of victory. We place our faith in Christ and His great work at the Cross and maintain it there. This allows the Holy Sprit to work in our lives and bring us victory. If we do sin, we are to repent (1 John 1:9) and maintain our faith in Christ and Him crucified and the Holy Spirit will work mightily in our lives and bring the victory we so desire.
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Roman’s 8:2. We see here that this is a law (the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus). It is the only law that is more powerful than the law of sin and death. The Holy Spirit will work mightily in our lives as we place our faith in Christ and Him crucified. The battle is truly the Lord’s.
Portions from “The Sin Nature” (pages 170-173 ) by Jimmy Swaggart
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