Being Dead to Sin

One of the essential truths in Christianity is that unbelievers are dead in their sins (Ephesians 2:1) and believers are dead to sin and alive in Christ (Romans 6:11). Many times, Christians struggle to understand whether to be dead to sin means we can not be tempted or even sin. To explore this subject, we shall first explain what it means for us to be dead in sin, and then examine the broader topic of being dead to sin. 

Dead in Sin

Paul, in his letter to the Ephesian church, reveals that they were once dead in their trespasses (Ephesians 2:1). This means they had no control over sin and were enslaved to it. The condition of being dead in sin has its origin in Adam; hence, it is deeply ingrained in us as his offspring on earth (Romans 5:12-21). Being ensnared by sin, our lives reflected our identity as sinners. This lifestyle of sin was contrary to what God expected and desired of us. Because of this, we were separated from God. The state of being dead in sin requires God’s gracious intervention for one to be freed. This is why God, in his mercy, sent his only Son to reconcile humanity to himself (John 3:16). Through faith in Christ, we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8). After one is born again, then we can begin talking about being dead to sin. 

Meaning of Being Dead to Sin

When the scriptures say we are dead to sin, it does not mean we are beyond temptation, nor does it mean we cannot sin, or that we are sinless. Before salvation, sin ruled our lives. We were lovers of what the world loves and thus enemies of God (1 John 2:15-16). When dead in sin, we were slaves to our sinful or fleshly desires as indicated in Galatians 5:16-21. This power and control of sin over our lives was overcome when Christ died on the cross. A profound transformation occurred in our lives when we gave our lives to Christ. It was a change of allegiance from being slaves to the power of sin to living for Christ. Paul says that our old self was crucified with Christ so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with and hence not governed by sin any longer (Romans 6:6). In Christ, sin no longer has dominion in a believer’s life as we have changed masters, from sin to righteousness, from death to life, and from Satan to Christ. 

Why Believers Still Sin

While the power of sin has been dealt with in Christ, its presence still lingers (1 Corinthians 15:52). Constantly, the old nature and the new nature are in battle. Galatians 5:16 states that the flesh and the Spirit are constantly at war to master our lives, and we have a responsibility to align our lives with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. To live victoriously in the midst of this perpetual struggle with sin, we must:

1. Seek the truth: Jesus declared that we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free (John 8:32). He also proclaimed that he is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). As we study his word, we get to know him more as he is the word (John 1:1-3). While head knowledge is just one step, we should study the word with the intention to live by it (James 1:22-24).  
2. Be renewed in our minds: The bible calls us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be renewed in our minds (Romans 12:2). We know that friendship with the world is enmity with God (1 John 2:15). Only renewed minds will know God’s good and perfect will for his people and thus live to please God.
3. Live by the Holy Spirit: The bible calls us to live by the Spirit. This means putting to death the deeds of the flesh. Our minds are to be set on that which is of the Spirit (Romans 8:5). An indication of a life led by the Spirit of God is peace and abundant life (Romans 8:6). Those who are led by the Spirit of God please God by abiding in his word (Romans 8:7-8). 

Misconceptions about Sin

There are many misconceptions about sin and Christianity. It is essential to lay them bare as we move along.

1. A believer is not above temptation: God has assured that we shall be tempted. He has also promised to find us a way out of every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Jesus was tempted in every way like us, yet he remained without sin (Hebrews 4:14-16). As his chosen people, we are not immune to temptation. Hence, we must expect temptation to come our way.
2. Can a believer sin? While in this world of sin, Christians continue to battle with sin. Not once shall we find a Christian having fallen into sin. The difference is that while a Christian can sin, they do not and must not cherish a lifestyle of sin (1 John 3:9). The Bible explains clearly that anyone who continues to live in sin will not enter into the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21). Hebrews 10:26-27 notes that if we continue living in sin, there is no other sacrifice left for us but a fearful expectation of judgment.
3. Should believers sin intentionally? By saying that a believer can sin, one may think it is okay to sin deliberately and then repent later. Paul cautions that the availability of grace is not a licence for sin (Romans 6:1-2). God calls us to test everything, avoid every evil, and hold on to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:20). 

Dead to Sin and Alive in Christ

In summary, being dead to sin means no longer living in the old ways of rebellion because we now belong to Christ. In him we have a new identity (John 1:12). By living as those who are dead to sin, we become witnesses to the world of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:14-16). When the heathen see believers live differently, they see a reflection of our Savior, strengthening our testimony of Christ. Every time we shun evil, we proclaim the resurrection power of our Lord and Savior. May we tirelessly offer ourselves to God in righteous living as those who have indeed been brought from death to life (Romans 6:13).