The Struggle Within—Indwelling Sin in the Believer (Chapter 6, Paragraph 5)

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

The new birth does not eradicate all sin from the believer. While regeneration gives us a new heart and a new direction, it does not make us perfect. The sinful nature remains, though it no longer reigns. This is the consistent witness of Scripture. Paul said, “I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand” (Rom. 7:21).

We are not sinless, but we are no longer slaves to sin (Rom. 6:14). The presence of sin persists, but the power of sin is broken.

“…and although it be through Christ pardoned and mortified…”

Praise God, our sin is pardoned—declared forgiven on the basis of Christ’s atoning work. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). And it is being mortified—put to death—through the Spirit. Sanctification is a real and progressive work. Believers grieve their sin, resist its pull, and grow in righteousness.

Yet we must not presume upon our progress. Indwelling sin is deceptive and persistent. The Christian life is a fight: against temptation, against self, and against the world. But Christ is with us in the struggle.

“…yet both itself, and the first motions thereof, are truly and properly sin.”

This statement guards against any notion that sin in the believer is excusable. Even the first stirrings of sin—the inward motions of pride, envy, lust, fear, or anger—are truly sinful. Jesus taught that sin begins in the heart (Matt. 5:28). Even when we do not act upon sinful desires, their very presence in us is contrary to God’s holiness.

This truth humbles us. It teaches us to watch our hearts carefully, to pray for cleansing not only from outward sins but from inward corruption.

“…yet being quickened and supported by the Spirit, the regenerate part doth overcome…”

This is where hope shines. The believer has a new principle of life—the indwelling Holy Spirit. Though the flesh remains, it is not left to dominate unchecked. The Spirit empowers, convicts, strengthens, and assures. Philippians 1:6 promises, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Victory may not be immediate or easy, but it is promised. “Walk by the Spirit,” Paul says, “and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16).

“…and so the saints grow in grace…”

The Christian life is one of growth. Not perfection in this life, but progression—slow, sometimes painful, but real. The Spirit is sanctifying every true believer, shaping us more and more into the likeness of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18). We grow in grace not by trying harder alone, but by abiding in Christ, feeding on His Word, praying, and living in fellowship with the church.

“…perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

This is the goal of the Christian life: to become increasingly holy—not outwardly impressive, but inwardly reverent. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). It drives us to pursue obedience not out of dread, but out of love and awe. We long not merely to avoid sin, but to please our Redeemer, who bought us with His blood.

Application for the Believer:

Do not despair when you find sin still active in your heart. It is not evidence that God has abandoned you—but that the war has begun. Unbelievers do not struggle with indwelling sin; they are at peace with it. Believers feel the tension because the Spirit is at work. So fight—with the Word, with prayer, and with the church around you. Be patient with your growth, but never content with your sin. One day, the battle will be over, and you will see your Savior face to face. Until then, press on. Grace is sufficient, and the Spirit will sustain you.