Experiencing Ongoing Freedom

The Christian life presents a profound paradox: believers are declared fully forgiven and reconciled to God, yet the reality of indwelling sin persists. This tension often leads to a crucial question: if one is truly redeemed, why does sin continue to manifest? The apostle Paul, particularly in his letter to the Romans, addresses this very dilemma, offering insights into how believers can experience ongoing freedom not from the presence of sin, but within its ongoing struggle. This journey involves understanding one’s new identity in Christ, embracing the spiritual battle, and actively retraining one’s character through practices of honesty, confession, repentance, forgiveness, and making amends.

The Paradox of Christian Freedom

At the moment of conversion, a profound transformation occurs. Through faith in Jesus Christ, individuals are forgiven, redeemed, reconciled, and justified. These are not merely theological concepts but realities of God’s work in a believer’s life, marking a definitive point in time when one’s sin is transferred to Christ and Christ’s righteousness is imputed to the believer. However, this instantaneous change does not eradicate the presence of sin from one’s inner being.

The human will, often considered the engine room of one’s spirit, drives action. Before embracing the gospel, this will is dominated by the “flesh”—the inherent inclination toward autonomy and self-rule, apart from God. While some individuals may exhibit greater morality than others through sheer willpower, this state offers no solution to indwelling sin. Yet, upon conversion, the Spirit of God takes residence within the believer’s will, creating an internal dynamic where the flesh and the Spirit are in opposition.

Galatians 5:17 (NASB) For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

This internal conflict is a defining characteristic of the Christian life, a continuous battle between desires of the flesh and the leading of the Spirit. It is not an anomaly but an expected feature of the believer’s journey, often characterized by a feeling of “one step forward, two steps back.” The challenge then becomes how to live in such a way that the Spirit of God, rather than the flesh, governs one’s actions and attitudes, allowing for the experience of ongoing freedom.

Understanding Freedom from Sin’s Mastery

Paul’s epistle to the Romans meticulously builds a case for humanity’s pervasive depravity in chapters 1-3, asserting that “none is righteous, no, not one.”

Romans 3:10 (NASB) as it is written, ’THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;

This stark reality underscores the universal need for a Savior. Chapters 4-5 then introduce God’s gracious solution: salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to provide new life.

Romans 5:20-21 (NASB) The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

These verses highlight a critical shift in authority—from the reign of sin to the reign of grace. Before Christ, individuals were enslaved to sin, with no alternative. In Christ, however, a “kingdom transfer” occurs, liberating believers from sin’s dominion and placing them under the authority of grace. This new kingdom operates on a principle where, “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.”

Romans 5:20 (NASB) The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,

This leads to a natural, albeit flawed, question: “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?”

Romans 6:1 (NASB) What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?

Paul’s emphatic response—“By no means!”—underscores a profound theological truth:

Romans 6:2 (NASB) May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?

To be “dead to sin” does not imply the absence of sin’s presence or influence in one’s life. Rather, it signifies freedom from its mastery and obligation. Just as a former athlete is no longer obligated to their coach’s commands after leaving the team, a believer, having experienced a kingdom transfer, is no longer bound by sin’s tyrannical rule. The influence and presence of sin may remain, but its authoritative claim is broken. Through identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, believers are freed from sin’s slavery.

Romans 6:3-7 (NASB) Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with [Him] in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be [in the likeness] of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with [Him], in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.

This identification enables a newness of life, a liberation from the chains that once bound one to the old life of sin. The old self, crucified with Christ, means that the “body of sin” is rendered powerless, breaking the cycle of slavery.

Romans 6:6-7 (NASB) knowing this, that our old self was crucified with [Him], in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.

This freedom is not from sin’s influence or presence, but from its mastery. The misconception that conversion eliminates all future sin is a false gospel; the ongoing battle between the Spirit and the flesh is a continuous reality of Christian existence.

Living in the Reality of New Life

The reality of Christ’s triumph over death means that believers, united with Him, are also raised to new life. Death no longer holds dominion over Christ, and similarly, sin no longer holds dominion over those in Him.

Romans 6:8-9 (NASB) Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him.

Therefore, believers are called to “consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 6:11 (NASB) Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

This “considering” is an act of spiritual calculation, a conscious decision to live according to the truth of one’s new identity. If one is truly dead to sin’s mastery and alive to God, then one ought to live as if that reality is true. This means actively choosing not to allow sin to reign in one’s mortal body by obeying its lusts.

Romans 6:12 (NASB) Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts,

Instead, believers are to present their bodies, not as instruments of unrighteousness, but as “instruments for righteousness to God.”

Romans 6:13 (NASB) and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness to God.

This is possible because “sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”

Romans 6:14 (NASB) For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

To be “under law” implies attempting to obey God’s commands through self-effort, a futile endeavor for fallen humanity. To be “under grace,” however, signifies living by the power of God’s Spirit, which enables obedience from the heart. The gospel conquers the old model of self-righteousness, freeing believers from sin and making them “slaves of righteousness.”

Romans 6:17-18 (NASB) But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

Embracing the Mess: The Ongoing Struggle

While Romans 6 articulates the ideal of freedom, Romans 7 candidly describes the ongoing struggle believers experience. Paul himself laments the internal conflict:

Romans 7:15 (NASB) For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I [would] like to [do], but I am doing the very thing I hate.

He recognizes that the problem is not entirely fixed; mastery is broken, but influence and presence remain. The natural bent toward autonomy means that even in Christ, individuals will tend to live in the flesh. This tension is a constant feature of the Christian life, not a bug. However, this struggle does not lead to condemnation.

Romans 8:1 (NASB) Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

This assurance is foundational to experiencing ongoing freedom. A common misconception is that spiritual maturity equates to less sin. In reality, greater maturity often brings a heightened awareness of sin—not just its outward manifestations, but its deeper roots in motives, causes, and trauma. God invites believers on a journey of deeper freedom, exploring not just what one does, but why one does it. This journey involves five key components:

Components of Ongoing Freedom

1. Honesty

Honesty is the courageous act of holding up a mirror to one’s life, allowing God to reveal what is truly happening within. It involves introspection, acknowledging hidden issues, and resisting the urge to cover them up with a “false self.” The psalmist prayed:

Psalms 139:23-24 (NASB) Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.

This honest self-assessment can be likened to exploring a “cauldron.” The “bling” at the surface represents superficial pleasantries—what one is willing to discuss before discomfort sets in. Below this lies a layer of “unfeeling,” where emotions like fear, anger, or sadness exist without clear articulation. The true depth of the cauldron, however, holds the root issues: trauma, abuse, neglect, and the underlying sin that drives outward behaviors. Courageously exploring these depths reveals the presence of the Holy Spirit, who meets individuals with love and acceptance, without shame or guilt. It also reveals one’s dual reality as both a sinner and a sufferer, acknowledging both personal culpability and the wounds inflicted by others.

2. Confession

Confession is the verbal acknowledgment of sin. Concealing transgressions hinders spiritual prosperity, while confessing and forsaking them brings compassion.

Proverbs 28:13 (NASB) He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes [them] will find compassion.

David’s experience after his adultery and murder illustrates the heavy burden of unconfessed sin and the relief that comes with honest confession.

Psalms 32:3-5 (NASB) When I kept silent [about my sin], my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away [as] with the fever heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.

Confession involves owning one’s actions first to God, and then, where appropriate, to others. The Bible encourages mutual confession among believers, not for judgment, but for healing and connection.

James 5:16 (NASB) Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Confessing sin, though often difficult due to pride and the desire for self-justification, fosters profound freedom and relational connection.

3. Repentance

Repentance signifies a decisive turn—a change of attitude and action from sin toward obedience to God. It is not merely feeling sorry, but actively moving in the opposite direction of temptation. For instance, instead of indulging in “youthful lusts,” one is called to “flee” them and “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.”

2 Timothy 2:22 (NASB) Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love [and] peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Repentance can be motivated by conviction, a gentle prompting from the Spirit, or by consequence, when the destructive impact of sin becomes undeniable. It requires a clear, intentional shift in direction, not a subtle course correction.

4. Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a multi-faceted component of ongoing freedom. First, it is offered by God to those who confess their sins.

1 John 1:9 (NASB) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This divine forgiveness is comprehensive, purifying believers from “all unrighteousness.” Second, forgiveness is extended to believers by others, as they are called to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, mirroring God’s forgiveness in Christ.

Ephesians 4:32 (NASB) Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Third, believers are called to offer forgiveness to those who repent, even repeatedly.

Luke 17:3-4 (NASB) ’Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. ’And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.’

Forgiveness, a byproduct of the gospel’s work, enables believers to love much because they have been loved and forgiven much.

5. Amends

Amends involve making someone whole due to the harm caused by one’s sin. This goes beyond confession and repentance to actively seeking to rectify wrongs where possible. The story of Zacchaeus exemplifies this principle. After encountering Jesus and embracing the gospel, Zacchaeus declared:

Luke 19:8 (NASB) Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.’

Making amends demonstrates a tangible commitment to righteousness and seeks to restore what was broken or defrauded. It acknowledges that sin often carries a price that requires active remediation.

Retraining in the Spirit

Experiencing ongoing freedom requires a conscious decision to “retrain in the Spirit.” Just as one might train a non-dominant arm to become as effective as the dominant one through consistent practice, believers must intentionally cultivate spiritual habits that align with their new identity in Christ. This retraining begins with presenting one’s will to God, not just as a one-time decision but as a moment-by-moment surrender.

The will can manifest in three states: “willful,” where individuals rely on self-effort to change behavior, which is commendable but ultimately ineffective; “will-less,” characterized by defeat and surrender to the flesh; or “willing,” a posture of humble submission to God. The “willing” heart acknowledges one’s brokenness and desire for autonomy, yet chooses to be present with God in all circumstances—in anger, fear, insecurity, or the desire to numb out. In this posture, one experiences God’s unconditional love, which is present even in one’s “bad,” not just in one’s virtue. God does not shame but accompanies the believer through the mess.

The retraining of character then occurs through the consistent application of the five components: honesty, confession, repentance, forgiveness, and amends. This process, though initially awkward and clumsy, gradually strengthens one’s capacity to walk by the Spirit. As one scholar notes, “goodness of the will can only be sustained by goodness in the character, and the goodness in the character is only experienced by retraining.” This concept is deeply biblical, as Paul encourages believers to “train yourself for godliness,” recognizing its eternal value over physical training.

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NASB) But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and [also] for the [life] to come.

The author of Hebrews also speaks of mature believers who, “because of practice, have trained their senses to discern good and evil.”

Hebrews 5:14 (NASB) But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

This journey is not about coasting to glory but actively engaging in a transformative process. God desires more for believers than from them—a life of “fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore” in His presence.

Psalms 16:11 (NASB) You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

This ongoing battle is not meant to shame but to invite deeper openness to God. Through honesty, confession, repentance, forgiveness, and amends, believers can experience the Christian life as a journey of retraining by His Spirit, for His glory and their ultimate good.

Conclusion

The Christian life is characterized by the ongoing tension between being declared free from sin’s mastery and experiencing its persistent presence and influence. This paradox is not a flaw but an invitation to a deeper, more authentic walk with God. While the gospel provides instantaneous forgiveness and a new identity, the journey of ongoing freedom is a continuous process of retraining the will and character in the Spirit. By embracing honesty about one’s inner struggles, practicing consistent confession, actively repenting from sin, extending and receiving forgiveness, and making amends where necessary, believers can navigate the complexities of indwelling sin. This disciplined practice, though challenging, allows for a progressive transformation, enabling individuals to live increasingly by God’s Spirit, experiencing His love and grace not just in moments of virtue, but even in the midst of their brokenness, leading to a life that honors God and blesses the believer.