Can a Christian live in victory over sin? I will answer that question with a question: Which is more powerful, the effect of the Fall of Man or the resurrection of Jesus Christ?

It’s an important question.  Many Christians talk like they believe the former is more powerful. They say a Christian can never really have victory over sin this side of heaven. Stated a different way, they have a strong view of a sin and weak view of the resurrection.

They say the world will get worse over time as sinful man prevails even over the leavening work of the Gospel. The Gospel, they say, will not succeed on the earth until Jesus physically returns to impose His rule on mankind. Although they would never say it like this, they believe God is a loser in history.

Here’s how important the question is: If you do not believe you can live in holiness and resist the temptation to sin, you will almost certainly give into it. No one wants to engage in a futile task, particularly when it involves sacrifice or pain. As a result, those who believe they cannot resist sin are the ones most likely to engage in it. Their belief becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Conversely, those who believe they can overcome sin are more likely to resist it. What you believe really does affect what you can achieve when it comes to sanctification.

If you are a Christian, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you. (Romans 8:11) The same Spirit that defeated death can defeat sin. You can live in holiness. The same Spirit that changes you can change the world.

So, which is more powerful?  It’s a simple question. GS