In the Christian life, believers often come across a paradox: Scripture says we are dead to sin (Romans 6:11), yet we’re also told to put to death the deeds of the body (Romans 8:13) every day. How can both be true? If we’ve already died to sin, why must we keep killing it?

This tension lies at the heart of the Christian doctrine of sanctification and the ongoing work of spiritual growth. To understand it better, we must explore what it means to be “dead to sin,” why sin still influences our daily lives, and why the daily fight matters, eternally and practically.

Dead to Sin: A New Position

When the Apostle Paul says, “consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11), he’s talking about a change in status. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, believers have been transferred from the realm of sin to the realm of grace. Sin’s rule over us has been broken.

This is a positional truth, our spiritual identity. In Christ:

• We are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6).
• We’ve been given a new heart and a renewed mind (Ezekiel 36:26, Ephesians 4:23).
• We now belong to God, not to sin.

This means that sin no longer defines us. While we still commit sin, it no longer has ultimate authority over us. We are free, not to sin, but to obey.

Yet Sin Still Dwells: The Daily Reality

Despite our new identity, our experience tells us a complicated story: temptation is still real. Bad habits still haunt us. Old patterns can creep back into our lives.

Why? Because while we’ve been freed from sin’s penalty and mastery, the presence of sin remains. The flesh (our fallen nature) continues to wage war against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17). We live in the “already but not yet” tension of the Kingdom of God, redeemed, yet being sanctified; saved, yet still in process.

This is why Paul says in Colossians 3:5:

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness …”

Notice the active voice: put to death. The implication is that it’s ongoing.

Positional vs. Practical: The Dual Reality

The Christian life is marked by two simultaneous realities:

1. Positional Sanctification:

You are already made holy in Christ. You stand righteous before God legally and spiritually.

2. Progressive Sanctification:

You are being made holy in daily life. You grow in righteousness through the Spirit’s work and your obedience.

This dual truth is represented well in the phrase:

“The war is won, but battles remain.”

Jesus secured victory on the cross, but you’re called to live out that victory by fighting daily against sin. Think of it like being transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light, yet the shadows still press in.

Why Daily Killing Matters

1. To Align Experience with Identity

Daily resistance to sin isn’t earning your salvation, it’s living out what’s already true about you. As believers, our lives should reflect our union with Christ.

2. Because Sin Wants You Back

Sin is like a deposed tyrant still trying to wage guerrilla warfare. If left unchecked, it will influence your habits, relationships, and joy. As John Owen famously said:

“Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you.”

3. For Closer Fellowship with God

Unconfessed sin blocks intimacy with God (Psalm 66:18). When we actively resist sin, we grow in sensitivity to His Word, His voice, and His love.

4. As a Witness to the World

Your battle against sin is a testimony (to yourself and others) of the transforming power of the Gospel. Grace doesn’t just save; it changes.

A Lifelong Journey, Powered by Grace

Killing sin daily is hard work, but it’s not helpless work. You’re not fighting alone. The Holy Spirit empowers every step (Philippians 2:13). God is not just commanding obedience; He’s supplying strength.

And remember: the ultimate victory is not measured by perfection, but by persistence. A believer is not someone who never sins, but someone who never stops fighting.

So when you feel the struggle, take heart: the very presence of the battle is evidence of life. Dead people don’t fight. The fact that you’re fighting is proof you’re alive to God.

Conclusion

You are dead to sin; this is your identity. Yet you must kill sin daily, this is your mission. Embrace both truths. Rest in the finished work of Christ, and rise every day to fight in the power of the Spirit.

Because grace doesn’t just find you, it transforms you. And every small victory is a glimpse of the glory yet to come.

“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6