For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:19-20)
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. (Romans 6:6-7)
If you are a believer like I am, you probably feel like you don't always live up to these verses. At least there are times when it is clear that our sinful nature still can have a hold on us. In fact the apostle John agreed when he wrote: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)
What's the deal? How can we understand this doctrine that with Christ we are freed from sin and yet we still sin? Thankfully John provides the answer for us in following verses:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. (1 John 1:9-10)
Read all of 1 John to get a better understanding for how this wonderful fellowship with Christ works. Look too at the verses there that explain the requirement for our obedience and continued repentance.
