Daily Devotion

“Christians are both righteous and sinners throughout this life. We are fully accepted in Christ, yet we still need to repent daily within ourselves.”

Martin Luther · Lectures on Romans

Scripture

Romans 6:11 So you also must regard yourselves as dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Reflection

Martin Luther said that Christians are "both righteous and sinners" in this life. Romans 8:13 presents this tension before us: we have life in Christ, yet we may still choose to submit to the flesh and face death. The passage doesn't tell us to rely on willpower for self-discipline, but clearly points to the only path—"to put to death by the Spirit." This reminds me that sanctification is not denying our continued weakness, nor is it indulging in weakness, but rather acknowledging our need for the Holy Spirit's ongoing work in every real struggle. True repentance is not looking at oneself in despair, but turning to rely on the Lord who has already accepted me.