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Questions & Answers

Overcoming Sin

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Spiritual Life › Overcoming Sin

The question

If the corruptible cannot inherit what is incorruptible (i.e. the kingdom of God), and no human being on earth can ever be without sin even if his life was one day on earth, (even if he confesses/repents he is bound to sin again) then how is it possible for us to inherit the kingdom of God when we will never be perfect here on earth?

Does God judge us based on us overcoming a sin; or based on our struggle with a particular sin even though we might not overcome it before our death? Is it possible that Our Lord would permit someone to struggle with a sin all his life without overcoming such a sin before death?

The answer

Our God is a loving and merciful God. He "desires all men to be saved" (1 Tim 2:4), He knows our weaknesses and recognizes the struggle we face to defeat the devil and overcome sin. After saying "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption" (1 Cor 15:50) St. Paul continues saying "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor 15:57,58). God gives the victory over sin and death though our Lord Jesus Christ. St. Paul asks us to be persistent, try our best without loosing hope. He assures us that our struggle will not be in vain; but the Lord will reward each one according to his effort.

Any sin can be overcome if we resolve to defeat it with  prayers and the help of the Lord. Set your mind diligently on the things of the Spirit, and you will experience how the Spirit of God moves in your life; and gives you a new focus and a new power to live for Him in purity and righteousness. Struggling against sin without giving up or giving in is in itself a victory over sin.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1199 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.