There are certain phrases in Christian theology that can sound heavy, even foreign, depending on the tradition we come from. One of those phrases is the mortification of sin. For some, it brings to mind old books, stern warnings, or an overly rigid spirituality. For others, it is familiar language, deeply rooted in how they understand sanctification and spiritual growth.
Our theological perspectives do shape how we describe these things. Someone from a Reformed tradition may speak of mortification in one way. Someone from a Wesleyan or Arminian stream may frame it differently, using language like surrender, obedience, or victory over sin. Yet beneath the vocabulary, there is far more agreement than we sometimes realize. Scripture calls all believers to deal seriously with sin, not casually or recreationally, but with intentional, Spirit-empowered resolve.
At its core, mortifying sin is not about becoming legalistic, joyless, or prudish. It is about pursuing Jesus with an undivided heart.
The New Testament is remarkably direct when it comes to the believer’s relationship with sin. Paul writes about this in Colossians 3, when he says:
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” — Colossians 3:5 (NIV)
In another letter, one to the believers in Galatia, he writes:
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (NIV)
Notice the balance. This is not self-powered moral reform, nor is it passive spirituality. We are called to act, yet always by the Spirit. We die to sin, but we do so because Christ lives in us.
Jesus Himself framed discipleship for us another way. In Luke 9, He says:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” — Luke 9:23 (NIV)
I want you to see that dying to self, crucifying the flesh, walking in the Spirit, and living a holy life are not separate ideas. Rather, they are different angles of the same call. The call to, “Follow Me.”
Experiencing Victory Over Sin
One of the quiet lies the enemy whispers, and one believers sometimes accept, is that ongoing defeat is normal and that real victory over sin, or victory in life at all, is unrealistic. Those assumptions do not come from Scripture. They contradict the heart of the gospel and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible never presents sanctification as effortless, but it consistently presents it as possible. Sanctification is not merely a position we claim or a platform we stand on. It is a process we walk through and a pursuit we commit ourselves to. Because of that, a Christ-centered life marked by real change is not wishful thinking. It is a lived reality made possible by grace. The journey is demanding, but it is never hopeless.
As Paul declares in Galatians 5,
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” — Galatians 5:24 (NIV)
This does not mean that somehow our temptations disappear overnight or that the struggle with sin vanishes from our lives in a moment. It does mean that sin no longer holds authority over us. It no longer defines who we are or has the power to direct our lives. By the power and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, patterns can change. Habits can be broken. Desires can be reordered. And genuine freedom can deepen and grow.
The idea of us experiencing victory over sin is not about perfection. It is about our growth and refining. It is about progress shaped by grace, sustained by the Spirit, and anchored in our ongoing (and deliberate) pursuit of Jesus.
Living Intentionally
It means moving from casual belief to intentional obedience. It means laying aside the notion that abstract theology alone is sufficient. Faith must be lived, not merely affirmed. We go beyond holding the right beliefs and intentionally embrace a life shaped by those beliefs. Orthodoxy matters, but it must give rise to a godly orthopraxy.
This is where the rubber meets the road in everyday life. It shows up in the ordinary, often unnoticed decisions we make day after day, where what we believe quietly but powerfully shapes how we live.
- It is revealed in what we allow into our minds and hearts through what we watch.
- It shows up in how we speak to others, not only in our words, but in the tone, posture, and attitudes we carry.
- It surfaces in what we excuse or justify in our own behavior simply because “everyone does it.”
- And it is evident in the habits we return to for comfort, even when they quietly pull us away from the convictions we claim to hold.
Living a holy life means choosing, again and again, to say yes to Jesus and no to anything that competes for our heart. Not out of fear. Not out of pressure. But out of love.
The call to mortify sin is really an invitation to live free. Free from divided loyalties. Free from secret compromises. Free to walk closely with Jesus.
Not because we have to earn His love. But because we already have it.
Reflection and Application
Take a few moments to consider:
- Are there areas where sin has become familiar or tolerated rather than confronted?
- What practices are shaping the rhythm of your life right now?
- Where might the Spirit be inviting you to deeper surrender, not harsher self-judgment?
Ask the Lord not only what needs to be removed, but what needs to be replaced with His presence and truth.
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, I thank you for loving me. In response, I want my love for you to lead me to live a life that pleases You. So I invite you today to search my heart and point out anything (and everything), that is pulling me away from You. By Your Spirit, give me the strength to say no to sin and yes to righteousness. Guard my heart and mind. Form new desires within me that reflect Your love and holiness. I choose today to walk in the Spirit and follow You with an undivided heart. Amen.