In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul makes a significant distinction between sin as a noun (a power or force) and himself (his personal identity). He presents sin not merely as an act of wrongdoing but as a dominant power that operates within human beings. This distinction is especially clear in Romans 6-8, where Paul describes sin as an enslaving force that resides in human nature.
Key Passages Explaining Sin as a Noun vs. Paul’s Personal Identity
1. Sin as a Master Over Humans (Romans 6)
In Romans 6:12-14, Paul describes sin (hamartia) as a ruling power:
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” (Romans 6:12-14, ESV)
- Here, sin is not just an action but a ruling force that seeks control over the believer.
- Paul commands Christians not to let sin “reign” in them, implying that sin is a power that seeks to dominate.
- However, through grace, believers are freed from the dominion of sin.
2. Sin Dwelling in Paul, but Not Identical to Him (Romans 7)
In Romans 7:17, 20, Paul explicitly states that sin is something inside him but separate from his true self:
“So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.” (Romans 7:17, ESV)
“Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.” (Romans 7:20, ESV)
- Paul separates himself (“I”) from sin—he recognizes that sin operates in him but is not him.
- Sin “dwells” in him, meaning it is a presence or force, not his identity.
- Paul experiences inner conflict: his mind delights in God’s law but his flesh is influenced by sin (Romans 7:22-23).
3. Sin as a Law Operating in Paul’s Flesh (Romans 7:21-23)
Paul describes sin as an active law or principle working against him:
“So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.” (Romans 7:21-23, ESV)
- Paul’s “inner being” (his renewed self) desires righteousness, but “sin” is still at work in his flesh.
- He calls sin a “law” or principle that wages war—it is not just occasional acts of wrongdoing, but a persistent power.
4. Freedom from Sin’s Power Through Christ (Romans 8)
In Romans 8:1-2, Paul declares that believers are set free from the power of sin through Christ:
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2, ESV)
- “The law of sin and death” refers to the ongoing force of sin that leads to destruction.
- Through Christ, believers are freed from this law of sin, and the Holy Spirit empowers them to overcome sin’s control.
Conclusion: Paul’s View of Sin as a Separate Entity
- Sin is not just an action but a ruling power that tries to dominate humans (Romans 6).
- Paul distinguishes sin from his true self, saying, “It is no longer I, but sin that dwells in me” (Romans 7:17, 20).
- Sin operates as a law or principle within human flesh, waging war against the renewed mind (Romans 7:21-23).
- Believers are freed from sin’s rule through Christ and the Spirit (Romans 8:1-2).
This distinction helps Christians understand that while they still struggle with sin, their identity is in Christ, not in sin. They are no longer slaves to sin but are empowered by the Spirit to walk in righteousness.