Biblical Answer

Can I still be a good Christian if I struggle with sin?

According to C.S. Lewis, becoming a Christian is not a guarantee of being perfect. He states that "Christ can enter, cleanse, and forgive you in a matter of seconds, but not a mature Christian." (Lewis, 5) This means that even as a Christian, one can still struggle with sin. In fact, Lewis shares that he struggled with sin even after becoming a Christian, and at times wondered if he was truly a Christian. This suggests that the Christian life is not a destination, but a journey where one continues to grow and struggle with sin.

However, it is not the presence of sin that defines a person's relationship with God. Lewis emphasizes that "Christ can and will complete His work" in our lives, even if we struggle with sin. This implies that our relationship with God is not based on our ability to be perfect, but on our faith in Jesus Christ. As Lewis notes, "you will still need to take that further step of faith and place your trust in Jesus Christ." (Lewis, 5) This trust is what allows us to experience God's forgiveness and cleansing, even in the midst of struggling with sin.

In conclusion, it is possible to be a good Christian even if one struggles with sin. As Lewis points out, the Christian life is not about being perfect, but about growing in our relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. While we may struggle with sin, we can still experience God's forgiveness and cleansing, and continue to grow in our Christian journey. Ultimately, it is not our ability to be good that defines our relationship with God, but our faith in Jesus Christ.