The Bible plainly states that all men have sinned (Romans 3:23). Sin, though not inherited, has been a plague of each generation of mankind. Each individual sins and is responsible for their sins.
Ezekiel wrote, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him” (Ezekiel 18:20).
The battle against sin can be won, but it will not be won unless we keep our guard up against all attacks.
Soldiers in the army of God must never forget their armor and ever keep a watchful eye.
Paul wrote, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:13-17).
The child of God knows there is a way of escaping the temptation to sin, for the Bible tells us, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
The problem is, many times, one fails to look for the way of escape because of their own lust, and that lust causes sin to occur. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God, for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then, when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin, and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:12-15).
If a man will only open the word of God, study its contents and obey its commands, he can overcome sin. God’s word has the answers to all life’s problems. If you will put your faith and trust in God, you can face the worst situations and still survive.
This faith is developed by the study of the Bible. Paul tells about this: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17); “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
This faith leads to a desire to obey God, by following God’s pattern for salvation; Faith, repentance (Luke 13:30), confession of Christ as the Son of God (Matthew 10:32-33); baptism into Christ (Galatians 3:27) and the desire to live faithfully (Revelation 2:10), standing faithfully against sin.
You can win in the battle with sin, but you must want to win and please God. The choice is left to each individual.