Romans 7 vs. Romans 8: Struggle or Victory?

Romans 7:14–20 is one of the most frequently misunderstood and misused passages of Scripture:

“For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I... Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me…” (Rom. 7:14–20)

In this passage, the apostle Paul describes a person in deep spiritual conflict—a person who is carnal, enslaved to sin, and incapable of doing what is right. Many interpret this as Paul's own experience as a Christian, and by extension, as a description of the normal Christian life: one marked by constant struggle, failure, and defeat.

But is that interpretation correct?

Paul speaks of being a "wretched man," sold under sin, unable to perform what is good and consistently doing what is evil. Yet, this condition is not the reality of one who has been united with Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. It is inconsistent with the victorious life promised in Romans 8.

The Clear Contrast in Romans 8
Those who hold that Romans 7 describes the Christian experience often overlook the very next chapter:

“To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace… So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you...” (Rom. 8:6–9)

This contrast makes it clear that the person described in Romans 7 is not a Spirit-filled believer but someone still under the power of the flesh. Such a person cannot walk in righteousness or experience the peace of God. Romans 8 declares that those in Christ are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, and that the Spirit gives life and freedom from the law of sin and death.

Rejecting the Theology of Constant Defeat
Some insist on embracing a so-called “middle ground” that accepts frequent failure as the norm of the Christian life. This mindset leaves believers in an ambiguous, defeated state, unable to claim true deliverance. It is a theology that aligns closely with the Laodicean condition:

“Wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” (Rev. 3:17)

Such theology keeps many trapped in perpetual repentance without ever leading them to victory. By defining themselves continually as “wretched,” these believers deny the power of Christ’s salvation to deliver fully and completely from sin.

According to Revelation, nakedness symbolizes the absence of Christ’s righteousness. Those who remain in this condition must ask themselves: Is the righteousness of Christ truly possessed? If so, why persist in calling oneself wretched?

To remain in this mindset is to deny the effectiveness of grace. Scripture affirms that those in Christ have been delivered from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2). To continue confessing bondage after deliverance is not humility—it is a denial of what Christ has accomplished.

Freedom in Christ Is Not Self-Exaltation
Freedom from the “wretched man” condition is often mistaken for arrogance. But declaring victory in Christ is not claiming self-righteousness. True believers who rejoice in Christ’s righteousness do so to the glory of God, not as a boast in their own performance.

Critics of this message often misinterpret it due to a legalistic framework that emphasizes performance over transformation. From that perspective, no believer can ever claim victory, since even a fleeting thought or trivial lapse is labeled as sin. Under such a system, the Christian is perpetually condemned.

But righteousness in Christ is not measured by flawless outward performance—it is defined by a transformed nature, a new identity in Christ. The focus shifts from external law-keeping to Spirit-led living, where Christ’s life becomes the believer’s life.

The Danger of Remaining in Laodicea
How can one ever escape Laodicea while continuing to embrace Laodicean identity? Endless repenting without victory is not the gospel. It is a cycle of despair that resists the liberating truth of the new covenant.

Victory must be claimed—not merely hoped for. Scripture promises that in Christ, the believer has been made complete (Col. 2:10). To confess ongoing slavery to sin while claiming union with Christ is a contradiction that dishonors the deliverer.

This mindset is ultimately self-defeating. Those who embrace it cannot celebrate deliverance without immediately condemning themselves for daring to believe it possible. It is a theology that leaves no room for assurance, joy, or freedom in Christ.

Conclusion
Romans 7 describes a soul enslaved to sin—a condition from which Christ came to deliver humanity. Romans 8 proclaims the power of that deliverance. The Spirit-filled life is not defined by defeat, but by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17).

It is time to move beyond the “wretched man” theology and embrace the fullness of the gospel:
Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Col. 1:27)