The Difference Between Continual Sin and Oops Sin

June 3rd, 2025
by Pastor Jody

As believers, we know sin is serious. It’s what separated us from God in the first place and what Jesus died to defeat. But not all sin is the same in practice. There’s a massive difference between what I call “continual sin” and “oops sin.” Let me break it down so you can examine your walk with Christ with honesty and clarity.

After a conversation with Nan this morning over sin, salvation, and sanctification, I felt led to write this.

1. Oops Sin: The Struggle of the Redeemed

We’ve all been there. You say something you shouldn’t have. You get angry in traffic. You judge someone unfairly. You react out of fear, pride, or selfishness—and then immediately feel that spiritual gut punch. That’s oops sin.

Oops sin happens in the life of a genuine believer who is still being sanctified. We’re not yet perfect, but we’re being perfected. The Apostle John said:

“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8, LSB)

We’re still human. But here’s the key: a believer grieves over sin. Oops sin is followed by conviction, confession, and repentance. You don’t justify it—you deal with it. You fall, but you get back up. That’s the normal Christian life.

Paul said in Romans 7 that he wrestled with doing the very things he hated. Why? Because he was saved, but not yet glorified. His flesh still waged war against the Spirit.

Oops sin reveals the presence of the Holy Spirit. But remember, even opps sin is a choice. You have been given the power to choose not to sin! Don’t let the “oops sin” become your reason to sin!

2. Continual Sin: The Rebellion of the Unrepentant

Now, contrast that with continual sin—also known as habitual or unrepentant sin. This isn’t a moment of weakness; this is a lifestyle of rebellion. It’s sin that’s justified, excused, even celebrated.

A person caught in continual sin may still go to church, say the right things, even look “Christian” on the outside. But underneath it all, there’s no repentance. No sorrow. No turning. Just a willful rejection of God’s standard.

“No one who abides in Him sins continually; no one who sins continually has seen Him or has come to know Him.” (1 John 3:6, LSB)

That’s strong. John isn’t saying Christians never sin—he’s saying Christians don’t keep sinning as a pattern of life. If someone claims Christ but keeps living like hell with no conviction, it’s time to question the reality of their salvation.

Continual sin is dangerous. It hardens the heart, dulls the conscience, and eventually leads to destruction.

Continual sin reveals the absence of regeneration.

3. How Do You Know the Difference?

Ask yourself:
• Do I grieve over my sin—or excuse it?
• Do I repent—or repeat?
• Do I want to be free from sin—or just forgiven while staying in it?

The believer hates their sin. The unrepentant person hugs it.

Paul said:

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be!” (Romans 6:15, LSB)

Grace doesn’t give us permission to sin—it gives us power to overcome it.

4. What Should We Do?

If you’re a believer who struggles with oops sin—keep fighting. Stay in the Word. Stay in community. Keep repenting. Keep growing. The very fact that you’re bothered is proof God is at work.

But if you’re living in continual sin—stop playing games. Repent. Turn to Jesus. Don’t assume grace will cover what you’re unwilling to surrender. Jesus didn’t die so you could manage your sin—He died so you could be freed from it.

“No one can serve two masters…” (Matthew 6:24, LSB)
You can’t cling to the cross and your sin at the same time.

Salvation changes everything. If your relationship with sin hasn’t changed since you “got saved,” maybe you just had an emotional moment—not a true conversion.

Christ didn’t save us so we could sin less comfortably.
He saved us so we could live new, holy, set-apart lives.

So ask yourself today: Am I struggling with sin—or snuggling with it?

One leads to life.
The other leads to judgment.

The good news?
If you’re still breathing, there’s still time to repent.
Choose life. Choose Christ.

In Love,

Pastor Jody

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