Dead To Sin

Whenever you bring up the topic of sin there is so much to be said: religious clichés, punishment, and some even say that sin isn’t even existent. Another area that is spoken continuously across churches is the fact that we are dead to sin. What does this even mean? Well, in simple terms, when we are saved- accept Jesus in our hearts- we are no longer to acknowledge a life of sin, much less participate in sin. 

Romans 6:6-7- knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him (Jesus), that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.  For he who has died has been freed from sin.

But the true question remains. Why do we still sin if we are dead to sin? Although we are not under the rule of sin, sin still reigns on earth and the influence is constantly on display. To fight this influence does not mean to hide in your house or cover yourself with bubble wrap when you do decide to leave, that’s just weird. But the true way to fight sin is relying on Jesus who took sin and publicly crucified sin along with His flesh. This is to say, that Jesus is more then capable of helping you fight the good fight, He did it once and is able to overcome it a thousand times over. Whatever addiction or sin you just can’t seem to escape, the guilt or shame that you may think is inevitable is all in all void of power when we choose to rely on Jesus.

You may be thinking: Why should I stop the amazing fun I’m having with the life of sin? Two reasons. One, sin leads to death (See Romans 6:16); this kind of death is not an honorable death. It’s a kind of death full of excruciating pain and hurt, which Jesus did not die on a cross for. Two, as we reject sin we begin the life leading to holiness. Now holiness does not mean you have to dress like a nun or memorize the Bible. You can still have swag and be holy, I promise. Holiness is a matter of the heart; many religions see holiness as a social hierarchy. I’m here to tell you that you’re neighborhood garbage man can be holy. Holiness is as simple as just being set aside for a greater purpose. That’s all.

I know this has been a lot to chew. My prayer is that who ever is reading this will understand that no longer do they have to be tormented by sin, but instead embraced by the love of God.

Abounding Grace

                                                    

                  Romans 5:20 - But where sin abounds, grace abounds much more

Have you ever made a mistake over and over again? Then, giving your speech saying, “God I will never do it again! I promise!” If you’re anything like me you have been in this position dozens of times - Offering a pitiful apology to God, that realistically brings no evidence of pure change.

We have this image of God that every time we sin, God is utterly surprised and holds this disapproving look that your mom has after you break her favorite dish. Satan has done everything in his power to taint Gods image, but the real truth is that every time you sin God smiles as big as He possibly can. Not because He approves sin, but the opposite, He looks at you as if you have never sinned and have taken the very image of Jesus in all His glory. Many people have a problem releasing the true message of grace because they think all the Christian people will sin even more, the thing is if you are truly saved that wouldn’t even be a problem because we still are to live as if sin never existed.

So the next time you sin, don’t focus on how bad you are, instead receive the love that God has for you that abounds much more then the sin you have committed. Take the time to figure out what God really thinks about you, guaranteed you won’t be disappointed. Finally, just as God has shown you abounding grace, think about all the people that you know that you could show grace to. If God has forgiven us and shown grace despite how bad we sinned, we also should also show that same forgiveness and grace to the people who have wronged us. Remember forgiveness and grace frees you, not the recipient.