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.