Would it not be more according to the Spirit of the Master, who said, Let him that is without sin cast the first stone, and He that is not against us is for us, if, as our instant reaction to every report, rumor, criticism, judgment, insinuation, innuendo, or whisper, we instantly asked the question, Is it true?
He went to the cross willingly, for the perfect sacrifice had to be a willing body. Christ rose from the dead in a perfect body of flesh and bone – a glorified body. His death secured our pardon from sin and His resurrection secured our eternal life.
The innocence of babyhood and the dreams of childhood are tainted with sin.
For by one man sin entered the world, and by one man came death upon all.
Spiritual Discernment
Sin in its raw state has robbed the natural man of a vital sphere of knowledge – a sphere of knowledge that is the most important of all: the spiritual sphere.
When death has exceeded every other evil power sin, suffering, sorrow, and destruction, then God's unique and exclusive answer is the only hope, and the one answer.
It cannot understand that our Lord Jesus was willing to accept exactly the same basis of life with its limitation in which we live, although without sin.
Of course, that goes without saying; yet there are multitudes who are miserable after trusting the Lord, miserable over the sin question in their lives; and the number, I am afraid, is increasing.
And then you notice how frequently He links with that a hall The hallsof the am'sin John Gospel are tremendously impressive not always using the exact word, but in the context you will find the same conclusion.
Not necessarily to sin or to the world, but to something which, while it brings them a great deal of gratification for a time, eventually proves to be a diversion resulting in arrested spiritual growth, and they are found in a backwater, a cul-de-sac, occupied with an alternative to the whole counsel of God.
There is something here much more than typology interpreted and the interpretation accepted as to salvation from sin and judgment; it is the essential and indispensable heavenly relatedness and life of the Lord's people as inwardly detached from the natural life even in a religious sense.
Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29 NIV).
What is the sin of the world?
You may not think so; you may not see it: but I would ask you to consider again and see if all that is called sin cannot be traced to this, if it is not this in some form of expression.
Can you lay sin to God's charge, to God's account?
It was God in Christ, the absolutely and altogether holy One in whom there was no sin, who came in incarnation; and in virtue of that Divine nature in its perfection Satan in his authority is defeated - on that ground.
What is needed isnot that they should die again, but that they should come toaccept their once-for-all death in Christ in relation to whateverthat may be that has come up, and let it go and be set free fromthat law of sin and death.
Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. § Lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus.
They weary themselves to commit iniquity. § I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. § Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. § Christ Jesus … became for us wisdom from God– and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. § Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.
On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. § Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
God … has in these last days spoken to us by His Son … who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. § He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.Conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold … but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country … By faith Moses … [chose] rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. § “The just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. § No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. § Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.
She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. § If by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. § Since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.
You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. § Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. § What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? § He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places. § In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.Though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God.For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God.
For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. § The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will exalt the law and make it honorable. § Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.What the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. § Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
For the good that I will do, I do not do; but the evil I will not do, that I practice. § We are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.The Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. § God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them.If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him. § The bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp.
Trusting in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. § If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. § The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men… God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise… that no flesh should glory in His presence.The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. § Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.All bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. § No man ever spoke like this Man! § Of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God– and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
Jesus … said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. § He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise. § To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers it the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. § That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.Having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. § You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! § The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. § For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.
I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. § You have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm.Christ … suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth;” who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.
With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer. § I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. § The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. § God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. § The Word was God … In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. § If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. § You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. § “Your fame went out among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through My splendor which I had bestowed on you,” says the Lord God.I am a sinful man, O Lord! § Behold, you are fair, my love!
My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. § He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. § If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. § For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. § Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.Christ… suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. § Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.In their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.
I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins. § I have given help to one who is mighty. § I, the Lord, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. § Mighty to save. § Able to keep you from stumbling. § Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.
that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations. § He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance. § Through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. § Your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.
Amen.Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. § If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. § Whoever abides in Him does not sin.
For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear. § My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. § Having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. § You are no longer a slave but a son.Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. . . .
To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. § And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us.
The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! § The blood of the Lamb. § The precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. § Without shedding of blood there is no remission. § The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.With His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. § Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, … let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! § If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. § If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard.Little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. § He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? § I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. § He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. §
And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. § We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. § My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. § We are all like an unclean thing. § I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. § You have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. § Not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but … the righteousness which is from God by faith.Bring out the best robe and put it on him. § The fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. § I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.
You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. § Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind.
I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. § In that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. § The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
Make haste, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices. § We ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. § Bow down Your heavens, O Lord, and come down; touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven. § To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. § It will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us.
For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection.Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. § [God] made us alive together with Christ … and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.Those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. § Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice.
And when I see the blood, I will pass over you. § The blood of sprinkling. § Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. § Being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God. § According to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. § The incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit … is very precious in the sight of God. § Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.Pursue … gentleness. § Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart. § He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not his mouth. § Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return … but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.
Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. § Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. § Such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners. § In Him there is no sin.
Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?
Certainly not! § My brethren, you … have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. § Not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ. § The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. § Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.
“Strike the Shepherd.” § The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. § Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed. § Mercy triumphs over judgment. § The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.A just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me. § Just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. § The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth;” who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return … but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. § Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. § The exhortation … speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him.” § Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. § For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. § God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able.
The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head; therefore my heart fails me.
You cannot serve God and mammon. § When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.
But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also.
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. § Beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. § Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. § Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.
I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more. § Who can forgive sins but God alone?I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins. § Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity. § Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity?God in Christ forgave you. § The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. § Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace … Having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
The sting of death is sin. § Now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.The time of my departure is at hand.
“Therefore turn and live!” § If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. § That servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. § He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. § Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. § But was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. § We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. § He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray. § Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping?
Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? § Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.Dead in trespasses and sins … by nature children of wrath, just as the others. § I am carnal, sold under sin … What I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do … For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells.Through one man sin entered the world … by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners. § If by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin.[They] lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert.Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit … was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil.
But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow.Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. § For so He gives His beloved sleep.They stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. § Absent from the body . . .
Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”The grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many … The free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” … Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest.Who told you that you were naked?
Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. § If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. § All these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come.“Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. § Aaron held his peace. § It is the Lord.
He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him … The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all … For the transgressions of My people He was stricken … It pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief.Jesus our Lord … was delivered up because of our offenses. § Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. § [He] Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed.He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.
By taking heed according to Your word … Your word has given me life … Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You … I will not forget Your word … I trust in Your word … The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver … I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life … How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. § The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.By the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” § We had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us. § The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. § Knowing therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.Be ready in season and out of season. § Others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.
There is none righteous, no, not one… There is none who does good, no, not one. § There is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin. § How can he be pure who is born of a woman?Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me… Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.The Lord… has put away your sin; you shall not die. § Whom He justified, these He also glorified. § We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. § If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel.Walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. § There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands… They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable.You were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. § I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments.He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. . . .
Against such there is no law. § This is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully … But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God … Christ … suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps …; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.Be angry, and do not sin.
And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.” § I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and like a cloud, your sins.
Is this not the carpenter’s son?” § “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” § “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” § “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.” § “We know that this Man is a sinner.” § “He deceives the people.” § “This Man blasphemes!” § “Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!”It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. § For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully… For to this you were called, because Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. § If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you.
If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. § Jesus spoke these words. . . .
The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside!” § Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. § As the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another.“Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?
Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and … put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. § As Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life … Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, 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 … Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts … But present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.The cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and like a cloud, your sins. § I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins. § “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” § I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more. § You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back. § Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity?
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.The ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. § A High Priest … holy, harmless, undefiled.We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. § The prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.Whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.
For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. § By the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer. § Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.We have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. § That we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. § The Father … has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. § An inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.All things are yours: whether … the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. § “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. § Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.
Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Therefore the Lord has delivered him to the lion, which has torn him and killed him, according to the word of the Lord. § If we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. § Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You … I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. § Brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. § As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.We are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. § Nor handling the word of God deceitfully.
Therefore I abhor myself.The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. § That we may be partakers of His holiness. § Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus … let us draw near with a true heart.
And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God. § Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And that man did not perish alone in his iniquity.You shall not follow a crowd to do evil.Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.None of us lives to himself. § You, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. § Beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak … When you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. § The flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. § Our sufficiency is from God. § My grace is sufficient for you.
You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free … Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin … Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage … For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” § Having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. § For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives.
But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband.The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. § I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts.
I lay my hand over my mouth.” § The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. § David … , to whom also He gave testimony and said, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.” § I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy. § That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.You also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. § As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” § Sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. § The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. § If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.Brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free. § Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.He who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. § Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them … For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. § [He] made peace through the blood of His cross.
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. § He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean.I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom 8:2).
To deal directly with sin brings certain defeat to the Christian.
Satan, sin, self, the world, and the law-all have been fully dealt with by the Lord Jesus on the Cross.
“It is not by renunciation, or effort, that we are morally apart from sin and self and the world, but by our death on the Cross with the Lord Jesus Christ.” “Believers today seek the blessing and power of Pentecost apart from a personal crucifixion with Christ, and the result is a counterfeit experience.
Lasting peace will come when we rest in Calvary's conquest of sin and self, and allow that victory to be applied by the faithful Spirit of God.The Holy Spirit does not reason from what man is for God, but from what God is to man.
Romans Six reveals our position as having died unto the principle of sin; Romans Seven teaches us our position as having died unto the principle of law.
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more [certain], now that we are reconciled, that we shall be saved [daily delivered from sin's dominion] through His [resurrection] life (Rom. 5:10, Amp.).
We must remember that our death to sin was once for all accomplished at the Cross.
There the believer shared the death of the Lord Jesus; for when he became a believer, the life he received was life in Christ, that is, life out of death, resurrection life, newness of life'; and the relation to sin and the law which Christ had, became those of the believer!
God now commands each of us to reckon ourselves as having died with Christ to sin - and therefore as now dead unto sin; and as having risen with Christ, and therefore now alive to God (Rom. 6:11).
The Holy Spirit so unites us to Christ that Christian experience becomes a reproduction in us of the essential facts of Christ's fourfold revelation He died unto sin: with Him we died (Col. 2:20).
For the death which He died He became, once for all, dead in relation to sin; but by the life which He now lives He is alive in relation to God (Rom. 6:10, Wey.).
Romans Six is one of the most blessed portions of the New Testament, teaching us that our old man,' our old nature that is in us, was actually crucified with Him, so that now we need no longer be in bondage to sin.
But remember it is only as the Holy Spirit makes Christ's death a reality within us, that we shall know, not by force of argument or conviction, but in the reality of the power of an endless life, that we are in very deed dead to sin. -A.M.
In the same way you also must regard yourselves as dead in relation to sin, but as alive in relation to God, because you are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 6:11, Wey.).
For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor. 5:21).
Romans Eight describes the experience of the believer who knows what it is to be in Christ, and who is being made free experientially from the law of sin and death by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh' (Rom. 8:3).
Where sin brought us, love brought the Lord Jesus - even to death; and His death is the end before God of all that we were as children of Adam - men in the flesh.
But now that you have been set free from the tyranny of Sin, and have become the bondservants of God, you have your reward in being made holy (Rom. 6:22, Wey.).
When the believer truly sees Calvary he says, There, through the work of the Cross, I died with the Lord Jesus unto sin.
Here are the two mighty pillars of our freedom from the power and domination of sin.
He is freed from condemnation because of the Blood shed, and he is set free from the law of sin and death by the indwelling Spirit that he received when he came to the Lord Jesus.
The law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death' (Rom. 8:2). ...hath made me free....' Let me walk in it; let me enjoy it, and I am free.
You were set free from the tyranny of Sin (Rom 6:18, Wey.).
The tyranny of sin over the lost necessitated the death of the Lord Jesus on the Cross.
The tyranny of sin over the saved necessitated the death of the believer in the Lord Jesus on that same Cross.
The dual truths of Calvary: His death for our sin, as payment; our death with Him unto sin, for deliverance.
The believer sees that Christ by dying for him has completely delivered him from the penalty of sin.
So it is his privilege to see that because he is identified with the Lord Jesus in that death, he is also delivered from sin as a ruling principle.
He is in that sense free from sin' (Rom. 6:18, 22). -E.H.
Through my life-union with Christ in His death and resurrection, I have died to sin.' His death to sin is my death to sin.
In my very humanity, Christ so took me up with Himself in death that, when He died unto sin, I too was executed and there died to sin's reign and power.
Has Christ so dealt with sin that He has exhausted its every claim and dominion?
And do I share with Him His death unto sin?
In Christ crucified I have been discharged from sin's domination. -L.E.M.
But now, being freed from the bondage of sin . . .
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh is at rest from sin (Phil. 2:5, Wey; 1 Pet. 4:1m).
If we seek to deal with sin by reckoning at the moment it becomes an issue.
Our stand and attitude from the beginning of each day is to be a settled matter as we rest in our risen Lord Jesus: the death of the Cross separates me from the enslavement of sin and self, and I continually abide in my new life, Christ Jesus.
Sin is the gratification of self, but he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from the domination of sin.'
You are now in conflict with sin - not going along with it; you suffer in the flesh, and have ceased from the practice of sin. -C.A.C.
It is when you see you are dead unto sin that you die to it (daily); it is when you see you are risen that you arise; it is when you see you are a new creation' in Him that you (progressively) grow.
The believer can never overcome the old man' even by the power of the new' apart from the work of the Cross, and therefore the death of Christ is indispensable, and unless the Cross is made the basis upon which he overcomes the old nature,' he only drops into another form of morality; in other words, he is seeking by self-effort to overcome sin and self, and the struggle is a hopeless one. -C.U.
Deliverance from the reign of sin, and liberty in the life of Christ, are set forth as a doctrinal unit in Romans Six, Seven and Eight.
When we begin to comprehend Romans Six, we know that our death in Christ unto sin was completed at Calvary.
In Romans Six we see the foundation of our deliverance - the fact that we died with Christ; and also the conditions of our deliverance - that we reckon ourselves dead unto sin and yield to God as those that are alive from the dead.
Romans Eight tells us the means and the method of our deliverance - that it is through the blessed Holy Spirit alone that we are actually delivered in everyday life, from sin's reign; the moment we cease from all our own efforts and let Him do all the work, He will begin delivering us from the power of sin.
A person may easily know his sins forgiven, but it is a further truth to know that he himself has died to sin.' He finds this conflicts with his experience.
But when He tells us we have died to sin, we look inside and say, Ah, sin is still at work; how is that?' A person must be taught of God to know really the truth that he has died to sin. -J.N.D.
It may come in the way of difficulties in the path of faith; or in the shape of such trials and sorrows as are common to all men - loss of property, loss of health, or bereavement; or it may be as the governmental consequences of sin; but in one way or other all have it.
For the growing believer it means daily crucifixion, and at the same time freedom from the penalty and the power of sin and self.
As this great principle opens up to us, it will help us to understand how in our life, and in our fellowship with the Lord Jesus, it is impossible for us to share the fulness of His life until we have first in very deed surrendered ourselves every day as having died to sin and the world.
Crucifixion was a lingering death, and while we stand once for all upon the fact of God, which is eternal and unchangeable, when our Lord Jesus Christ went to the Cross He took more than our sins with Him; He took our old man and dealt with the source of all our sin, and dealt with it satisfactorily.
The result is that where there is a shallow work in the soul they get lifted up with pride and conceit, and perhaps deceive themselves so far as to think there is no sin in them.
You were set free from the tyranny of Sin (Rom. 6:18, Wey.).
In Romans Six we find that through the death of Christ, sin shall not have dominion over you - the idea is of bondage, ruling, governing, dominating.
Whilst we really believe God's Word that we have died with Christ unto sin, and count upon Him as the Living One to manifest His life through us, others will see that self is inoperative, whilst we are occupied with Christ.
It is futile for us to attempt to curb our sins while we ignore their source, the indwelling principle of sin.
What next, Lord?’ ‘Now you pass to another sphere where you become aware that you are joined to Me as your life.’” “Our identification with Christ in His death was a death unto Sin-the principle of Sin as a master and a tyrant-Sin, not sins.
The Holy Spirit is ready to apply that finished work of death to the depth of our self-life, until Sin loses its mastery at point after point.
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members (Rom. 7:23).
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
The Holy Spirit indwells us and thereby accomplishes our sanctification - an adjustment of our personal lives to His own person and character, to the dropping away of sin's power over us and the implanting of His Christ-imparting attributes in us.
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through [in] Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 6.11).
They do not believe the facts of the Word, and sin therefore reigns in their lives; they live in bondage to sin, praying for deliverance, praying that they may die to sin, but refusing to believe what God says He has already done. -L.L.L.
The Lord Jesus on the Cross removed the barriers which separated me from God - my guilt, my sin, the law; and He dealt with my enemies - the world, the flesh, the devil.
He grasps the rescue rope flung to him by the right hand of Omnipotence, and with humble thankfulness sets out to learn how he can reckon himself dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God in Jesus Christ our Lord.
The needs generated by the realization of the sin of self produce the necessary motivation and hunger which cause us to focus upon the Lord Jesus and become conformed to His image.
On the death side, we are to receive deliverance from sin's power through the Spirit from the Cross; on the life side, we are to receive growth through the Spirit from the Lord Jesus.
The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death' (Rom. 8:2). -G.G.
“The believer is never told to ‘overcome sin,’ but to reckon, on the ground of his death with Christ, that he has died to it.
On the basis of death, he is told not to ‘let’ sin reign in his life.
It is to be dealt with by an attitude of death, not by ‘overcoming.’ The believer therefore is not to be spending his whole life in getting victory over sin, but understanding his position as having died unto sin.”
You were set free from the tyranny of Sin, and became the bondservants of Righteousness (Rom. 6:18 Wey.).
Do not forget that you must stand firmly upon the specific truths: dead indeed unto sin - alive unto God in Christ Jesus' (Rom. 6:11).
So many of us are content merely that the Cross should be the power to save us from the penalty of sin, but death was not the end of the manifestation of Christ.
The Cross has separated us from the power of sin (Rom. 6:11), the old man (Rom. 6:6), the world (Gal. 6:14), the law (Rom. 7:4), and the devil (Heb. 2:14).
Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Rom. 6:16).
How can I do so, some may be saying, as my sorrow is the fruit of my sin?
If it was suffering for righteousness' sake, then I would, but I am suffering for my sin; and can I, in the integrity of my heart towards God, take my sorrows to Him, knowing I deserve them?
If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
He has borne the judgment due to my sins, and condemned sin in the flesh; in the Person of my Substitute I am clear from, and carried beyond, the judgment forever; the power of death is annulled, that of Satan finally broken.
The believer will not be ready to enter into his spiritual rest until he is utterly worn out by his unsuccessful efforts to conquer sin and the old man.
The believer can thus, and only thus, have freedom from the tyranny of sin as he reckons himself to have died unto sin, and to be alive unto God as one alive from the dead.' He presents his body a living sacrifice unto God, and proves what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law, but under grace (Rom. 6:14).
How blessed it is to know, and at the same time how solemn to realize, that the sin of the child of God is against his Father, and that it is the love of relationship that is called into exercise about it - love which acts towards us for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness' (Heb. 12:10).
Grace abides towards us; and because grace abides, sin cannot be permitted to have sway over the objects of it. -W.K.
As sinners, the law revealed our need of deliverance from the penalty of sin; as believers, the law reveals our need of deliverance from the power of sin.
It is perhaps the most alarming symptom of decay to be seen amongst evangelical believers today, that so many have accepted (at any rate mentally) the fact that they cannot be justified before God except by the sacrifice for sin once made for all upon Calvary, proceed to build a new legal code by which to live, and seek to be sanctified by their own efforts and endeavors.
The death of the Lord Jesus was not only an atonement for sins, but a triumph over sin.
By faith we see our sins not only on His head for our pardon, but sin under His feet for our deliverance.
Multitudes who glory in the outward Cross know nothing of that inward crucifixion which it has also made possible, whereby they are delivered from the power of self and sin, the world, the flesh, and the devil.
That they do not know: That their old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away, so that they should no longer be in bondage to sin' (Rom. 6:6). -G.M.
In Christ, God put to death our old man that we might be delivered from the power and dominion of sin in our lives.
You were set free from the tyranny of sin (Rom. 6:18, Wey.).
Let suffering come from any cause in the universe, if we give it over entirely into the hand of our Father, and sink ourselves into His blessed will, with the desire for Him to work His purpose in us, He will make every pain, every tear, every particle of our suffering work in us a death to sin and to the old man, and to all things on earth which will be for our highest development and for His glory. -G.W.
We are to give up our self-efforts after likeness to Him; we are to distrust our own strength as much as we distrust our own weakness and our own sin; and instead of striving to live like the Lord Jesus, let Him live through us, as He greatly desires to do.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
Our flesh was so powerless to do good and so ready to do evil, that the application to us of God's holy law only gave sin an occasion to involve our enslaved members in open rebellion against the law.
So that even if a man loves God's law, as Paul did, he has no power to keep it; but sin only makes the law a constant means of working death to him, and the more a man tries to keep the law the more he comes under the power of sin.
The law is for the man who departed from God - that man has been removed from God's sight in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, and I rejoice that now by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus' I am free from the law of sin and death' (Rom. 8:2).
After years of reckoning with little or no deliverance from the dominion of sin, when you are just about to sink under the futility of it all, the Holy Spirit will turn your attention to the One who is your Deliverer.
Christ’s Triumph
The Lord’s trials were needful to demonstrate the qualities of the second Adam: for being made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Christ’s testings were designed so that He, as our High Priest could empathise and succour – for we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
That His death procured the payment of sin's debt, so that the debt being paid, the believer might be in a position to keep the law, and that, accordingly, the law, and not the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus,' might be the believer's rule of life. -H.F.W.
Just remember this: any victory over the power of any sin whatsoever that you have to get by working for it is counterfeit.
Our hope for freedom from the power of sin is not Christ plus my efforts,' but Christ plus my receiving.' To receive victory from Him is to believe His Word that solely by grace He is, this moment, freeing us from the dominion of sin.
It is wholly because we died with Him on the Cross, but unto sin and unto the whole legal principle, that sin's power for those in Him is broken.
Any time there is effort involved in the matter of resisting sin, we can be sure that we are depending to some extent upon the flesh, instead of resting in the finished work of the Cross.
The question is How are we to meet sin?' Reckon yourselves dead unto sin.' The moment that you begin to fight with it - no matter how resolutely you may struggle against it - that moment you begin to experience sin as your master.
For it is then that we forsake our true position, which is one of freedom from sin as a master.
Let us be fully abiding in the One who is Life, and sin when it acts, will find us dead to it. -E.H.
We shall never know the fact of the Lord Jesus' victory in our lives until we are prepared to count upon His work on the Cross as the source of our personal freedom from the dominion of sin and the old man within.
The heart is constantly looking to God to give a testimony about itself; but the Father is giving a testimony concerning His Son, and not about what we are; if He were to give a testimony about us, it must be about our sin and unbelief of heart.
God's Word declares that we are dead indeed unto sin,' but nowhere does it say that we are dead in ourselves.
We have died to sin; not in ourselves, but in Christ,' and our death with Him is as sure as His death, and since we died with Him it is impossible for His death to be certain and ours uncertain.
The purpose of Paul, in Romans Six, is to show how completely the believer is identified with the Lord Jesus when He died unto sin.' To enter fully into the meaning of that death is to see that He has emancipated us from any further dealings with our old master, sin.
The believer is privileged thus to take his position in the risen Lord Jesus, who is now alive unto God.' From that ground he is henceforth to regard sin. -E.H.
Our having been crucified with the Lord Jesus was to make the body of sin of none effect while we live by faith, but the old man can become active and dominant in the walk of the believer when faith becomes dormant and inactive.
It is not the Father's will that sin should have dominion over any child of His; all died with the Lord Jesus, all were united with Him in crucifixion, but few enter into the joy of the freedom of the sons of God, because they do not believe His Word.
Its terrible power, its secret and universal rule, and the blinding it exerts in keeping us from the knowledge of what it is, are the cause of all our sin and evil.
When we truly hate ourselves, we are prepared to rejoice in the blessed fact that we have been crucified with the Lord Jesus - that sin in the flesh was condemned (not forgiven) when He died unto sin, that our whole history as in the flesh closed before the Father in His Son's death - and that this is our title to be free.
I have now a righteous title to have done with myself because I have died unto sin in the Lord Jesus' death.
It is as knowing the Lord Jesus to be precious to our souls, with our eyes and hearts being occupied with Him, that we will be effectually kept from being taken up with the vanity and sin around.
And this too will be our strength against the sin and corruption within.
Whatever I see in myself that is not in Him, is sin.
The inward exercise of Romans Seven and the testing of the wilderness serve the purpose of teaching us what sin in the flesh is, and what is in our hearts; while such special discipline of the Father as Paul's thorn in the flesh is rather to protect us from the unalterable tendencies of the flesh.
We may be separated and yet not Christ-like; we may be orthodox and yet not spiritual; we may be dead unto sin' and yet not alive unto God.' We may have cut ourselves loose from every form of worldliness but in so doing we have become critical and self-righteous.
has set us free from the power of sin and death (Rom. 8:2, Wms.).
There is no strength or power in ourselves against the law of sin which is in our members.
The Father has left us as much dependent upon the Lord Jesus' work for our deliverance from the power of sin as for our forgiveness!
It is wholly because we died with Him on the Cross, both to sin and to the whole legal principle, that sin's power for those in the Lord Jesus, is broken. -W.R.N.
Have not some given up hope that words like I have been crucified with Christ,' the world is crucified to me,' baptized into His death,' dead unto sin and alive unto God in Christ Jesus' should have become truly intelligible and helpful?
Even where in the new convert there is great singleness of heart and faith, with true love and devotion to the Saviour, time is needed for a deeper knowledge of the old man and sin, for a spiritual insight into what the Father's will and grace are. -A.M.
His faith is not so strong and unwavering as he imagined; the ardor of his love soon vanishes; the power of sin, which at first he fancied was utterly broken, makes itself felt again, prayer becomes languid, and joy seems to have taken flight.
The law, instead of being a rule of life, is necessarily a rule of death to one who has a sin nature.
Far from being a delivering power, it can only condemn such; far from being a means of holiness, it is, in fact, and according to Paul, the strength of sin' (1 Cor. 15:56). -W.K.
You were set free from the tyranny of sin (Rom. 6:18, Wey.).
Believers may be in bondage because of deception or ignorance of the full scope of their inheritance in the Lord Jesus, or because they have not, according to Romans 6:11, reckoned themselves dead to sin and alive unto God in Jesus Christ our Lord. -F.J.H.
When the Lord Jesus has once died and risen, He is through with sin forever.
We can cry triumphantly, when we know: I died unto sin with the Lord Jesus on the Cross, two thousand years ago!
I reckon myself what the Father says I am in His Son - dead unto sin and alive unto God.
Sin has no claim on me in the Lord Jesus, and cannot have dominion over me, as I yield myself to my Father in this wonderful new revelation of yielding myself to God, as one who is alive from the dead' (Rom. 6:13).
And thus it makes the one in whom it operates free from the law of sin and death.' It gives the consciousness that divine goodness is an unfailing resource for our hearts, and that all the treasures of that goodness are stored up in Christ Jesus, that we may learn them there, and find the life of our spirits in the growing knowledge of Him. -C.A.C.
The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus' made me free from the law of sin and death' - not the life,' but the Spirit of life,' - not our effort, but divine strength; not self-occupation, but occupation with Him in whom we are before the Father, and in whom the divine favor rests upon us full and constant, because on Him it rests. -F.W.G.
The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death' (Rom. 8:2).
Just as a sinner is taught to rest in the Lord Jesus' shed Blood for his forgiveness, so must the saint rest in the Lord Jesus for his deliverance from the power of sin and the grip of the law - yes, and from himself, also.
Therefore we should not be in bondage to sin, for he that hath died (and that is everyone who is in the Lord Jesus) is justified (or released) from (the power of) sin' (Rom. 6:7); and we are now under grace, which does not demand righteousness of us, for the Lord Jesus was made unto us righteousness and sanctification and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30).
We are conversant with man in death and sin and distance from the Father, for that is our state by nature; but to know the Man in glory, One in acceptance with the Father according to all His moral greatness, is new to us and magnificent.
When our testimony concerning His gift of freedom from the power of sin is as valid as our testimony to His gift of freedom from the penalty of sin, we will have matured.
He offers to set us free from the penalty of our sin.
And He offers to set us free from the power of our sin.
They mistakenly think that they must have some part in overcoming the power of their sin; that their efforts, their will, their determination, strengthened and helped by the Holy Spirit, is the way of victory. -C.T.
The difference between stultifying carnality and growing spirituality is the believer's realization that he the sinner, as well as his sin, were taken down into death.
They do not realize the glorious truth that in that death they were delivered from this present evil world, from the dominion of sin and the law, and from the power of the enemy.
All believers see that the Blood of the Lord Jesus screens them from the judgment of God; but most do not as yet see that they are dead unto sin' in the Lord Jesus; that their old man was crucified with Christ'; that not only have their sins been put upon Him at the Cross, but they themselves, as sinful children of Adam, have been personally identified with Him in His death unto sin; that God pronounces them dead and risen with Him.
The Holy Spirit uses this revelation, along with what He exposes in his own heart, to teach him to abide in the Lord Jesus; safe from the sin of others, as well as his own.
We are invincible, more than conquerors through Him who loved us, only as we are brought into ever deeper conformity to the Lord Jesus' death unto sin.
An Eternal Love
At His tender age of thirty-three, He bore the accumulated pain and grief of all humanity. His was not the anguish of a typical, three-score years and ten lifespan. His was the excruciating heartache and bitter torment, meted out and endured by ALL through history. He did not suffer affliction at the hand of God for a few brief hours on the Cross as some seem to imply. His pain spanned the culmination of every single filthy, foul, disgusting sin. His pain spans 7000 years of sin that the world has ever amassed.
Separation – Death
This seems to be the point where He was made sin for us..
This seems to be the point that as the second Man, the last Adam, He was covered with our guilt, God hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Cor.5:21
the acceptance of man BY God… the wages of sin and death paid in full – telelestai!! Telelestai!! TELELESTAI.
The power of sin, death, and the devil broken – telelestai!! Telelestai!! TELELESTAI!!!!
He had uttered some of the most astonishing words from the cross; His Precious Pardon, Forgive to His malicious persecutors; His Promise of Paradise – Today, to His penitent co-convict; His Amazing Love – Provision, to the woman who bore Him; His Anguished Outcry – MY GOD, as He was made sin for humanity; His Final Offer of Grace - I Thirst..
Easter Reflections - STUDY
Christ The Offering
The Perfect Offering
There was no other good enough to pay the price of sin..
for us. And the full price of sin, required by God had to be paid – paid in full that Friday.
Christ was also the final fulfilment of every sin sacrifice slaughtered by Israel..
a bloody sacrifice that had its source in the garden, when sin entered the world.
The Law called for one goat as a sin offering but multiple burnt offerings.
The Sin Offering
What is the difference between the sin offering and the burnt offering? The Sin Offering, is a COMPULSORY act of repentance; forgiveness for the sinner.
As Sin Offering, Christ died in our stead and on our behalf. As Sin Offering, Christ took our sins and became sin for us.
As Sin Offering: He fulfilled all the requirements of God’s perfect Law for us.
As Sin Offering, the perfect Man became sin so sinful man could be made righteous.
Fulfilment of the Law
Christ fulfilled every part of the Law’s requirements for us regarding sin, and Christ voluntarily offered Himself as a burnt offering for us.
But remember... though forgiven sinners, we still have a sin nature. So Christ offered up Himself as the fulfilment of every sin offering.
Christ’s offering was the compulsory and final Sin Offering.
He was the compulsory sin offering and a voluntary burnt offering.. as well as being slain as Israel’s Passover Lamb.
He Died for All
And God accepted His compulsory sacrifice; to pay the price of sin.
It was Christ’s sacrifice as Sin Offering by which sins are forgiven – but it was His sacrifice as Burnt Offering by which we can approach God.
It shows what He has done, (by paying the price for sin and breaking the power of sin and death) And so, I want to I want share one more example of this Amazing Grace..
Living in sin?Feeling the effects of our sin?No hope?No future?No promise of eternal life?In condemnation?
Father God removed the scales from my eyes, He caused me to see:- I saw the pit of sin I was in..
Types of Christ
Adam:- the first man was a wonderful type of Christ, Who was the second Man and last Adam - Who was made sin for the bride, that God chose for Him. Eve:- who was taken from the side of Adam – what an astonishing type of the Church - Eve who was bone of His bone, and who became one with her Bridegroom.
Underlying Lesson
The underlying lesson of the life of Job has nothing to do with sins. It has nothing to do with any sin righteous Job did or did not commit.
Spirit of Comfort
From our introduction to this man of faith, he is saved – one whose sin is covered, and his triumphant call is … For I know that my Redeemer liveth… Job.19:25.
Like Job, you may not question the goodly character of God directly and like Job and you may not sin with your lips – but do you question your own worthiness in the sight of God?
Once the evil leviathan attacked his prey, the old serpent shrouded himself in religiosity, and Satan uses the old sin nature of Job’s friends to continue his wicked works.
Man’s Pride
Satan even subtly uses the pious, religious old sin nature of Job against himself – and though not mentioned later, Satan’s venomous influence permeates Job’s story.
Action or attitude in a believer, stemming from the old sin nature needs correction – like Job’s self-righteousness; his wife’s defeat; his friends critical religiosity.
Right Standing
All characters were saved, but not one was in complete, right-standing with God. And God corrects all such wrong attitudes and actions, that are influenced by the old sin nature. Job is instructed by the Spirit of God, in chapter 5 verse 17, of a truth of God, behold, happy is the man whom God corrects, therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.
seeking to influence the religious nature of your ‘old man against God… that 'old sin nature' which prefers your-Self rather than God’s 'Christ-Self'? Have you considered Job’s three friends, who walk in the flesh and not in the Spirit – where God accused them saying for you have not spoken of ME what is right? Job 42:7
And sin, and the eternal ruin of our race, can cause man and woman to despair of life.
His plans and purposes are for man to escape from a life of sin and slavery – a plan made from before the foundation of the world.
And eye has not seen nor ear heard what He has in store for those that love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 And yet, I hear you say:- I am living now… in this sin-sick, forsaken world – and life is rushing me by..
but by man and man’s sin came death. Man was not made mortal. Man was made a living soul, in-breathed with God’s life, but the wages of sin are death..
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law – but thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sacrifice for Sin
God so loved the world that when man sinned, He put into effect the plan of salvation, that He had purposed before the world was created.
Plan of Salvation
It was man – sin-ridden, rebellious human-kind that God loved so much.
It was mutinous man who desired to be as God; fallen man who was riddled through with rebellion, and sin-sick to the core, that God loved so deeply, that He sent His Son to die for our sins.
God loved man, and that love was so deep and compassionate – so all-embracing that He sent His Son to die as the sacrifice for sin, so that man might live.
believe on Jesus; believe that He died and was buried and rose the third day to pay the price for our sin.
Salvation of Man
There is only one place in Scripture where the question is actually asked, What must I do to be saved..? and the answer is given clearly and simply, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. The spirit of man which was born dead in trespasses and sins is saved simply by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ as our sacrifice for sin. But our initial salvation (our salvation of the spirit) is of course the first step on a life journey for the salvation of the soul of man, for once we have been eternally saved we are told by Paul, in Philippians 2:12, that we must work out our own salvation. This aspect of salvation is called sanctification and is ongoing throughout the whole of our whole Christian life.
Distortions of Truth
Often, in a heart damaged by life’s traumas, the truth becomes distorted – even the truth of God becomes twisted and perverted through the influence of sin.
Quest for Truth
There is not one man, woman, or child that has not been damaged by this world of sin.
Study - GOD, All I Need
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, Who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession… for we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14
Supply of Grace
His primary provision is His grace in providing against the coming judgment, for the wages of sin is death – but God provided us with the gift of life – life to all who believe in Him.
Study - GOD, All I Need
Born Dead in Sin
The great desire of the so many saintly people is for purity of heart – for in Matthew we read, blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 Born, dead in trespasses and sins, there is a gulf betwixt man and God – a gulf so huge that none but God’s perfect Sacrifice alone, could bridge that gap.
Sin in all its ugly shades of black darkness, hangs shroud-like over humanity’s head – but thanks be to God, that in His grace, He has given the way to bring us back to Himself – through the blood of Christ – (incarnate God and perfect Man)
Washed Clean in Blood
The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin. 1John 1:7 Washed in the blood of the Lamb ..
Dressed in His Purity
If I truly am to have a pure heart, a clean heart and a right spirit within then I must put off the things of this world – of self – of the old man – of the sin nature.
Indeed, I must be an overcomer, in sin, the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Enemies of the Soul
Though few believers may succumb to the vicious vices that tempt and tease, there are many simple delights that lure us into the net of worldly lusts - minor indulgences in fleshly pleasures, can catapult a salty saint into stupid sin.
We think we shall not go far wrong if we say this has been the experience of almost every believer that has ever lived. Ironically, the condition of the old sin nature dictates that this will be the case. So much of a believers’ searching for the peace of God sinks into the pit of despair!
We are born with an old sin nature, which is an enmity With God.
Once that man becomes a believer he has two natures: 1) a gross, mature, arrogant sin nature and 2) a new little 'baby nature in Christ.
God not never no-how will change that old nature to become the new nature. God only will change, develop and conform our new, little baby nature, in Christ. That old sin nature (that old Adamic nature) the 'old man' must die, daily.
Being born again does not remove the old sin nature, but being born again does give the believer power over it.
Dying Daily
The old sin nature has to be crucified and remain in the place of crucifixion..
Fellowship is broken when a Christian prevents the work of the Holy Spirit in their life, for we can both grieve Him and quench His work in our lives through sin, but how few really understand what sin is.
The Sin Question
Sin comes in many guises and disguises, and how we love to hide or ignore it.
We can sin overtly or we can try to cover up our sin.
We can sin with our mental attitude, where sin is carried out in the mind and we can sin motivationally – where a good deed is done for the wrong reason.
It is very simple to sin, and very easy to pretend that we are not sinning, but God looks on the heart, even if we try to deceive others.
Blocking Communion
So sin grieves and quenches the work of the Spirit within the believer, and sin blocks communion and fellowship with God, and with the Lord Jesus Christ.
But many of us do not have a right understanding of what sin is.
Sin is what God hates, for God is holy and commands His children to be holy, and yes..
Communion is a temporal relationship and may be lost due to sin, but we should seek to reestablish our broken fellowship with the Lord as soon as possible.
God’s Hatred of Sin
Although intimate fellowship with God is the right of all believers, it is hindered by sin.
God is also holy and has a hatred of sin, and a holy God will never fellowship when sin is present.
Broken Fellowship
Although we are forgiven sinners, and in unbreakable and eternal union with Christ, there are times when we fall into sin and every sin places a barrier between God and us.
And though the power of sin has been broken in our life at the cross, there are times when we fall into sin, causing our fellowship to be broken, and so here we discover ourselves to be in a ‘Catch 22′ situation.
Fellowship Formula
Every time we sin, fellowship is broken and needs to be restored and John outlines the fellowship formula for God’s disobedient children to be restored back into full fellowship and sweet communion with their Father.
Verse 8
Verse 8 reads:- If we say that we have no sin (and this is referring to the old nature), we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
I have fellowship because I have no sin ‘thing…’ This is saying I have no sin nature, or I have got rid of my sin nature.
This is saying my sin-nature no longer exists and I no longer sin.
It is wrong because while we are on earth, the sin nature is very much alive, and John is telling us that this attitude is self-delusion.
This is saying that we have managed to overcome forever the sin nature in our lives.
Verse 7
But John continues that we as believers can walk in the light, and in verse 7 we are given three steps:- First, if we walk in the light, as He is in the light. Second, we have fellowship one with another, and Third, the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Darkness to Light
Though we may step into the shadow of darkness and sin, confession of our sins to our heavenly Father will cleanse us from all unrighteousness and draw us back into the shining light of His glorious presence.
Maintaining Fellowship
How vital that believers know how to achieve and maintain sweet fellowship with God, and understand how this communion can be blocked by sin.
Sin is the Barrier
Walking in the light ensures fellowship with God.
Sin is the barrier that blocks our fellowship, while confession is the means to restore communion.
Remember: the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin 1 John 1:7 – past, present, and future, but confessing our sin restores us into fellowship with the Father.
Cleansing Blood
But how does the blood of Jesus cleanse all sin?
But during our Christian life, we still fall into sin, and sin always separates us from a holy God.
God’s Standard
God’s standard for man is perfection, but only Christ is perfect, for all have sinned and fall short of His glory, Romans 5:12. Our murmurings and bitter thoughts are ‘sin‘ by God’s standard.
Our ungrateful hearts, fleshly irritations, lack of forgiveness and criticism of others fall far short of God’s standard, which grieves the Spirit and blocks our fellowship with the Father – and that requires us to confess our sin to Him.
Consequences of Sin
His faithfulness guarantees forgiveness as well as a return to fellowship.
His righteousness means that there may be consequences that follow our sin.
The Word of God is the only standard of how a Christian is to mature. 1 Peter 2:1 tells us that laying aside all malice, all deceit, all hypocrisy, all envy, and all evil speaking, you will grow and in very simple language, this means, that putting all sin away or choosing not to sin will cause us to grow.
But when we do fall into sin John comes to the rescue: for if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.
Desire the Milk
The apostle Peter tells us that a little baby has a great appetite for nourishment and believers likewise should desire the pure milk of God’s Word, which will result in growth: Therefore, laying aside all sin, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:2. Every believer starts their Christian life on the way to maturity, but Hebrews warns us that many fall by the wayside due to life’s circumstances; feelings; wrong doctrine; lack of teaching or biased perceptions.
Fellowship God
However all the apostles of Christ beseech us to lay aside sin; to confess our sins; to grow in grace and to walk in the light, so that we can prevent our growth from becoming stunted and enjoy sweet fellowship with Father.
Walk in the Light
For if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Difficulties and trials are inevitable as we travel through life, but how important for Christians to understand the cause of sin, the effects of sin, the consequences of sin and how to live godly in Christ Jesus.
A Sin Check
Suffering and pain is indeed a reality but sin is also a reality in a believer’s life.
And although the power sin has been severed in our life, and we have been given a new live in Christ, believers still commit sins and although forgiven through the blood of the Lamb, often have consequences to face.
How important to know that sin in the life of a believer has consequences and how to address them
Yes, every last one of them, but every sin brings with it consequences.
A believers’ sin of fornication is forgiven, but the result may be aids or a baby.
A believers’ sin of ‘murder’ is forgiven, but a consequence may be prison.
A believers’ sin of stealing is forgiven, but may result in the loss of a friend’s trust, but most serious of all is that any sin in our life puts us out of fellowship with the Father – eternally saved but devoid of communion with God.
Humble in Confession
We all need to face the truth that sin and suffering is a part of this fallen world and Christians are not exempt.
When suffering is a consequence of our own sin – we should go immediately, boldly and yet humbly to the throne of grace and confess our faults, knowing that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, to cleanse us of our unrighteousness and to return us into fellowship with Himself.
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered, Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.Psalm 32:1-2
First, we must recognise that sin has consequences.
One of the most serious consequences of sin, is loss of fellowship with the Lord.
Psalm 32 describes the consequences of being out of fellowship with God, due to sin.
We read: blessed is he whose transgression (sin) is forgiven; blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Then David at last – after many days, months and maybe years – met God on God’s terms: I acknowledged my sin to You, we read, and my iniquity I have not hidden.
David’s Confession
David simply acknowledged his sin before God and named his transgressions – he confessed.
And then we read: You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
once a Christian recognises that sin, in action and attitude is a barrier to God..
Examine Ourselves
Sin separates and one consequence of sin is that fellowship with the Lord is broken.
Suffering is due to other people’s sin or it may be self-inflicted but all suffering needs to be addressed.
Wisdom in God’s Word
While ever we live in this fallen world of sin and suffering we will face mounting pressures, but we have the written word of God and the indwelling Holy Spirit of God to guide our path and to guard our ways and Christ has promised that His grace is sufficient.
Fellowship with God may be blocked through sin, and scripture may be misinterpreted due to incorrect teaching or a misunderstanding of dispensations, but a believer’s union with Christ is eternally unbreakable.
The Son
The Son was sent by the Father as the representative Man and Sacrifice for sin, to carry out the work of salvation by paying the price of humanities sin, and redeeming all who would trust on His name.
His death paid the price for our sins and His resurrection broke the power of sin in our lives and He has reconciled us to the Father enabling full fellowship with the triune God.
Sin and Dead Works
Sin causes a break in the fellowship with God as does living the law-works-merit way, but it has nothing to do with our eternal security.
Within the inner ‘being’ of man are two continuously conflicting camps:- the old sin nature (the flesh or self-ego) is gained from the old birth in Adam, while the new life in Christ (the spirit of life in Christ Jesus) comes from our new birth.
Spirit or Flesh
Often the inner old sin nature (the flesh) shows itself through the physical body, but can also be manifested through religious works.
The sin nature often displays itself the ‘works-merit-law way’, by Christians trying to live a good life the wrong way.
The old sin nature opposes the new life in Christ, but the inner ‘flesh’ often manifests itself through good deeds, which are carried out in our physical body, by trying to do God’s will the wrong way.
Rom.8:2. This path promises freedom from the law of sin and death and by living our life God’s way we are not placing ourselves under any man-made regulations or laws – we are not placing ourselves back not under condemnation.
Paul calls it: the law of sin and death, Rom.8:2. and it and places the believer back under condemnation: for whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point is guilty of all – for he has become a debtor to keep the whole Law.
We are told to: walk in the spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Gal.5:16. Some erroneously think that the lust of the flesh only means overt sinning, but every type of sin, overt and covert, emanates from man’s heart (from the inner man – the old sin nature).
Law is called a ministry of death and its source is the old sin nature, (the flesh), while grace is described as a ministry of life, and its source is the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
A believer that chooses self-merit is a debtor to keep the whole law, while a believer that chooses God’s grace is free from the law of sin and death.
Morning Mercies
Never forget... no sin is so great that cannot it cannot be forgiven and no place is so remote that we cannot be restored to the Father.
Right Choices
Remember, there are two paths a born-again believer can follow in their Christian walk: either the grace-promise-faith way or the works-merit-law way; either by grace or works of the law; either by promise or the works of the flesh; either by faith or by merit; either by living a spiritual life or living a carnal life; either by walking in the spirit or walking in the flesh; either by walking in newness of life in Christ or by walking by means of the old sin nature in Adam.
Command of Christ
Christians are called to keep the commands of Christ, and the instructions given to the Church: have set us free from law of sin and death, [which is the code given to Israel] – in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
and this is love for God: to obey His commands, and His commands are not burdensome. 1John 5:3. Never forget that: the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
And through Christ we have receive the law of the Spirit of life, which has freed us from the power of sin that leads to death.
Chapter 5: the glories of trusting Christ, contrasting the old life under law with the new life under grace, and Chapter 6: as slaves of Christ we are no longer slaves to sin and death.
The reason most Christians have to go through the Romans chapter 7 experience, is by living under the wrong law – living under the destructive law of sin and death rather than the liberating law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
A Beautiful Understanding
It is only when a believer comes to the point of true wretchedness of soul and inner brokenness and despair, that in desperation he is able to cry: who can deliver me from this body of sin? Only then can he come to an understanding that of himself he can do nothing, but that in Christ I can do all things..
Growing In Grace - STUDY
But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching you were taught, and having been liberated from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.Romans 6:17-18
Man is born with an old sin-nature, which means he is physically alive but spiritually dead.
It means that the essence of their being is rooted in an old sin-nature.
the unbeliever, who is dead in his sin, and he reminds the Roman believers that they were like this before they were saved.
He looks back to their pre-salvation life and reminds them: at one time you also were servants and slaves of sin.
Before salvation they were enslaved by the old sin-nature – they were in bondage to sin and slaves of sin, but after salvation, they were given a new nature and became servants of Christ – with a new life and a born-again spirit.
Sins or Sin-Nature
Sin in this verse does not refer to the actual acts of sinning, which are specific sins we actually commit, whether in the body or mind.
Sin is anything we do that is performed in our own strength and apart from God.
The word 'sin' in Romans 6 refers to the inner being of man – the old sin-nature within man, that everyone inherits from Adam.
An unbeliever has only one way to function – through the old sin-nature, which makes every human being a servant to sin and incapable of pleasing God.
Slaves of Righteousness
But Paul reminds the Christians in Rome that although they used to be slaves of sin and serve the sin-nature they were born with, they believed the gospel of grace, trusted Christ and obeyed from the heart.
They paid attention to the new spirit of Christ they received at rebirth, which set them free from slavery to sin and made them slaves to righteousness.
We have been set from sin and from serving the fleshly old sin-nature because we are born from above.
Now we are servants of the new nature in Christ rather than the old sin-nature, and these verses contrast an unbeliever’s former relationship as slaves of sin with a believer’s new relationship to their new life-in-Christ, which we all receive at salvation and which has made us all servants of righteousness.
Death or Life
A slave of sin functions through the old sin-nature, while a slave of righteousness functions through the new life in Christ.
A servant of sin relates to the old sin-nature, while a servant of righteousness relates to the new life in Christ.
The old sin-nature is in servitude to sin and functions under the law of sin and death, while the new life in Christ is in servitude to righteousness and functions under the law of Christ – the Spirit of life.
Law of Sin and Death
The unbeliever can only function as a slave of sin, which is automatically and uniquely under the law of sin and death from physical birth.
Whether an unbeliever does good works or evil actions – whether he shows kindnesses or behaves wickedly, all he does emanates from the old sin-nature.
he has no relationship to God) but he is alive to sin (i.e.
he functions under the law of sin).
Law or Grace
The believer has only two ways to function – either as a slave to sin or as a servant of Christ.
A believer has two choices – he can either submit to the evil enticements of the sin-nature, or he lives his life through the new life in Christ.
And the believer is empowered to live his life this way, by virtue of what Christ did on the cross – because we are now free from sin.
at salvation, connection with the sin-nature was severed, but sin’s influence remains throughout our life.
Although severed, the sin-nature doesn’t disappear when an unbeliever is saved, although as believers we are empowered to function apart from it.
The sin-nature does not cease its demands on a believer when he receives his new nature.
The connection with the sin-nature is severed but the influence of the sin-nature remains throughout our life.
However, the more we starve sin by submitting to the new life in Christ, the more our new nature will grow.
The spirit makes demands because we are now servants of righteousness, but the severed sin-nature also makes demands, by enticing us back into slavery to sin.
A believer should respond to the spirit but may respond to the sin-nature – often causing inner conflict and confusion.
Opposing Forces
The lust of the flesh does not refer to any physical activity of sin, (which is the fruit of sin). It refers to the inner nature and origin of sin, (which is the root of sin).
For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives He lives to God.
So you also … sin will not rule over you, because you are not under law but under graceRomans 6:8-11
Because of this one man’s sin all humanity is born into the world separated from God.
This verse tells us that the unbeliever’s relationship to sin is slavery.
This passage tells us that all men are born dead in trespasses and sins – separated from God and a slave to sin.
Fruit & Root of Sin
In verse 20 Paul reminds these Roman believers that before they believed in Jesus, they were also slaves to sin.
The physical or mental act of sinning is the fruit of sin, but the inner sin nature, that was passed on to us from Adam is the root of sin.
But the good news is that this slave relationship to sin is broken the moment we trust in Jesus: so that we would no longer be enslaved to the sin-nature.
Separated From Sin
Our enslavement to sin ceased forever when we first believed – our union to sin was severed.
But although our connection to the sin nature has been severed, its influence is still alive and remains throughout our lifetime.
Paul asks the question:- How shall we, who died to sin live any longer therein..
or how shall we who were separated to sin live any longer therein?” This verb is: 1) the aorist tense 2) the passive voice and 3) the indicative mood which means: 1) it is an action and not a process. 2) it was done to you and nothing you did and 3) it is a literal state of reality – now.
Separated To Christ
The wonderful truth is that there is nothing we have to do to separate ourselves from the sin nature.
We were separated from our sin nature the moment we trusted Christ.
Amazingly our sin nature died (from eternity past) when Christ died on Calvary’s cross.
Gift of Saving Grace
Paul tells us that sin came from one man and is passed on to all men: for all men sinned.
Paul then answers his own question – if grace comes as a result of sin..
God forbid, is his emphatic reply, how shall we, that died to sin, live any longer in it.
Death To Sin
Paul tells us that we who are believers in Christ, “died to sin.” He tells us that sin is not a present state but a past event.
Death to sin is a fact of our Christian life and took place at Calvary’s cross.
We died to the sin nature when Christ died on the cross.
Christ’s death broke the power of sin in our lives and severed our relationship to sin – we “died to sin”.
This is not to say that the sin nature is dead but that we are separated from its power over us.
It says WE—- DIED—– TO—— SIN.
Power Over Sin
When Christ died on the cross, He broke the power of sin in our lives and severed our relationship to our sin-nature.
Oh, the influence of the sin nature remains but our connection to the sin nature is severed.
Before we believed we were servants to the sin-nature, which means we were separated from God.
But after we were saved we became servants to God – which means we were separated from the power of sin in our lives.
We may permit sin to influence us – but in Christ, we have received the power to overcome sin.
The sin-nature (the flesh) is severed from a believer, but that flesh, (the severed sin nature) remains alongside our new spirit and engages in an ongoing battle for supremacy within.
Place of Death
The flesh is in conflict against the spirit and must be kept: in the place of death, and Paul then explains how to keep the sin-nature (the flesh) in the place of death.
Paul tells us that all believers should know about our sin-nature and learn how to relate to our sin-nature.
We should understand how a believer functions and gain an understanding of how to keep that sin-nature in the place of death.
Make a positive response to the inner voice of the Holy Spirit, and make a negative response to the inner voice of the fleshly sin nature.
My Beloved
Let us, like them, lay aside every weight, and the sin of unbelief which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us: looking unto Jesus..
Threefold Life
In his epistle to the Romans, He guides us with clarity on the essential guidelines. Man, spiritually dead is separated from God in sin, and it is then that the threefold life begins.
The free gift of life… of salvation is offered to all sinners: for the wages of sin is death, but God’s gift of life is to those who believe.
John the Baptist thundered: behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin on the world. John 1:29. Herod announced: behold the Man, John 19:5. and Jude reminds us that Enoch proclaimed, behold He comes with ten thousands of His saints.
Rom.8:3. He came from His heavenly home, into complete union with man. He renounced His magnificent heritage, to come and share our lot. His task was to redeem sinful man from their sin. And in the power of the Holy Spirit it was so..
He came to be made sin like us, so that we one day could be like Him. He came to be with us – and He came to be like us..
But, however much God loved the world He must also judge the world, for the wages of sin is death – death – death to sin and death to the sinner.
Fullness of Time
This was a non-negotiable Law that God Himself imposed upon man and sin, and In Genesis 3 we read that: the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them until that time…. (the fullness of time) for God is never late…
Different Bodies
He came to earth to be born into a body of flesh, just like yours and mine, but through His perfection, He broke the sting of death and took on His glorified body – so that we also could escape this restrictive body of sin – to be just like Him.
Dead in Sins
And for 6000 years every Gentile have their roots in the old creation in Adam, (and for 4000 years every Jew has had their roots in the old creation in Jacob) but all possess the old sin nature and all require a Saviour.
We were all one in sin – all dead in trespasses and sins.
A Study:- Man’s Nature and Destiny
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, but we can resist Him. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, but we can grieve Him. The Holy Spirit achieves His purpose through us, but we can quench Him. The Holy Spirit feeds us with His healing words of life, but we can neglect it – but in all our life and in all our pain, He is never far from us.
Silent in Love
The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, but we can resist Him.
Satan has sabotaged God’s beautiful creation and made it into a sin-sick world – and malicious, malevolent Satan means it for evil against you – and all God loves.
How similar to the wicked workings of today’s satanically driven world, and yet the accumulating wickedness of our sin-sick world greatly exceeds Habakkuk’s day.
And ugly, cancerous sin infected creations beauty..
one so besotted with sin.. one floundering in the polluted sea of humanity. Yet Mary recognised this astonishing fact, and the Holy Spirit made sure it was recorded in the Word of God. And this truth is as true for you and for me..
Yet the fall of man dictated creation’s descent into an abyss of travail, and the tears of groaning man have fallen ever since within this sin-sick world.
Some even erroneously bemoan that God has withdrawn His presence from them... often seeking out some personal sin or deficiency that caused God’s withdrawal – refusing to believe His Word, unless God proves Himself to their satisfaction.
He lived a life where the cruelty and brokenness of sin could never permeate.
He came to address the ruinous nature of sin in the lives of His children.
Our Sin
There is no sin so gross that He cannot forgive. There is no life so ruined that He cannot make whole. There is no heart so broken and fragmented that He cannot restore. There is no deep desire of your heart that He can’t fulfil. There is no lack of anything which He cannot supply in full.
To be perfect is to allow Him to address the ruinous nature of sin in the lives of His children – to let Him heal and bind up, so that we truly can be perfect as He is perfect.
Ignorance and Unbelief
But amidst the filth and hatred of this suffering sin-soaked sordid world.. the joy of His mercy is of-times shrouded behind unbelief or ignorance. Perceptions of a distant God, playing sport with His hurting children ferment.. and God is blamed for the ills that befall us all in this fallen world.
Fathomless Love
The love of God stoops down to the sin-encrusted earth from His hallowed heaven. The love of God scrapes up from humankind the sick, suffering, sin-stained sinner. The love of God rakes from the pit of hell, fallen sons and daughters of Adam.
Offering For Sin
And yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief.
When You make His soul an offering for sin, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
A Deep Yearning
Yes, God in His wisdom has placed a deep yearning for Himself in our inner beings. He knows our deepest need is clear, clean, beautiful fellowship with Himself. But God also knows that man’s heart is intrinsically wicked and riddled with sin, and in His wisdom has withheld much that prideful man desires to know of God.
Amid the cut-throat realms of a satanically-seduced, sin-sick world – “God is ‘dead’” or God has lost the plot.. or God’s doesn’t care – and God’s character is misaligned.
often building a perception of God based upon his culture and upbringing. But the heart of man has been deeply flawed by our sin-heritage, for the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked Jer.17:9 We all unconsciously conceive God in our own imagery and thought. This is not only true of the natural man, who is dead in trespasses and sins – this is also true of each of us who are blood-bought sons of God. This is equally true of the spiritual believer as it is of the carnal Christian.
Spiritual Maturity
Suffering is not a question of sin, for Christ was made perfect through suffering. Christ, the innocent, sinless man was made perfect through suffering.
STUDY in PRAYER
If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.1 John 1:7
Plan of Redemption
Every member of the human race is a sinner – so all are under God’s condemnation, but God’s plan of redemption was so designed that sin could be eternally forgiven – the Lord Jesus willingly took the punishment to forgive the sin of the whole world.
Free Gift of Grace
God’s wrath and condemnation for the sin of the world was poured out on Christ. All that man has to do to receive this free gift of grace is to believe on Jesus Christ – simply believing puts us in union with Christ and places us into the family of God.
Neither sinner nor saint are condemned for their sin, for all sin has been forgiven.
Neither saint nor sinner will be judged for their sin for God's judgement fell on Christ.
The price for all sin was paid at the cross.
God’s judgement for all sin fell on Christ, but believer and unbeliever alike will be ‘judged’ on what they thought of Christ.
Blood of Christ
So if our sin is already forgiven – what does it mean when John tells us that: the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin?
But access to the Father and fellowship with Him is always broken when we sin.
When we sin in thought or word or deed we erect a barrier between God, and us.
the cross dealt with forgiveness of sin – but confession restores communion. When we discover we are out of fellowship with God we need to confess our sins. When we realise we’ve sinned we need to go straight to the throne of grace and confess – and when we do we are restored into loving fellowship with our heavenly Father.
Fruitless Intercession
Intercession is fruitless without a heart that has been cleansed of all sin.
if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Forgiven and Cleansed
Sins are finally and forever forgiven at the cross – all sin.
The grace, faithfulness and justice of God forgave all your sin at the cross.
Watching in prayer is keeping wakeful ‘in’ the strength of the holy exercise of prayer against sin and for God – but in THANKSGIVING: Letting the spirit and action of gratitude, (as it were)…surround your watching and praying lives.
Prayer an Intercessions
When others harm me or cause pain me or falsely accuse me I pray, “Father forgive,” When I have sinned or discredited my Lord – I confess my sin at His heavenly throne.
Changeless Character
God gives us simple instructions and yet they are diametrically opposed to man’s logic and the sin nature, for our fleshly sin nature is in conflict against God’s Spirit and the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God, but if we don’t know His character and His plan for humanity, how can we trust Him?
Though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed.Romans 6:17
Simple Instructions
These simple instructions conflict with the function of man’s old sin nature – and these simple instructions are diametrically opposed from man’s human wisdom.
For the Sin Nature (the Flesh) – is in conflict against the Spirit,And Man’s Wisdom (man’s Reason) – is foolishness to God.
Gift of Love
God loved the world so dearly that He gave the Son of His love to bear the punishment for our sin and to die an ignominious death as the substitute for our sin, on a cruel Roman cross – and He gave His Son as a Gift forever – to a race of fallen sinners. Today there is a man seated on the throne of God, Who was born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. He was laid in a manger and grew up in a simple home.
Pivotal Point
From the first fatal fall of man in Eden, the sin of man had been covered by the blood of bulls and goats, but His birth was a pivotal point in history – when the Son could say to the Father:- Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a (human) Body You have prepared for Me.
In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Christ identified Himself with the fallen race man so completely and so intimately, that His birth into a world of men was an irreversible seal on the pages history.
But there is also a wider world that is in equal need of redemption from sin and everlasting life from above. There was the intriguing story of Moses the prophet, who was raised up by God to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage, and to guide them safely them through their wilderness walk, who declared:- the Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people.
Great High Priest
We read of Melchizedek, who was priest and king of Salem and Aaron the high priest of Israel, whose individual lives and unique characters were types of our great and eternal High Priest – Who down through the centuries has been interceding for His church – for we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but in every respect has been tempted as we are – yet without sin.
The Saviour
Jesus Christ has many wonderful names, many beautiful titles, many eternal qualities but perhaps the most excellent and precious of all is that of Saviour – Redeemer. The sin of one man separated the race of humanity from the holiness of God for we are told in the Word of God that sin had separated fallen man from a righteous God, and without a Saviour to save us from our sins – that separation is eternal.
God’s gift
The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life.
It was God’s purpose to save the race He knew would sin – but it took 4000 years to prepare a lost world.
God’s Unspeakable Gift
God’s unspeakable gift transferred us from spiritual darkness to spiritual light – for the imputed sin of Adam and the many sins we commit are removed far away. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins from us – for as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him.
We are free from bondage and the curse of the law – set free from the slave market of sin.
We are part of a new creation – new creatures in Christ, for our old sin nature was severed at the cross and we are imbued with a new nature – the new life in Christ. Our status of sinner is changed into saint.
We are forgiven forever – cleansed; made whole and ministers of a new covenant. The death and resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord has paid the price for our sin..
broken the power of sin in our life and will one day remove sin’s presence – forever. The curtain of separation has been torn from top to bottom granting access to the throne-room of grace and we’re covered from head to toe with the armour of God, for we are clothed with Christ and one with Him – His body, His church – His bride.
so He could become the Sacrifice for sin for the whole world..
yet He is also our Wonderful Counsellor, for He understands each one of us personally and sympathises with our weaknesses – yet has been tested in every way as we are, but without sin. He understands all our struggles and cares for us deeply, desiring that we cast all our care on Him, for He cares with the depth of love that emanates from the heart of God.
Mighty God
Jesus is indeed the Mighty God for He rescued us from the cesspit of sin – reuniting us with our Creator God, by the shedding of His blood – for we were dead in our trespasses and sins – but Jesus came from heaven to seek and save that which was lost.
Penalty of Sin
But praise be to God that the penalty of sin was paid for in full – through the sacrificial death of Christ Jesus..
For the wages of sin is death, but Christ died for the sin of ALL.
He paid the price for the sin of ALL people, so that whosoever believes on His name should not be condemned – but have everlasting life.
Power of Sin
And glory to God for the power of sin was also broken in our lives and we have been set free from the dominion and mastery that Satan holds over the race of human-kind, for we no longer live under the requirements of the law – but have gained the freedom of God’s grace.
Through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the second Man, we’ve been set free from slavery to Satan and to sin – and have become servants of our God.
Presence of Sin
And the wonderful hope that is set before us is that the presence of sin in our lives will be forever removed in the ages to come, when the Lord Jesus Christ – the last Adam, comes to take us to be with Himself into our eternal home – and we shall see Him as He is and we shall be clothed in glorified bodies – like unto His glorious body.
Prophesied Redeemer
Had the Lord Jesus been anything but fully human, many of the prophecies of Scripture would have remained unfulfilled for only as man’s Kinsman-Redeemer, Who was like unto His brothers in every way – (and yet was without sin), could the Lord Jesus Christ have become our Saviour, and obediently carry out the demands of a holy God, in submission to His Father – and in so doing give His life as a ransom for many.
But it required Him to become the willing sacrifice for sin – for the sake of all sinners.
Fully Man
Were Christ not fully man He could not have redeemed humanity; broken the curse of sin and death; imputed believers with His own righteousness; given us eternal life and reunited us forever with God the Father our Creator.
But Christ is both the Root and the Offspring of David breaking forever the curse of sin and death – and imputing on all who believe His own perfect righteousness – giving us eternal life and reuniting us forever with God – our Father and Creator.
Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all men, because all sinned.Romans 5:13
His deity equipped the Son of God to be good enough to pay the ransom price for the sin of world – but only His humanity qualified the Son of Man to become our kinsman-Redeemer, so that He could pour out His life-blood at Calvary, as the one and only perfect human Sacrifice for sin – the Sin Offering. Not only was He the perfect sacrifice that went to the cross as an obedient Son in submission to His Father – but He willingly walked the way of the cross for the depth of love He had for His Father.
Adam’s Sin
It was the humanity of Christ that equipped Him to become our Saviour.
The first man, Adam, who had been made in the image and likeness of God was the physical head of the human race – the progenitor of humanity – the original ancestor of all mankind, through whom have sprung all the nations upon earth. The sin in the garden of Eden was Adam’s responsibility for he was the man, created in the image and likeness of God, to be His son and to become the governor of the whole earth.
It was through his disobedience to the Father that the entire race of man fell – and inherent sin was the shocking outcome that was to separate his sinful race forever, from a holy God.
The first man was a natural man – an unsaved man – a man condemned to be separated from God forever, for the wages of sin is death; spiritual death – spiritual separation from the Father.
Just as the whole human race was imputed with the sin of the first man Adam – so also those that have trusted Jesus as Saviour have the new-life of Christ breathed into them by the Spirit of God – and they are imputed with His righteousness.
Old Creation
The sin of the first man, Adam, rendered the entire race of mankind : CONDEMNED sinners.
Just as God prepared a body for the first Adam so He also prepared a body for the last Adam – a living, breathing human body, that was free from the inherent sin nature of fallen man – but a body of flesh and blood, in which would dwell the incarnate Son of God – the Word made flesh.
Second Man
Just as sin entered the world through the disobedience of one man, and death came through sin, causing condemnation and separation from God to be the inherited status of all people – so also redemption came to the world through the obedience of one Man, resulting in the forgiveness of sins for all humanity – and light and life and hope and peace and renewed fellowship with the Father – to ALL who would believe on His name. It was divine grace that provided a second Adam to redeem the fallen race of man.
For we do not have a high priest Who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are – yet without sin.Hebrews 4:15
Perfect Person
Christ had to be fully human in the same way that we are human – yet without sin, in order to become our kinsman-Redeemer.
His miraculous conception, His humble birth in Bethlehem – His simple life in the little town of Nazareth where He laboured as the Carpenter, all prepared our Lord Jesus for His work on the Cross and equipped Him to become God’s sacrifice for our sin.
Representative Man
He was tried and tested in all things in the same way that we are – yet without sin, so that He could represent each of His brothers and sisters to our Father in heaven, for He is our representative Man.
Our Sinless Brother
He connects with us at our point of need and listens to our helpless cries for we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin.
Final Sacrifice
In past times the blood of bulls and goats atoned for man’s sin – it covered man’s sins.
The innocent blood of animals was to cover sin until the final sacrifice was offered. Christ’s blood did not simply cover our sins – it removed them right away! But HOW and WHY did we need a perfect, innocent human sacrifice for our sins?
Inherited Sin
Well, when Adam sinned against God his very being was infused with sin – a sin nature.
Adam’s sin - his sin nature was passed on to all people, so sin is inherent in all men.
This inherent inclination to sin is passed down the generations, and no one is exempt. We all have inherited sin.
We all have a sin nature – “the old man” as Paul often calls it.
Imputed Sin
We are also sinners because of the sins that we commit.
These sins are imputed to us. The sins we commit are credited to our account, so to speak – because we have sinned! But both inherited sin from Adam and the sins imputed to us – are all worthy of death. Death is the outcome for our inherited sin nature and the many sins that we all commit.
Meaning of Death
The wages of sin is death and the meaning of death in scripture is SEPARATION.
Sin’s reward for spiritual death is separation from God - separation from all that’s good.
Kinsman-Redeemer
But God had planned a unique way that all sinners could be forgiven of their sins., but it meant that the eternal Son of God would become a perfect human being so that He could be made a sacrifice for sin – a substitute for man – a kinsman-redeemer.
The Perfect Man
Only God’s eternal Son was good enough to pay the incredible price for humanities sin, but God is Spirit and without the shedding of human blood – is no forgiveness of sins. He had to lay aside His glory, leave His heavenly abode and become the Son of Man. And so at God’s appointed time Jesus was born – as the innocent and perfect Man. Only the blood of an innocent and perfect Man was sufficient to pay the price for sin.
Son of Man
The wages of sin is death – i.e.
separation from God forever and only the shed blood of the Son of Man could have paid for our sin – and only the resurrection of the Son of Man would give us newness of life – a new life in Christ – a new creation in Christ.
It was ONLY the humanity of Christ that qualified Him to die – for only as Son of Man did He have the blood pulsing through His veins that was to be shed for humanities sin.
Humanity of Christ
It was only the humanity of Christ that qualified Him to be the redeemer of mankind. The angels could not redeem man for angels are a different species – a different kind. God could not die for humanities sin for God is immortal and eternal – He cannot die.
Wages of Sin
Only a perfect member of the human race was equipped to become man’s Redeemer. The requirement for humanities “kinsman redeemer” was a perfect Man : a sinless life. Adam was made in the image and likeness of God – the created son of the Father, but Adam sinned and lost his inheritance – He forfeited his ruler-ship of the earth. The wages of Adam’s sin were death – death for humanity and separation from God, so death passed to all men, for that all have sinned – and all mankind was condemned.
Christ’s Humanity
But Christ was also fully Man – and as such he had a human nature – yet without sin. He was a man with a mind and emotions and He had a human body, a soul and spirit. As Man He grew weary and could legitimately say, I thirst – give me to drink… and as Man He could rightfully say to the High Priest at His trial – you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.
Substitute Saviour
Both the deity and the manhood of Christ is challenged today in differing quarters but unless fully God and fully Man, united in one Person – He could never have become the perfect Sin-Sacrifice for humanity.
Christ’s Duel Nature
Unless fully human He could never have been our kinsman-Redeemer - our sin-substitute... for only a representative from the fallen race of humanity could pay the price for sin. Unless fully God, He could not have saved Himself nor could He have saved us – for only God Himself is good enough to pay His own required price for the sin. Indeed, denial of the true humanity is so serious in the eyes of the apostle John, that it he considers it to be the mark of an antichrist – and should be defended at all costs.
The good news is for those that believe and the bad news is for those that do not. The biblical gospel teaches man in totally is depraved and due to sin we all have missed the mark, and as a result are alienated from God and separated from Him. The bad news of the biblical gospel is that all have sinned and are deserving of death.
All are without hope and without God in a world of sin.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and the wages of sin, for all is death.
He also knew that spiritual death which is caused by sin, means separation from God: They are excluded from the life of God because of ignorance and hardness of heart. Men are separated from God and life, because of pride and the blindness of their heart. He who has the Son has life.
Redemption Plan
Re-union with God requires the death of Another – and until Christ’s blood streamed from His veins at Calvary, the blood of an innocent lamb was to cover sin-stained man.
The Bad News
The bad news of the biblical gospel is that all have sinned and are deserving of death. All have missed the mark – all are separated from God – all are sinners to the core. All are spiritually dead – all are without hope and without God in a world of sin. But only when the bad news of the gospel is seen in its proper context – where sin separates man from God forever – does the good news of the gospel come into view. So what is the good news of the gospel of salvation that is open to every man? What is the good news for those that believe in Jesus Christ – the Son of God?
He became sin for us – He became our substitute sacrifice, to satisfy the justice of God.
Full Salvation
We are to rely on His work on the cross to save us from sin and death and hell.
Man’s 2 Natures
As children of God we were given a new life in Christ – a baby life that needs to grow. Our life should be a fruitful, victorious life that matures into a spiritual believer – a life submitted to the Spirit, so it may be conformed into the image and likeness of Jesus. But we still have a sin nature that seeks to gain supremacy over our new Christ-life. We were freed from its power over us, at the cross, but it remains our deadly enemy.
Old Nature and New Life
The old sin nature we received from Adam is at enmity with God and kept us in bondage and condemnation, but it was crucified with Christ, and its power was severed at the cross – freeing us forever from the bondage of sin and death.This new life in Christ is His sinless life – which was imparted into our very beings. The old sin nature is our terrible Adamic heritage – which keeps us in bondage to sin. Unsaved men can only function under the power of the old sin nature, and whatever they do, whether good or ill, is worthy of nothing more than God’s utter condemnation.
New Life in Christ
The new life in Christ should be nurtured, while the old sin nature must be subdued, and though all Christians are positionally sanctified, (set apart unto God), we must also grow in our Christian life to be practically sanctified – and it’s all by grace. Whether we are talking about our sanctified position or the sanctifying process that continues throughout life – our spiritual growth, our growing in grace, our maturing in the faith and the good works that God has prepared for us to do, are ALL by grace.
To put off the old sin nature, we have to make a choice, not to allow sin to rule and reign in our lives – rather we must seek to walk in spirit and truth, as we submit to the leading of the Spirit.
In this way the new life in Christ will have a chance to grow and mature, and gradually be conformed into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus. If we ignore the clear guidance in scripture on how to live a spiritual life, that’s pleasing to God, and submit to the old sin nature, we place ourselves back under the bondage of law.
Put on the New
Let us put to death the deeds of the body, so our new life in Christ can grow: for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. Let us not copy the behaviours and customs of this world, but rather let us submit to the Spirit, so that God can transform us into a new person..
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.1 John 3:9
The power of sin and death in the lives of all believers was broken forever at the cross, and so we are enabled to live a life of holiness – a life that is “set apart unto God”.
Born-again Life
When we were reborn, we received a brand new baby life – our new life in Christ, but the old sin nature will remain in our dying bodies until we are glorified – until Christ comes to take us home to heaven.
But the old nature seeks to regain supremacy over our new life in Christ. Only the new, born-again life that is positioned in Christ is positionally sanctified – and Only that new born-again life in Christ can be progressively or practically sanctified. The old sin nature is incapable of godly living.
The old sin nature is incapable of being sanctified.
Sinless Perfection
It was John who said that whoever abides in Christ does not sin – nor can sin. This has nothing to do with the erroneous teaching of “sinless perfection..” This verse simply refers to the new life in Christ – the new life does not sin. The sinless life of Christ that is imputed to all believers, does not sin..
Old Sin Nature
However, the believer who does not abide in Christ, and has not set their life apart unto God will live from the source of the old sin nature, which can do nothing but sin!! The believer’s old sinful life can never be sanctified, for it is riddled with sin. There is nothing in the old sin nature that is acceptable to God and any attempts to set apart our old sin nature unto God will utterly fail. Until we go to be with the Lord, both the old sin nature and the new life in Christ are in bitter conflict – for the spirit lusts against the flesh and the flesh against the spirit.
Past Present and Future
Justification was the element of salvation that freed us from the PENALTY of sin.
Glorification is the element of salvation that frees us from the PRESENCE of sin.
And Sanctification is the element of salvation that frees us from the POWER of sin.
A New-Life in Christ
As His children we were given a new LIFE in Christ – a baby life that needs to grow into a mature spiritual believer -– a life that will be fruitful – a victorious life – a life that will be conformed into the image of Jesus during the time we live on earth. But we also have a sin nature that seeks to gain supremacy over the new Christ-life. Oh!
we have been freed from sin’s power over us – but while on earth it still lurks. And this is the thing… just as we chose to believe in the Lord Jesus to be justified – So too we have a choice when it comes to sanctification during our time on earth.
Justification – PAST
There are many passages that distinguish between these three tenses of salvation, In 2 Timothy 1:9 we discover God saved us – a past event, that took place at a point in time, when we were saved from the penalty of sin i.e.
Initial Salvation
Although we were not made righteous in a practical way – for we still have an old sin nature, this was the point we were positioned “in Christ” – and imputed with His righteousness – and from then on we had a right standing with God – JUSTIFIED. This is the point in time when we were born again – by believing in the work of Christ.
Ongoing Salvation
Timothy, who was already saved in the past from the penalty of sin, is now being instructed on how to be saved in the present - from the POWER of sin, for he, like all believers, is in the process of being saved in his Christian life – SANCTIFICATION.
Willing Sanctification
God longs that all his children chose to be sanctified – set apart unto Him by offering themselves as a willing sacrifice and submitting to the Spirit’s leading – for when we are being sanctified we are blessed with continuous deliverance from the power of sin.
God-Dependency
When God gave the Law through Moses, He knew man’s fallen sin-nature would develop a spirit of confidence in self – rather than humble dependence upon God.
A Vital Lesson
The apostle Paul realised that it was the Law that showed him his sin.
But as the sin of pride increased so also the grace that flowed from God multiplied.
Just as the sin of one man, (Adam) resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act of the one Man, (Christ Jesus) resulted in justification and life for all people.Romans 5:18
God’s Condemnation
The whole world came under the condemnation of God because of one man’s sin. Adam’s disobedience resulted in the human race being born under condemnation. It was sin that was the cause of man’s condemnation and the wages of sin is death. It was necessary for God to cover man’s sin with the blood-soaked fleece of a lamb, for in His heart God purposed to send a Saviour – Who could pay the price of sin. What grace was being shown to man when God purposed to save His fallen race.
Christ’s Blood
His perfect life would be a payment – for the sinful lives of the entire human race. All sin that was covered by the fleece of a lamb would be atoned for by His blood. Until the blood of the perfect Sacrifice was offered, man’s sin would remain covered – covered but never forgiven UNTIL the final Sacrifice for all sin was offered.
God’s Grace
But grace was in God’s heart when He purposed to give His Son as a ransom for many, Christ was to come bringing with Him grace and truth for all condemned by the Law. His perfect life and sacrificial death was to break the power of sin, resting on man, His death on the cross was so that man could be released from ALL condemnation.
so that sin might increase – so that the condemnation on the heads of all men would be multiplied!
His ways are perfect and this was simply another demonstration of His grace. The greater mans’ sin became the more valuable and precious was the sacrifice for sin. The more sin abounded, the more grace would be poured over the head of humanity.
God’s grace dictated that He would give His only Son to pay the price for all sin.. and the ONLY requirement of man was to believe that Christ died for their sin – and the ONLY way to be free from condemnation was to believe on Jesus Christ.
Sin’s Penalty
The ONLY requirement of man is to believe that Christ died for his sins.
What grace God showed to man, that Christ Jesus has paid the penalty for humanities sin.
God’s Standard
God had not shifted the goalposts, for all sin is abhorrent and forever condemned, but He purposed to pour out His wrath against sin upon His Son – in our place.
Condemnation Lifted
This new perfect life of Christ cannot sin.
the old sin nature can still sin!
And when we sin as a believer we lose precious fellowship with our Saviour – and when we sin we live our life in our own strength and not in Christ’s strength.
Nevertheless, all SIN was forgiven at Calvary – so all condemnation is lifted.
Sin of Unbelief
Today the work of the Spirit is to convict unsaved people of their sin.
But the sin of this age is not the breaking of the Law of Moses... but the sin of unbelief in Jesus Christ.
the serpent stood for sin and death, and the bronze metal was illustrative of God’s judgement. Though he could not have understood the poignant significance of what was to happen on Calvary’s cross, in the days to come – Nicodemus must have recalled this conversation, when the sinless, Son of Man was cruelly lifted up on the cross, as the Law required – so that all who were bitten by the curse of sin could look – and live.
Guilty Sinner
He could not have understood there and then, that the full weight of all humanity’s sin was to be poured out over Jesus.
Iron Curtain
The eyes of this great teacher of Israel had been veiled by the iron curtain of sin and the traditions of men – and so God had sent His only begotten Son to fulfil the perfect requirements of the Law, so that He could be the one, perfect human Sacrifice – so that He could pay the price for the accumulated sin of the race of humanity.
Oh wretched man that I am Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thanks be to God, Who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 7:25
Insufficient Law
The Law may be perfect and man may desire to obey the perfect Law of God, but it is insufficient to save a guilty sinner – and we discover it to be a ministration of death – for it tells us God’s standard for man, but then shows us that we can only fail. The Law may be good and spiritual and the born-again life in Christ may desire to keep God’s commandments – but the old sin nature is carnal and in bondage to sin. This is why Paul failed when he tried to keep the Law in the strength of his old fallen nature, which caused him to cry out:- Oh wretched man that I am!
Who will deliver me from this body of sin – and free me from this life that is dominated by death.
And the Law was described by Paul as a schoolmaster that was to point us to Him. That schoolmaster could instruct the natural/unsaved man how to live but could not change the sinful nature of its students – it could only impose a penalty for failure, and the wages of sin – the penalty for failure to keep the Law – was death.
Restrictive Measure
The Law though perfect, had no way to remove the death sentence – so death reigned from Adam’s fall to Moses and continued to rule from the time of Moses to Christ. The Law was God’s perfect tool to direct us to Christ so that we might be justified. But the Law can be equally problematic to the one that has been justified, for if one starts to live a Christian life under the restrictive measure of the Law of Moses or any self-imposed legalistic system, it can only be done by the old sin nature being guided by the lust of the flesh and not the new nature in Christ, that is led by the Spirit of God.
Old Sin Nature
Paul discovered, after his Damascus Road conversion, that trying to live the Christian life in the power of the old sin nature was doomed to failure, causing him to cry out… O wretched man that I am!
Way of the Cross
Paul had discovered the answer was Christ – the way of the Cross – the only Way. His elated cry was: thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord. And this is how it works!!! Christ lived a perfect life and by fulfilling all the requirements of the Law, He was able to go to the cross and become the one and only Sacrifice for the sin of the whole world. This broke the power of death in His life and hence Christ rose from the dead.
Open Secret
It was living his life, through the new-life in Christ, that was given to Paul – when he was born again, that was Paul’s open secret of how to live the victorious Christian life. It was living this new-life in Christ that broke the power of sin in Paul’s life. It was living this new-life in Christ that delivered Paul from the body of death. And it is living our Christian life, by means of the new born-again life of Christ in us, that will give you and me the victory over the power of sin in our lives too.
Gospel Teaching
Some consider that unless a sinner believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, and in addition, goes through the process of repenting of all their sins – they are not properly saved. Many believers are told by certain teachers and preachers that unless they repent of every sin they have ever committed – then they cannot be properly forgiven by God. But this goes against the teachings of both John – the beloved disciple of the Lord and the apostle Paul, who was called as God’s special witness to the gentile nations.
Cursed Creation
Everything that God made for man to richly enjoy was good – oh, so very, very good, but Adam’s sin caused the creation to be cursed and man lost His regal position.
Adam’s sin caused God to set in motion His eternal plan and purpose for humanity.
God’s Purpose
God purposed His own Son would shed His innocent blood to pay the tremendous price for the sin of the entire human race – as God’s perfect Law required. God’s plan was not simply to restore man to his original position – where sins could be forgiven and a right standing between God and man could be restored.
Died for All
Christ died for the sin of the whole world which means that every man and woman who has ever lived has had their sins forgive!
No-one is condemned because of their sin, because Christ died for the sins of ALL. Those who don’t trust in Christ’s work on the cross have chosen to exclude themselves from the free gift of grace, that has been offered to them by their Creator God.
Although Christ died for the sin of the whole world, not every member of the human race partakes of the amazing grace of God... simply because they do not believe in Him.
Grace and Truth
Grace and truth came to the world, for Christ died for the sin of the whole world, so that every man has been forgiven of their sins.
Christ’s Witness
John, whose name means: God is gracious, bore witness of Jesus: God is salvation. John was to point to the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world. John was a witness to the grace of God – that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. John was sent as a moon to reflect the Son – the only true Light of the world.
Sacrifice for Sin
Though acknowledged by the Lord Jesus as the greatest of all men born of women. John was the one who testified that he must decrease – but Christ must increase. John was not the Light, but he witnessed about the true and only Light of God. John did not bring Grace, but he was to testify of the One Who was full of Grace. John could not forgive sins, but pointed to the Messiah, the only Sacrifice for sin.
This message to all men was to testify of the Lamb of God – the Sacrifice for all sin.
His witness was to both Jew and gentile – a double message of repentance and grace. The LAW of Moses was given to REVEAL sin... but GRACE through faith in Christ REMOVES sin.
It was grace in its fullness that caused the Godhead to look down the corridors of time and purpose an eternal plan that would redeem a sinful race of humanity from sin.
Fully God
His Deity is demanded, for there is no other good enough to pay the price of sin. His Manhood in mandatory, for no other Days-man could redeem His brethren. This is the God-man, Who clothed Himself in flesh – the perfect sacrifice for sin. As fully God – He is the everlasting Son of the Most High God –He is uncreated and without beginning – of one Being with the Father Almighty.
God’s Grace
Just as sin ruled over all people and brought them death – so the marvellous grace of God now rules instead, giving us right-standing with God and resulting in eternal life – through Jesus Christ our Lord. The Law requires works, which could never reach the perfection required of God.
This should never be, for we have a great God Who not only died to save us from our sin but Who promised to supply all our needs, according to His gracious riches.
Only Way
It all centres around believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and His work on the cross, for apart from Calvary there is no forgiveness of sin – no salvation – no heaven. Man’s assumption is inevitably that I must win my way to heaven by my good deeds. God’s criteria is believe on the finished work of Christ crucified – and nothing else. The one point men seem to forget is that we are all sinners and estranged from God. Sin is the one thing that separates man from God.
Sin = Death = Separation from God.
Spiritually Dead
When we entered this life we were born into sin – we were sinners at birth, because we are sinners we are dead in trespasses and sins – separated from God. We are physically alive but our spirit is dead = separated from God; separated forever. Man throughout the centuries has devised many ways to get to God – to please Him, and they are based on good deeds, religious works, keeping the ten commandments.
Jesus paid the price for sin and He broke the power of sin when He died on the cross.
They had been disobedient children, but now they must turn from their sin to Christ. John gave this testimony: “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon Him.
He was willing to stand in the place of you and me – for although He was God’s sinless Son, He was able to sympathise with each of us, in all our struggle with sin – in every single way.
Baptism of Repentance
John indeed did need to be washed by the Lord – not only a baptism of repentance but a washing in the fountain of precious blood that flowed from Emmanuel’s severed veins – which alone can cleanse a filthy sinner from his sins and his old sin nature. But this prophet of God was of the house and linage of Levi and it was God’s purpose that His Beloved Son should be anointed High Priest, after the order of Melchizedek.
– the baptism of the sinless Christ in the Jordan was not for His own sins, for He had none of which to repent – but He was to be the Saviour of the sinner, the Redeemer of the lost, and in this act of anointing, our Saviour deliberately identified Himself with your sin and mine.
Christ’s Forerunner
John had been called, before his conception, to be the forerunner of God’s Messiah. John was called as a voice in the wilderness – to proclaim forth the kingdom of God. John was anointed to call the people of Israel to repent – to return to their Lord God. John was to proclaim: Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29.
He was God’s Passover Lamb – the atoning Sacrifice for the sin of the world.
Gift of Love
He has set aside the glory He had with the Father before the world was created and lived His entire life in humble obedience to the Father, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Every Passover Lamb since their escape from Egypt was a death that pointed to Christ. Every sin offering prefigured Calvary’s cross and every morning and evening sacrifice pictured His entire life as a freewill gift of love – a sweet savour – offered daily to God.
free from the old sin nature passed from father to son. Without the virgin birth there could be no Saviour for a man born from the union of a man with a woman, is imputed with an inherent sin nature – right from conception.
Plan of Salvation
Had Christ been begotten of a human father He could not be the second Person of the Trinity, and the plan of Salvation would have been the biggest farce in history. Had He been begotten of a human father Christ would have been imputed with SIN.
Price for Sin
So when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem us all, so that we might receive adoption as sons. To deny the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ renders Calvary as a sham and charade, for there is none good..
o not one, who could pay the price for sin – except God, God alone could pay the price for sin.
Deep Darkness
His eternal existence was rudely interrupted with His birth into a race of fallen men. The glory He shared with God was set aside, for a time – as He tabernacled on earth. The glorious relationship with His Father was temporarily terminated for 3 dreadful hours of deep darkness, as He paid for your sin and mine so He could cry – IT IS FINISHED.
God and Man
If Christ was not God, there could be no salvation, for God alone is good enough to pay the price of sin.
But unless Christ is also Man – unless Jesus is our kinsman-redeemer, there would be no salvation – for the price of sin must be made by a perfect MAN. The teachings of His incarnation and atonement for sin is impregnated in Scripture.
Humble Servant
And though fully God and fully human in His singular body – He laid aside His glory, and took upon Himself the form of a servant and humbled Himself – to die on a cross. No one but Jesus could have taken the sin of the world upon His manly shoulders.
Church Age Baptism
As church-age believers, we are baptised by the Spirit into Christ the moment we believe that Jesus is our Saviour and that He died for our sin and rose the third day. We are to grow in grace and become true followers – true disciples of the Lord and water baptism is a beautiful outward demonstration of a beautiful internal change.
Christ became a man, so that humanity had a Kinsman Redeemer to atone for their sin.
Two Natures
Jesus has two separate natures in one body - His nature as God and His human nature. This personal union of two natures is where undiminished deity is uniquely united with true humanity, remaining together in one person forever and without confusion. This “hypostatic union” took place so that you and I might be saved from our sin.
Radiance of God’s Glory
Because Christ was conceived and born of a human mother, He is able to empathise with our human weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, like us – yet without sin.
The Holy Spirit
God the Spirit loves us so much that He convicts us of sin, righteousness and judgment – but the Holy Spirit could not have redeemed us.
The Lord Jesus Christ
Only a perfect Man Who was made in the image and likeness of human flesh could atone for the collective sin of mankind – and God alone is perfect.
Only the sinless Son of God, Who was to be born of a woman, could become the sinless sacrifice to take away the sin of the world and break the power of sin and death.
Only Jesus Christ was good enough to pay the price of sin and to die for you and me – and God has given all power and authority into the hand of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Israel-Adopted Sons
They were the ones who were entrusted with the amazing Word and Words of God. They were adopted sons who were promised a wonderful earthly inheritance.. but they failed to do as God commanded which was to tell the nations about God – and Israel as a nation was to repent of her sin collectively, and turn to her Messiah. But Israel crucified her king and for a time God chose to work through the Gentiles.
Kingdom of God
Jesus had been with the disciples for three wonderful years, but He was leaving. He was to return to heaven after He had paid the full price for the sin of the world. The disciples knew He was their Messiah.
The Baptist announced, I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One..” He pointed the people to the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world.
Pre and Post Cross
The Law of sin and death had been fulfilled in Christ on our account, and pre-cross doctrine had be superseded with post-resurrection teaching.
He was the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world – the Passover Lamb – and with many signs and wonders, He confirmed His credentials as Israel’s Messiah.
Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! May it never be! How shall we who died TO sin still live in sin?Romans 6:1-2
Liberty of the Cross
Paul wants the believer to discover the liberation that he found in the cross of Christ. He longs that Christians truly understand the glory and wonder of God’s grace. Paul was thrilled to explain that all aspects of sin and death are dealt with by the cross. The cross of Christ dealt with both the sins we commit and the sin nature inherited from Adam.
Gates of Grace
The first 7 verses of Romans chapter 6 spell out the significance of being crucified unto sin. This short passage gives a bird's-eye view of a believer’s identification with Christ.
Glories of Justification
Chapter after chapter and verse-by-verse, Paul reveals the glories of justification – the fall into sin by one man:- Adam..
which plunged the human race into death, so that the transgression of one man resulted in the condemnation of the human race. The gift of salvation that was freely bestowed on us through one Man:- Christ Jesus, so that by the obedience and righteousness of one Man, many were made righteous – for by His death and resurrection the consequences of sin were done away with.
Grace Abounds
Paul builds up his case by showing that the Law’s perfection caused sins to increase. Men’s inability to keep the Law demonstrated the amazing grace of our justification, showing that where sin increased, the grace of God abounded all the more.
Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound all the more?
Gift of Salvation
Having demonstrated God’s amazing gift of salvation by grace through trusting Christ, Paul paraphrases a question he knows must be lingering in the minds of his listeners, “Shall we keep on sinning so that God’s grace may abound more and more?” Imagine that! Shall we revel in sin so that the grace of God can increase even more!
Broke Sin’s Power
Certainly not, is his cry!
How shall we who died TO sin live any longer in it? For when Christ died and rose again He broke the power of sin WITHIN us. He not only paid the price for our sins but broke the power of sin IN us.
Inherent Sin
The sin nature within man is imputed to ALL people.
The sin nature is inherent sin in us ALL, but when it says :- Christ died TO sin, it means that He broke sins’ power in US. We were slaves to the sin nature, but He broke the power of the sin nature within us.
So how shall we who died TO sin live any longer in it?
Newness of Life
When Christ died on the cross, our old sin nature was identified with Christ’s death.
The power of the old sin nature was broken by the death of Christ. When He rose from the dead, our new nature in Christ identified with His resurrection.
Baptism INTO Life
For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection - knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. S0…..
shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? May it never be! How shall we who died TO sin still live in sin?
Dead in Sin
When Adam sinned in disobedience to God he immediately died, spiritually.
Ever since that first spiritual death, all humanity have been born dead in their sin.
Spiritually Separated
Man is born spiritually dead and can only function through the old sin nature. Man remains spiritually separated from God until they are made alive in Christ: for that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:6
God’s High Priest
Before the cross, man had to approach the Lord through a mediator – God’s high priest. Sin offerings, burnt offerings – ANY offerings were made to God through the high priest.
But man did not have access to God, for sin separated fallen man from a holy God.
Our new nature must be conformed to be like Christ. The old sin nature must remain crucified and our flesh must remain on the cross, for our fleshly sin nature can never fellowship with the indwelling Holy Spirit.
New Nature
Our old sin-nature walks in the lusts of the flesh and not in spirit and truth.
Old and New Life
At the same time, the old self endeavours to get down from the cross and resume control – and a battle ensues between the old sin nature and the new life in Christ.
Often a tug-of-war ensues between the old sin nature and the new life in Christ, but the old life and the new nature can never live in harmony with each other.
In-Adam
Every member of the human race was born in Adam – and that’s every single person. Everyone with a human mother and human father came to be – through natural birth. Every person was born with a sin nature and all have sinned – so all are condemned. And the consequences of this condemnation is death – eternal separation from God.
Romans 5:12-14
In Romans 5:12-21 Paul spells out our positional identification in Adam or in Christ:- When Adam sinned, sin entered the world.
Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.
But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did.
But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift.
For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many.
Romans 5:16-18
The result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin.
For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins.
For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many.
But even greater is God’s wonderful gift of grace and His gift of righteousness - for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one Man, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:19
Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.
So as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death – now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:12-21
Crowd of Witnesses
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses, who lived by faith – such as Joshua and the Israelites who obediently did all that God commanded them to do... let us like them obey what God has asked us to do, which is to strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up – the sin of unbelief….
For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sinRomans 6:6
The old sin nature of the old life in Adam must die, so that Christ’s new life can live. I assure you: unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself – but if it dies, it produces a large crop.
Catalyst for Life
The death that He died was the catalyst for the life that we live – in Him: for we know that our old self was crucified with Him.. so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with – that we should no longer be slaves to sin.
God’s Spirit
In past days God’s Spirit was sent to certain individuals... to anoint and to empower, but He also withdrew when His work was completed – or due to sin. Bezaleel was divinely empowered to do artistic work in the tabernacle of God.
Christ’s Life Within
The old sin nature of the old Adamic life must be crucified and remain on the cross.
Christlike Nature
It is not to be the old ‘ME’ but the new ‘ME’ that has supremacy in the life I live, so that it is not I that lives, but Christ Who in me Galatians 2:20… so that it is not the old sin nature but the new Christlike nature that develops – for ye are in Christ and ye are complete in Him. Colossians 2:10
1 the old sin nature from Adam and2 the new born again life of Christ
This almost never happens in the early flush of faith – but after decades of training... for the old sin nature must be recognised for what it is – a life of self.
Sin Offering
As a believer’s trust in God's truth grows, more is opened up to his understanding.
The first, vital thing for any believer is to know Christ as the wonderful sin offering.
But sin, as a ruling power in our lives, requires identification.
Sin as an offence was forgiven at the cross.
The death penalty for sin was paid. Sin in the life of every believer is totally acquitted, for Christ died for our sins.
BUT sin as a master, ruling our forgiven lives requires identification with Him.
The early chapters of Romans describe in startling clarity God’s hatred of sin.
Two Laws
But then comes the wonderful TRUTH of Romans chapter 6 – identification. Because we are in Christ, we are not subject to the law of sin and death. Because we are in Christ, we are subject to the law of life and liberty in Christ. One saint of God describes it in these terms… He has put our old man – our original self – where He put our sins… namely, on the cross with Christ.
Adamic Life
Just as the sins we committed were placed on Christ 2000 years ago… when He died, so our sinful nature (our old self-life), was nailed to that cross, when He died – our Adamic propensity; the old man; our sin nature was nailed to the cross.
Paul’s Discovery
There was a time in Paul’s life when he did not know or appropriate this truth – for in Romans chapter 7, Paul himself cried out Oh wretched man that I am… who shall deliver me from this body of sin – and Paul discovered the answer – I thank God!
We know that our old sinful selves were CRUCIFIED with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives.
We are no longer slaves to sin.Romans 6:6
Romans 5 and 6
In Romans chapter 5 we are told that sin is dealt with by the BLOOD of Christ. In Romans chapter 6 we see that sin is dealt with by the CROSS of Christ. In Romans chapter 5 the BLOOD of Christ removes us from the penalty of our sins – we are forgiven by the shedding of Christ’s blood. In Romans chapter 6 the CROSS of Christ removes us from the power of sin – we are delivered of sin’s power because we are in Christ – identified with His cross.
We are no longer under the curse of sin for the wages of sin have been paid in blood.
Saved Believer
The saved believer is the one that is delivered from sin’s power by the cross of Christ.
Our union and identification with Him, breaks the power of sin at the cross. It is the cross of Christ that breaks sin's power in us, through identification with Him.
It is this identification of the believer with Christ that severs the power of sin in our life.
Our identification with the cross of Christ breaks the inherent power of sin in a believer. We are no longer under slavery to sin for it was broken by the power of the cross.
Both the forgiveness of sins and deliverance from sin are gifts of grace to all believers – and we appropriate both forgiveness and deliverance by faith in Christ's sacrifice.
Sin & SinsThe cross of Christ is the remedy for sin – our sin nature. The blood of Christ is the remedy for sins – sins we commit.
Producer & ProductThe cross of Christ deals with the producer of sin.
Cause & EffectThe cross of Christ sorts out the cause of sin in our lives – the sin nature. The blood of Christ sorts out the effect of the sin nature – the sins we commit.
Root & FruitThe cross of Christ severs us from the root of sin – the essence of sin. The blood of Christ disposes of the fruit of sin – the acts of sin.
Tendency & ExhibitsThe cross of Christ deals with our tendency and disposition towards sin. The blood of Christ deals with the exhibits of sin through our acts and attitudes.
Nature & ManifestationThe cross of Christ deals with our inherited sin nature – The blood of Christ deals with the manifestation of our inherited sin – our sins.
Justified and Delivered
Now that we have been justified by his BLOOD, how much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. We know that our old sinful selves were CRUCIFIED with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives.
Knowing this, that our old man has been crucified with Him in order that the body of SIN might be annulled, that we may no longer serve sin as slaves.Romans 6:6
Two Fundamentals
There is too little emphasis and understanding on the difference between SINS and SIN. Both are fundamental problems in the life of a believer, but there is a solution to both.
It is vital that we come to an understanding of the difference between SINS and SIN.
SIN or the SIN NATURE is an inherited power within that causes us to sin against God.
We require deliverance FROM our sin, but both forgiveness and deliverance are found in the cross of Christ.
Every sin we ever commit falls into the category of SINS – sins that we have committed.
Sins are ungodly attitudes that mar our witness. When believers sin we should immediately confess that particular sin to the Father – and God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness. In 1 John 1:7 we read that the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. Every sin we carry out is a violation against God – and it needs to be confessed.
Sin Nature
Then there’s the issue of SIN – the problem of sin; the principle of sin; the power of sin.
Sin in the singular, has to do with the controlling power that sin has over our lives.
Sin in the singular relates to the sin nature – that was passed to all men via Adam.
Imputed Sin
An inherited sin nature is imputed sin; 'the old man'.
which is passed to all humanity, but God in His love and grace has provided a solution for the old sin nature, in Adam – and the solution is to be taken out of Adam and placed into Christ – by faith: for as by the one man’s disobedience (Adam) the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience (Christ) the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:19,
Deliverance FROM Sin
The remedy that God has provided for SIN is deliverance through crucifixion. The old sin nature is cut off at the place of death – as we remain 'in Christ'.
The problem, principle, and power of sin is also dealt with at the cross: knowing this, that our old man has been crucified with Christ in order that the body of SIN might be annulled, that we may no longer serve sin as slaves Romans 6:6
Placed in Christ
When we were born again, we were placed in Christ – baptised into His body. When we were born again we were moved from being 'in Adam' to being 'in Christ.' When we were 'in Adam' we were imputed with Adam’s old sin nature, but when we were reborn 'into Christ' we were imputed with His righteousness. Sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14
New Creatures
When Christ died on the cross, we were 'in Him' – and our old self was also crucified. Our sinful self was crucified with Christ, so sin lost its controlling power in our lives.
Christ gained power over sin and death in our lives, when He died and rose again, because we are new creatures in Christ we are no longer in slavery to sin.
Cross of Christ
The problem, principle, and power of sin in our lives, was dealt with at the cross. Because we were crucified with Christ, we are set free from sin’s vice-like power. We require forgiveness for our SINS – and it is PAID IN FULL. We require deliverance from our SIN – and it is PAID IN FULL. Both forgiveness and deliverance is found in the cross of Christ.
By Grace Through Faith
It is by grace that we have received forgiveness of our sins. It is by grace that we have been delivered from the power of sin . Remember:There are 2 fundamental SIN problems, but BOTH are dealt with at the cross of Christ. It is by grace through faith in Christ that we appropriate forgiveness – of SINS. It is by grace through faith in Christ that we appropriate deliverance – from SIN.
If Christ were not fully deity, He could not have paid the price for our sins. If Christ were not fully God He could not have broken the power of sin in our life.
The Shed Blood
Christ went to the cross not only to die for our sins – but to die unto SIN. His blood not only to paid the price FOR sin but it also broke the power OF sin in us. Many do not appreciate that Christ’s cross dealt with more than forgiven sins. The shed blood of Christ also gave us victory over the power of sin in our life,
Old Sin Nature
Because we are the progeny of fallen Adam, we are imputed with his sin nature, we were 'in Adam' when he sinned, and so his sin nature is credited to all humanity. Adam passed on the old sin nature to every subsequent member of the human race.
Imputed Righteousness
As born-again believers, the death of Christ broke the power of sin in our lives.
We were 'in Christ' when He died and so His righteousness is imputed to us. Christ not only paid the price for our sins but He also broke sin’s power within our life.
Biblical Truths
Christ died FOR us – He died as our substitute – He paid the full price for all our sins. We died WITH Christ – we are identified with Him – He broke the power of sin in us. Substitutionary truths are linked with our birth from above – we are saved by grace. Identification truths are linked with growth in the Christian life – we grow by grace.
Because our identification is with Christ – sin shall no more have dominion over us. I have been crucified with Christ.
We know God cannot look on sin and that our trespasses must be confessed to Him.
The burden for his People
As we look deep into Nehemiah’s being, we see a man with a heart-burden for his people. He not only knew the wrongdoings of his people but he grieved deeply at their sin.
a fellowship so blessed that we can commune with our Lord – and be one with Him – a communion so special that the blood of Jesus continues to cleanse us from all sin.
Our old sin nature was dethroned and replaced with our new nature at rebirth.
Two Natures
For the rest of our lives, the old sin nature will seek to gain supremacy over the new.
Trying to 'be good' through the power of the old sin nature will never succeed.
God does not want us to dress up the old sin nature to look good – by self-effort.
Godly Nature
Our new life has been created in Christ’s righteousness and holiness of the truth. And the old sin nature does not want to be superseded by the new godly nature.
It is to be the new life in Christ that works through me not MY old sin-nature and His life in us is lived out in our life as the Spirit Himself lives in us. Christ’s nature is reflected in our new nature, as we yield to the indwelling Spirit.
Consequences of Sin
Are we in all honesty prepared to look at sin as God sees sin, and take Him seriously?
Do we truly recognise that sin is a cancerous poison – as outlined in God’s Word?
Until we can accept how terrible sin is and its shocking and deadly consequences we can’t begin to appreciate or comprehend God’s amazing redemptive grace.
Grace of God
When we see sin as it truly is we begin to understand what God’s grace is., for now, in union with the Christ Jesus, we who once were far away have been brought near, by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Reality of Sin
Our head-knowledge of the cross must spill into our beings and pierce our heart.
We need to be broken at the cross and recognise the pernicious reality of sin – and then we will start to truly understand what it cost our God to save our soul.
Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood Shall never lose its power ’Till all the ransomed church of God Be saved, to sin no more.
God had determined in the eternal council chambers that He would create Man... and God in His infinite knowledge and understanding knew that man would sin.
Glorious Plan
God was not taken by surprise, nor was He fazed by sin’s entrance into the world.
The all-knowing God had already purposed the flow of history despite man’s sin.
New Creation
God could have obliterated humanity when sin was introduced into the world. He could have halted the human race before His creative work began, but He didn’t, for God looked down the corridors of time and chose each of us who’d become His Body.
He did not try to improve us or to change us by making our fallen, sin-nature better.
God still gave His new creation a free-will, but man also had an old sin nature.
The old sin nature meant that man could NEVER, EVER do what pleased God, but alongside the old sin nature was the new nature in Christ – the new life of Christ.
Imputed Sin Nature
NOW, think this through... Adam was created innocent and sinless – but had the capacity to choose NOT to sin. Adam could have chosen not to sin – He was ABLE not to sin but he chose to sin.
Adam chose to sin, and the sin nature from him passed on to all his offspring.
So now, every member of the human race has an imputed sin nature – from Adam.
Imputed and Inherent Sin
So things are very different for us. We are created new creatures in Christ – not innocent, but saved by grace through faith.
We have imputed sin and we have inherent sin.
As sinners we do not have the ability not to sin because sin is a part of who we are.
Innocent and Sinless
The old life we still retain – the old, fallen sin nature is totally incapable.
It falls far short of the glory of God, and the wages of sin is death.
However, Christ was born innocent and sinless but also had the capacity not to sin.
Christ AS God – was NOT ABLE to sin.
God is perfect and sinless, and unable to sin.
Christ AS MAN was ABLE NOT to sin – but he COULD have sinned as a MAN.
Christ could have chosen to sin like Adam chose to sin – but Christ chose obedience..
Carnal Creatures
We were rotten through and through – at enmity with our Creator God and Saviour. We were carnal creatures with degrading desires – with fleshly propensity to filth. We were sin-soaked in trespasses and on the way to an eternal separation from God.
Deserving of Wrath
We were sinners by our actions and attitudes – imputed with sin and inherently sinful.
Reality of Sin
Isaiah’s description of backsliding Israel is equally illustrative of what we used to be: From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, there’s no soundness evident — only bruises, sores, and festering wounds, that haven’t been cleaned out, or bandaged, or treated with oil.” Isaiah 1:6 No!
So do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.Romans 6:13
God sent His only Son to die on the cross to save us from the punishment of sin.
We can't save ourselves from the penalty of sin nor from the power of sin over our lives.
If we are a willing vessel God may choose to use our work or words or evangelising, but it is the Spirit alone Who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and judgement.
Trust in God
Indeed, we personally had a death sentence within ourselves, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God. 2 Corinthians 1:9 So do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.
Crucified with Christ
The old sin nature, which can demonstrate wicked ways, was crucified with Christ.
The old sin nature, which can also display religious piety, was crucified with Christ, and the new nature in Christ now lives in us – old ways are done away with.
God knows that our old sin nature makes it impossible to live as He wants us to live.
So the only way that we can live LIKE Christ is to have HIS LIFE IN US. But in order for His life to become OUR life, He first had to pay the penalty for our sin. And only He could pay that penalty, for only He was perfect and lived perfectly.
His death paid the price for the sin of the world – including your sin and mine.
His resurrection broke the power of sin in our life, for all that believe on His name. And because the power of death was broken in US, we have HIS LIFE IN US.
All God’s Work
How sad that so many believers strive in their own strength to live a godly life, when all that is needed is to yield to the power of God working within them. But the truth is that salvation from the penalty and power of sin is ALL God’s work.
to the wickedness of these clamorous end times, where the accumulated filth of man’s sin, which bears down so heavily of all who live godly, has all but reached its fullness.
Heavenly Home
And yet our feet are dusty – polluted with the sin and filth of this world, for we are ever yet journeying towards our heavenly home. The Father is there and seated on His throne of grace. At His right hand is seated the Son of His love – the Man; the perfect Man; the Man Christ Jesus - seated on the throne with the Father.
No more tears; no more sorrows; no more pain; no more loss; no more sin; no more death.
I praise Thee, Lord,For cleansing me from sin;Fulfil Thy Word,And make me pure within.Fill me with fireWhere once I burned with shame;Grant my desireTo magnify Thy Name.
The heat of the flame and the weight of the hammer's iron is merciful and tender... Controlled by the hand of the Son of Man, Who was in all points tested as we are, yet without sin.
This one small act of trust brings us out of sin and into salvation; out of darkness into His perfect light; out of Satan into Christ in God; out of death into life; out of despair into hope – out of ashes into beauty.
With its ever-present outward link to this sin-sick world, that tramps the tempting dust and the seductive grime of earth’s pathways – with its deepest lusts through eye, or flesh, or pride of life – blameless.
To be weighed down by evil in a Christ-rejecting sin-sick world. To be able to stay and to stand in such a school of discipline - to be able with His grace, to say.. The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it - is this not faith at its highest success? Is this not faith at its crowning pinnacle?
Cross to Carry
Great faith is not so much seen in the ability to do. Great faith is exhibited in the willingness to suffer with patient endurance. To have a God of compassion and empathy we need to have a suffering Saviour, Who in all points was tested like as we are, Yet without sin, for Who but the heart of Him could understand the suffering we choose to bear.
Man’s Righteousness
Our righteousness is as filthy rags, says the Lord. My dress is ugly and stained, torn and dirty. Truth is hard to swallow. Truth is never flattering to human pride. Truth exposes the dirt and grim and sin of the true nature.
And we shrink from this description of our own, old sin nature.
I will exchange your death for My life – and I will exchange your sin, for My glorious righteousness'.
Christ Made Sin
For God hath made Christ Jesus to be sin for us.
The Lord of glory, Who knew no sin, was clothed in my filthy rags and He did this so that I, who have no robe of righteousness; no glorious dress and no fine attire… He did this so that I might bemade the righteousness of God in Him;so that I might wear the glorious garment of praise; so that I might be covered in the finest robes of glory.
Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin BUT reckon yourselves to be alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 6:11
Biblical Reckoning
In Romans 6:11 we read: Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, while in Galatians 2:19-20: for I through the law died to the law that I might live to God.
Yes, in Romans 6:11 we read: Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin BUT reckon yourselves to be alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
ALIVE unto God – we who were once dead in trespasses and sin.
The One Who died unto sin that we may be made alive unto God.
Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, dead to the law ..
Throne of Grace
Christ’s death on the cross as the Sacrifice for sin tore down the unscalable wall of division that separated a holy God from a sinful race of men, and opened up, to all who would believe in His name, God’s eternal throne-room of grace: let us, therefore, approach God’s throne of grace with confidence and grateful hearts, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
And both in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross we discover prayer to be the beautiful channel through which our Lord maintained unbroken fellowship with the Father (until that point when He became sin for us.)
All we needed to do was to identify ourselves with Him. All that was required was to trust Him as our Sin-Bearer.
Innocent Victim
By His sacrifice of death, we too are saved from death. By His spilled blood poured over our sins, we are redeemed by His blood, and by so doing He identified Himself with us – the sin-soaked, guilty malefactor; by so doing we were identified with Him - the pure innocent Victim.
My faith would lay her hand,On that meek head of Thine,While I a penitent I stand,And here confess my sin.
I have hidden your word deep within my heart, that I might not sin against you.Psalm 119:11
Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee, Psalm 119 verse 11.… And so we waited for the next command – the next charge – the next verse.
Cleansing Word
When we walk in in the light as He is in the light, we commune with Him. When we walk in in the light as He is in the light, we fellowship with Him and with one another. When we walk in in the light as He is in the light and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7.
Sanctifying Word
If we are obedient to its instructions, we shall be cleansed from all sin..
I have hidden your word deep within my heart, that I might not sin against you.
The practices of much of Christendom today, would have been regarded as disgraceful – and viewed with stunned shame in years gone by. The growth of sin in the corporate life of nations and the domestic life of individuals, causes one to tremble as one kneels at the feet of a Holy God.
Some would argue that a SIN out of sight is a sin out of mind.
Others place overwhelming import on one sin..
Most of us are conditioned to point our index finger, at the overt sin we see in society, without seeing the three curling fingers pointing inwards to ourselves – to the covert sin hidden deep within our heart.
Sin is Toxic
The central letter of that little word S-I-N is “I” = “ME” = “MYSELF”. That hidden, secret sin is laid buried deep within the very being of man.
That furtive sin, which seeps like a toxic poison into the very soul of man; that private sin concealed from all others bites at the very heart of man..
The clandestine sin that feeds one's ego so satisfyingly, separates us from God..
Sin of Pride
The first sin committed by the exulted heart of the anointed cherub was one of pride. The arrogant, “I wills” of a falling angel who sought to elevate him to the status of God.
The “Eye” of Sin
And yet this sin we so despise in this precocious angelic being, can ofttimes be the downfall of the most gracious saint. It can stain the garments of the most kindly heart, for a proud look or haughty eyes is identified as one of the six things that God most hates in us.
This hateful crime of pride is ofttimes couched within the ‘eye‘ of SIN.
as I seek to discover the awful truth about my own faults and failings, I need to turn to the Spirit of grace and truth and cry out as did King David:- Search me and know me, cried the man after God’s own heart, cleanse me from my secret faults – my sin, know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts.” Psalm 19:12
that His Church might become the wife of the Lamb. He relinquished all His heavenly glory, so that she may sit with Him on His throne. He ate the bitter fruit of sin and death for her – for you and me!
Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey.. either slaves of sin, which leads to death – or slaves of obedience, which leads to righteousness?
You are accepted in the Beloved. “Pity me – I have failed, I have not loved; I have not trusted as I should.. I have allowed sin to influence me and the flesh to rule my thoughts today!” God never changes.
Sin, Fellowship, and Acceptance
Sin may certainly affect close fellowship with the Lord. Evil doing and ungodly attitudes – may stem your intimate communion with Him, but God never changes.
Christ’s future empire is not rooted in the sin-sodden soil of today’s current satanic system.
This world system kingdom is to be taken back from the ‘prince of the power of the air’ – the ‘god’ who currently rules this sin-sodden, sickening world-system.
Trials, Tests, Temptations
We know that Jesus Himself walked this same way that we are treading, and was in every respect was tried, tested and tempted as we are – yet without sin.
And yet despite this, we can be burdened with sin and the fear of judgment..
K.R.R.Y
K – Know your old man is crucified with Him –R – Reckon yourself dead unto sin –R – Reckon yourself alive unto God – through Jesus Christ our LordY – Yield yourself to God.Romans 6:3-14
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection: KNOW this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
For he that is dead is freed from sin.
For in that He died, He died unto sin once: but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God. So RECKON ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, and also RECKON yourselves alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but YIELD yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace.
A Demonstrated Reality
Every step that He made, every action, reaction and decision that He took, every word He spoke and each thought of His heart, was carried out as a man and was carried out for man, for He had laid aside His deity for a season, in order to demonstrate all that God had intended for us, but which man had lost through sin.
Barrier To Sin
Christ was made sin for the world, taking the punishment we deserve in His body on the cross, and the veil of the temple was rent in two, from top to bottom, removing forever the barrier that separated sinful man from a holy God.
Fellowship Formula
Although union with the Lord can never be broken, lost or removed for all who are in Christ Jesus, fellowship with God and sweet communion with Him can be broken, when sin rears its ugly head in our lives.
Each time we sin, fellowship must be restored and John outlines his “fellowship formula” at the start of his first epistle.
Confession of Sins
But what does it actually mean “to confess” our sin?
What do we mean by sin.
What is sin, and how can it be measured in a world of slide-rule relativity?
Man’s Standard
One denomination sees sin as non-compliance with their self-imposed regulations.
License says you do as you please for the more we sin the more grace is displayed.
God’s Standard
But there is only one standard for sin and that is God’s standard, which is His Word – and Jesus is the perfect example of His standard.
When we do sin we need to confess our sins by God’s standard and then leave them behind.
When we sin we need to confess our sins and then trust His word and accept His grace – for if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness – and to restore us back into fellowship.
Sin Barrier Broken
Man’s standard for sin will keep believers bound by sin, indifferent to sin or ignorant of sin, while God’s standard for sin is out of our reach.
But God sent His Son to pay the price for our sin, so that all who believe on Him would have their sins forgiven forever.
The sin barrier that separated us from God is removed forever, to those who are in Christ Jesus.
Root of Discord
Sin introduced strife and conflict, friction and hostility into the deepest part of man.
Disunity and division was the consequence of sin; disunity and divorce, between man and his fellow man; disunity and disconnection between man and His Creator God.
The sin that once estranged and antagonised, is beauteously removed through faith, The God-Man became the Days-Man that Job so yearned for: his living Redeemer.
The scarlet rope that redeemed the harlot Rahab has its omega is the sin offering.
Because Christ fully identified with the sinner’s sins, and Christ fully identified and the judgment of sin itself.
Christ’s full identification made the judgment of sin possible – possible in my life and possibly in yours.
We Identify with Christ
He fully identified we me and He fully identified with you – with my sin and with your sin, with my sin nature and with your sin nature.
There was a full identification of Christ with the sinner – His identification with me and His identification with you..and that made the judgment of sin possible when Christ died.
Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its powerTill all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.
This will not only result in avoiding outward sin which can mar our testimony, but will prevent us from entertaining the inward sins, which so easily ensnares us:- lack of faith as well as jealousy, pride, bitterness, lust, un-forgiveness, fear.
Inner Cleansing
Let us permit this scriptural self-examination in our lives. Let us submit to His examination of the inward parts. Let us consent to Him exposing each secret sin. Let us seek an inner cleansing and sanctification. Let us draw near to Him with a true heart.
“Let us walk in the light as He is in the light, so that we may have fellowship one with another, knowing that the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1John 1:7 – and so that He may be glorified in our bodies.
This Man that is the very image and likeness of the invisible, indivisible God – this Lord Jesus Christ, Who chose to share His glory with the likes of me… was mocked and jeered at, spat upon and despised – all to meet my terrible sin – all for Love of me and all for Love of you too.
Cause of Pain
All pain, all hurt and all wounds result from sin, and Satan’s great ploy is to build on every hurt and magnify it out of all proportion – to keep us outside the sphere of God’s love and peace, until spent nerves jangle ceaselessly. Not one of us was promised a life free from trial or traumas and deep, deep pain – and many consider their own brand of pain, pressure, and hurt outstrips that of all others, but there is no temptation, or trial, that you have experienced, that is not common to man.
We are to put off all sin, which hinders maturity, and we are to confess our sin to maintain fellowship God.
Under Grace
Paul reminds us that in this church dispensation: you are not under the law, but under grace, Romans 6:14 and warns us:- do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God..
In very simple language we are, to lay aside all sin..
to put all sin away, which is achieved by living, walking and growing in grace – by becoming more like Jesus.
We are to put off all sin, which hinders spiritual growth, and remain in fellowship with the Lord, by keeping a short reign on our sins – i.e.
by quickly confessing any sin we commit, to our Father in heaven.
Consider His Humility
Consider His generosity, for we read in 2 Corinthians 3:5 that: “He gave Himself a ransom for all, or He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him”.
Under the pressure of life and burden of sin, the troubled soul seeks holy solitude.
Make no excuse for your failings and sin, but confess: for if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
How similar to the wicked workings of today’s satanically driven world, yet the accumulating wickedness of our sin-sick world, greatly exceeds Habakkuk’s day.
Only innocent blood can be placed between sin’s consequences and a holy God.
Each divinely convicted sinner knows death and judgment are sin’s inevitable reward. Nothing but the spilt blood of Another can alter that destiny and can accomplish life.
The life of Jesus became thus acceptable as the sin offering. The life of Jesus became the burnt offering – a sweet savor to the Lord - casting out upon the sea of humanity gifts: “Oh that men would praise the name of the Lord: for His name alone is exalted: His glory is above the earth and heaven”.
Don’t sin wilfully or draw-back to perdition, ignoring sanctification – warns ch 10. Remember, it all depends on FAITH and faithfulness – counsels ch 11. Don’t fall short of the grace of God by refusing to LISTEN to Him – pleads ch 12
Do not neglect so great salvation. Do not fall short of the promised rest. Be careful not to be slothful, or stand still who fall away. Do not sin wilfully or draw back to perdition and don’t ignore the important sanctification process.
the One of Whom ALL scripture speaks and points to. Christ is the Great High Priest – the One and Only Perfect Sacrifice for sin. Christ, it the Majestic King, the Eternal King, the Righteous King, the Anointed King.
Everything of sin results in misery, depression, hurt, pain and disappointment, while all that comes from God is good, pure, holy, just, gracious, and loving. This truth permeates the warp and weft of scripture… from beginning to end. “If our faith were but more simple, we would take Him at His Word..”
Born to Die
He was born to die – that men might live. He was born to be made vile sin – that sinners might be made pure and perfect. He was born to be broken – that sin-shattered man might be made whole. He was born to be wounded – that damaged, traumatised man might be made new. He was born to bring the despairing, comfort, hope and joy that was lost in Eden’s realm. He came to bind up and to heal the broken, bloodied, wounded heart.
deliverance from Sin.. deliverance from all Sin.. deliverance from all the effects of Sin.. deliverance from all the power of Sin.. deliverance from all the effects and all the power of all sin – deliverance from sin, which is the great cause of shame, guilt, misery, suffering, damnation and death.
Fear was the first sin-soaked emotion felt by the first fallen, sin-soaked man.
Prideful man, who needs but to acknowledge his sin.
Disintegrating Disease
The same sick sin, that reared its ugly satanic, serpentine skull in the garden, is the same disintegrating disease that destroys mankind today.
That sin starts with pride, 'I will be as God' – 'I will be my own god and do it my way'.
Sin exposes the nakedness of our sin, but God provides the covering of righteousness: for unto you is born a Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord.
Faithful Endurance
But do not lose heart, and do not be disobedient to the heavenly vision” of former days…”but be thou faithful even to the point of death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Rev.2:10. Be faithful… not only to the point of physical death... but to the death of Self – death of the old sin-nature itself.
Man’s soul is born in the image and likeness of sinful Adam’s old-sin nature, and for the believer, there is a choice – either a spiritual walk or carnal concerns.
Spiritual Strongholds
Without the innate sin nature, every new believer would certainly choose life.
Laws of Life
Time is short and each of us needs to prepare for the any-day return of the Lord, and God has set out the ‘laws’ of the sanctified life, in the middle of scripture… The first step towards sanctification is right thinking, and right thinking is recognising your own strongholds, doubts, and fears, so that you can turn away from the sin of erroneous thinking about God, for right thinking always starts with your own thoughts.
Living by faith which comes from hearing and not by sight or signs or dreams – putting off the old man in Adam and putting on the new man in Christ – recognising our heavenly home is a greater reality that this sin-sick, cursed world. Many such writings have been on waiting – waiting God’s time and waiting God’s way.
Memorable Day
Today is my mother’s birthday. Her diaries catalogue showers of blessings amidst a mountain of difficulties. Today is my daughter’s wedding anniversary – her life also is peppered with deep hurts and trial and a cascade of Gods graces. My times also have had its deep pains and great joys and I am sure yours has too. Indeed, I know of no-one who has not been deeply affected by this world of sin.
Fall of Man
Adam was created in the image and likeness of God, but sin damaged that likeness when he believed the lie and deceit of the enemy and Adam rebelled against God.
And since that first sin of disobedience, which caused all humanity to be imputed with a sin nature, there has only been one man who lived in the image and likeness of God – one man who lived as God intended that man should live – in total dependence upon Him.
God’s People
In the whole of the sin-soaked, sour-saturated world-system, God has His people – simple – little – quiet – unassuming- ill-treated – misunderstood people.
Sin of Unforgiveness
Many people complain that they can’t forgive or they will not forgive, Yet the sin of unforgiveness so often entraps our souls with dark bitterness.
God’s Forgiveness
Yes, we are certainly supposed to love and forgive those that sin against us, yet forgiveness does not come easily to any one of us. It is the Holy Spirit Who is the One, Who can fill our hearts with God’s love and forgiveness.
Remembered No More
Too often we revisit forgiven sins and beat ourselves mercilessly for our misdemeanours, but once forgiven, that sin is remembered no more.
No Fishing
The great D.L Moody once noted that if God promises to cast all our confessed sin into the depth of the sea, we must not get out a fishing line and keep pulling them back in. If God has forgiven you, then accept His forgiveness and forgive yourself as well.
Daily Cleansing
Day by day we need to confess the sins we commit – moment by moment, for if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from every wrong. 1John 1:9 But remember – once forgiven, that sin is remembered no more. Once forgiven – your sins are as far away as the east is from the west.
Seeker-Friendly
In this sin-sick world sincerity, love and truth are becoming very sparse. It has infiltrated Christendom with a seeker-friendly gospel. It has spread between brothers in the faith as they try to appease each other. It has penetrated truth in relationships when one won't risk upsetting another.
The world has no power to still the troubled conscience of the scarlet sinner, but the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world bore our sins: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
He alone forgives our sins – He forgave ALL our sins at Calvary’s Cross, and day by day he continues to forgive and forgive and forgive… If as a blood-bought believer we confess our sin.. in thought, word, deed and motive..
in what we have done and what we have left undone – He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9
He builds up anew with holiness and beauty the loveliness that sin destroyed.
Old Self
The old self cannot be taught to deal with pride, anger, lust – to deal with sin. The old self may learn tricks to hide the sin nature, but it can never change it.
New Birth
The new birth is born through a deep conviction of sin and repentance. The new Christian often continues with a deep devotion to the Saviour. The early christian walk is frequently surrounded by great works and witness.
Failure
Until we recognise the deadly sin-life for what it is, our walk will fail. It is not “self” – that can be improved through introspection and trying. It is not “I” that can live a holy life by trying to improve the old self….
Hopkins:
“The trouble of the believer who knows Christ as his justification, is not sin..
as to its guilt, but sin as to its ruling power.
In other words, it is not from sin as a load, or an offence, that he seeks to be freed..
for he sees that God has completely acquitted him from the charge and penalty of sin – but it is from sin as a master. To know God’s way of deliverance from sin as a master, he must apprehend the truth contained in the sixth chapter of Romans.
with self - the agents and slaves of sin.
Andrew Murray:
“Like Christ, the believer too has died to sin; he is one with Christ, in the likeness of His death (Romans 6:5).
And just as the knowledge that Christ died for sin (died as our atonement) is indispensable to our justification; so the knowledge that Christ and we, with Him, in the likeness of His death, are dead to sin – is indispensable to our sanctification” (Like Christ, p.176).
Newell:
“To those who refuse, or neglect, to reckon themselves dead to sin as God commands, we press the question, How are you able to believe that Christ really bare the guilt of your sins and that you will not meet them at the judgment day?
And it is the same Word that tells you that you as connected with Adam, died with Christ, that your old man was crucified, that since you are in Christ you shared His death unto sin, and are thus to reckon your present relationship to sin in Christ – as one who is dead to it, and alive unto God” (Romans, Verse by Verse, p.227).
Lewis Sperry Chafer:
“The theme under consideration is concerned with the death of Christ as that death is related to the divine judgments of the sin nature in the child of God.
In this union with Christ, the flesh, ‘the body of sin’ — the entire fallen, sin-ruined being with its intelligence, will, and desires — is judged and crucified.
By faith, the believer reckons (counts) himself ‘dead unto sin’ (Romans 6:3-14)” (N.
‘Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
McConkey:
“Because He died ‘death hath no more dominion over Him,’ and because of our union with Him ‘sin shall not have dominion over you,’ even though it is present in you. Our ‘reckoning’ ourselves dead to sin in Jesus Christ does not make it a fact – it is already a fact through our union with Him.
Now that He is to enter more publicly upon His mediatorship, the tempter pierces His tender soul with many sorrows by solicitation to sin”.
The Lord’s testings were needful to demonstrate the qualities of the second Man: for we do not have a High Priest Who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin, Heb.4:5
1) BEHOLD, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the worldJohn 1:29
First: Behold the Lamb of God Who taketh away the sin of the world.
Future Judge
Today we wait in this sin-sick, dying world, where evil is being filled up to its fullness.
We are to act as watchmen warning a sin-sick world that the Lamb will soon return.
BEHOLD…
We are to be His voice crying in the wilderness: BEHOLD : The Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world, Prepare ye the way of the Lord. BEHOLD the Lamb of God.
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,Hebrews 12:1
There is no sin in such everyday tasks and necessary activities, but they can be weights, distractions, and stumbling blocks in our spiritual life.
Satan is relentless in his efforts to distract us from the Word, by all and every means, and apart from the sin of pride, there is no greater tool in his armoury than discouragement.
Important Focus
We are told to lay aside every weight and every distraction and fix our eyes on Jesus. We are reminded to set aside the sin of disbelief that so easily torments and frustrates us. We’re encouraged to run with patience the race set before us and keep Him in focus. We are clearly told to look away from the urgencies of life to the important One.
Cloak of Pretence
Is your ‘old man’ crucified on the cross? Is your ‘old sin nature’ nailed to the tree? Are you allowing the ‘new man in Christ‘ to be daily conformed into His image?
How often our old sin nature climbs down from that crucified position.
This old sin nature is the tool that Satan uses most frequently against a believer.
The Spirit of God lives in the spirit of man, the new man in Christ, which cannot sin, as John told us.
“Whoever has been born of God (the new man in Christ) does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God”.
Remember the many times you have fallen into sin?
Carnal or Spiritual
Your Soul that has the capacity to sin, and will continue to until we are with Him.
God’s means of delivering us from sin isn’t by making us stronger and stronger but by making us weaker and weaker.
God sets us free from the dominion of sin, not by strengthening our old man but by crucifying him; not by helping him to do anything but by removing him….by removing him from the scene of action.”
As our substitute, we are forgiven from the penalty of sin through Him – alone.
Our Representative
As our representative we went to the cross with Him – together. As our representative our old-man was crucified together with Jesus. As our representative our old, Adamic self and sin-nature died together with Him. As our representative He took us to the cross and we are in Him Who is the last Adam.
As our representative, Christ has delivered us from the power or sin.
Death no longer has dominion over Christ, for the death that Christ died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God – likewise, you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sin’s Penalty / Power
But what does it mean: this aspect of the cross of Christ, in which we should glory alone?
The Galatians were forgiven, born-again people, who were not relapsing into sin, but they were foolishly falling into the trap of ego, self-righteousness, and pride.
Satan usually uses the flesh, the old sin-nature, self..
James Ussher
Usher put it this way: The believer can never overcome the old man even by the power of the new, apart from the death of Christ, and therefore the death of Christ unto sin is indispensable.
Whole Truth
The one taken in adultery was given the whole truth and told to go and sin no more.
The one that was healed was also told the whole truth and told to go and sin no more: “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” John 5:14
Two Results
A man’s heart and soul may be perfected through suffering – or suffering may make that same man’s soul bitter and rebellious. For through suffering we come to an end of self – to the extremity of me – or, through that same suffering selfishness may increase as “I” takes control – and God, not the old sin nature is blamed for the problems and pain that engulf us.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In the same manner, sin has its own particular price and the wages of sin is death.
The just and fair deserts of sin is death – and death is the loathsome reward for sin.
Fair Reward
The just deserts of the sinner are not a negotiated salary but are ordained of God. No sinner will be unfairly treated, but all will receive the only fair reward for sin.. and the wages of sin for every sinner is death..
Faces of Sin
There are many faces of sin and different kinds of sin but every sin deserves death. There are open sins committed in the body and veiled sins that mature in the mind. There are hidden sins and visible ones, for man’s very nature is streaked with evil – and the just decree of a holy God is death – for death is the reward for sin.
Terrible Master
The terrible master of man is sin and man is the slave and servant of sin. This profound reality is a devastating truth that touches every strand of humanity – and every man deserves his due reward and each must be paid their just desert.
Pleasure of Sin
The pleasure of sin maybe sweet for a moment but its bitter taste is never-ending. The seeds of evil are vanity and the buds of iniquity bear the bitter fruit of sin, for the wages of sin is death….
Payment for Sin
The price for all sin was paid for in full by the blood of the sinless Lamb of God. The sins of the world were paid for by the blood that flowed from Christ’s veins – mystery of mystery that God’s own Son should die for me – and die for you.
Redeeming Blood
The wages of sin is our due, but salvation is God’s gift to all who believe – and it comes singularly through the redeeming blood of Christ. Mystery of mystery that God’s own Son should die for me – and for you.
Eternal Significance
God made peace with us by grace, through faith in the one perfect sacrifice for sin, and we are entrusted with a holy office – entreating the world to receive salvation.
Sin-Offering
Christ, Who knew no sin, was made SIN so that sin in its entirety was dealt with. He did not become a sinner – He became SIN, so that we could be clothed in His righteousness. He was made a Sin-offering; a sacrifice for the sins the world committed – so that sinners who believe in Him would not perish but be reconciled to God.
Death’s Dept
But sin has consequences and sinners have a debt to pay – and death is its due. Nothing but the shed blood of an Innocent can pay the required price for sin, and no-one is good enough, save the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Perfect Man
It was against our Creator that we sinned and it was from God that we wandered, and He it was that outlined the only payment for sin that would utterly satisfy – a sinless days-man; a pure redeemer; a perfect man who was willing to die.
But there was no one good enough to pay the price of sin, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God – for there is none good, not even one- for God alone is good.
Sacrificial Lamb
And so God sent His Son into the world to reconcile man back to Himself. God Himself took on human flesh to become humanities perfect kinsman-redeemer: and The LORD laid on Him the iniquity of us all. God placed the accumulated sin of the whole world on His beloved Son – Jesus became that sacrificial lamb.
Sin and Sins
It was the sin of the world that was laid on Christ. He paid the price for our individual SINS – but also the price for SIN.
He died so our sins would be forgiven, but also to break the power of SIN.
for God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Price for Sin
We are not sinners because we sin but we sin because we are sinners.
And God, in His grace, came to pay the price for sin in the person of Christ – the perfect Son of God became the perfect Son of Man.
Made Sin
And He was wounded for our transgressions.
He did not become a sinner, but rather He became SIN for us.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.2Corinthians 5:21
Dead in Sin
We are not sinners because we sin.
We sin because we are sinners.
My pride wants to say I am a good person, but God sees me as I am – a sinner; born dead in trespasses and sins; born with an inherent sin nature; born in enmity with the Father; born in desperate need of a Saviour.
But as the authorised leader under God’s authority, it was Adam’s responsibility – and Adam choose to join her in sin, and fellowship with his Lord was severed.
Sin Nature
Adam chose to disregard God’s word of truth, which is rebellion against God, but the day of his disobedience was the day man’s sin nature became a reality – for the seed of the man became tainted with sin and his progeny are tainted with sin. We are not sinners because we sin – we sin because we are sinners. We sin because we are born of Adam’s sinful seed, dead in sins – estranged from God.
Eternal Separation
The federal head chose to sin, unaware of the eternal consequence of his choice, for the wages of sin is separation and so all his seed were condemned to damnation. Adam was created for fellowship with the Lord but sin separated his spirit from God.
Rescue Strategy
We are not sinners because we sin – we sin because we are a race of sinners.
Sinless Sacrifice
God alone is good, so God alone could save – but God is Spirit and man is flesh, and only a perfect Man could reach God on behalf of sinful, sin-infected man.
Only a sinless sacrifice, willing to die for His people, could pay the price for sin.
He made Him, who knew no sin, to be sin on our behalf – so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2Cor5:21
God, Who alone is righteous became the only righteous man that ever lived, for the rest of humanity are sinful, sin-infected people.
He alone was the only One Who could pay the price for sinful, sin-infected man and the many sins that each sinful man committed.
And so the One who knew no sin – the One Who did not sin, HE BECAME SIN on our behalf, and the wrath of God was poured out on Him in full measure – upon that sinless God-Man, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2Cor.5:21
The cost of redemption was high, for the soul of man was submerged in sin.
The high cost of redemption was commensurate to the costly payment required – for the price for sin was death; eternal death – everlasting separation from God.
Price for Sin
Eye has not seen, nor could man imagine the shocking reality of such a sentence.
The penalty of the law-of-sin is devastating, because the wages of sin is death.
The wealth of the world or a lifetime of goodly works could not pay the price for sin.
Horrors of Death
God is love but He is also just and righteous and He can never wink at sin. The cost of sin is very high and the only acceptable payment is the blood of Christ. Only the blood of Jesus can atone for sin while maintaining God’s truth and honour.
When man sinned he became a slave of sin, and servant of Satan, with no escape.
Had we not been purchased by Christ, servitude to sin would be established forever: but we are bought with a price, ransomed; redeemed; recovered; restored; reunited.
Our obligation to be punished for our sin, was removed by Christ, and we have a new obligation to loving obedience and lifelong service: “for He who is called by the Lord as a slave, is the Lord’s free man.
Purchased, in Love
What awesome grace to be purchased, in love, by God and so become His child. What an honor to be brought into His kingdom from a life of slavery to sin and Satan.
Wrath of God
John knew these children were sinners, both in practice and by nature. He knew the blessings of forgiveness and grace of God were freely open to all, but he also knew the only sacrifice for sin rested on the spilt blood of the Lord Jesus. John knew He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities – for the wrath of God was poured out on Christ to pay that price for all sin.
His blood alone could pay the price for sin; all sin; every sin; secret sins; open sins.
His sacrifice alone could atone for sins committed and man’s inherent sin nature.
He alone could pay the price for sin : past sin; present sin; future sin.
He alone could atone for sin : sins of the body and sins of the mind – big sins; little sins; original sin, actual sin; every sin; all sin.
His Names Sake
Christ’s blood was shed for the remission of sin.
His death alone could satisfy the wrath of a holy God for the sin of the world – and your sins are forgiven you, for His name’s sake.
Little did Pilate understand the deep pathos of his eternally shattering words: Behold, The Man – Behold the Son of God, Who taketh away the sin of the world.
for in Isaiah we read: He bore the sin of many and interceded for the transgressors.
Gracious Intercession
His intercession reached back to include all sin, beginning in the garden of Paradise – a pardon extending forward to pay for every mortal sin, including yours and mine.
God’s propitiatory sacrifice for sin was the product of history’s most heinous crime.
The crucifixion of God’s Son, opened the floodgates of His gracious forgiveness – and His death paid for the full price of humanities every sin – all the sin of all men, so that all that believe in His name will be saved.
Precious Fruit
Since His substitutionary death, sin is not the real barrier between man and God: but what think ye of Christ – for whoever believes in Him is not condemned.
What Think Ye
Christ’s substitutionary death at Calvary paid the price for the sin of the world. His precious pardon was prayed over every guilty person, Jew and Gentile alike. Forgiveness is Father-heart of God’s great love towards every guilty sinner – believing on the Lord Jesus Christ is the only requirement – What think ye of Christ?
Eternal Victory
Every painful step had the goal of His calling in view – the salvation of man. Every moment of His life had been a journey to His final and eternal victory. Sins were forgiven, the power of sin and death broken and Satan was defeated – so that all that believe on Him would not perish but have eternal life.
Sin separates all from God and Christ’s sacrifice is the only way to reconciliation, Jesus Christ yearns after us with a depth of love that we do not understand – yet we have been commissioned to love as He loves – to thirst as He thirsts.
Price for Sin
When the Lord Jesus died on the cross His death paid the price for all sin, so that all who believe on Him would receive forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.
Power of Death
His death is sufficient for it satisfied God’s judgement of sin, in your life and mine. His resurrection is sufficient for it broke the power of death in all who believe. Christ’s glorious sufficiency meets every need in this life and the one to come, and we are fully accepted by God for time and eternity, because of His sufficiency.
Revelation of Christ
Christ identified with us, so that we could be identified with Him. Christ became sin for us, so that we could be made the righteousness of God, in Him.
Lamb and Lion
He came to rescue us as our Good Shepherd, for we are sheep without a shepherd. He came as the perfect Lamb of God to pay the shocking price for sin – and He is coming as the Lion of the tribe of Judah – the victorious King of kings.
Son of God
God in His justice cannot look upon sin, for the wages of sin is death.
Son of Man
God – the invisible God, cannot look upon sin and hid His pure face from sinful man.
that I am forgiven; Faith in the Servant King – Who broke the power of sin and death in me – that I have access to the throne room of the Father, and I am permitted to call Him Abba, Father.
Stark Contrast
Our first sojourn is in a world of sin – outcasts from society - scorned and despised.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;My chains fell off, my heart was free,I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
a man made in His image and likeness. God wants a man to communicate His thoughts and character to a dying world in sin: and God made man in His own image to have dominion and to rule His earth Genesis 1:26.
But a man that entirely reflects God’s moral nature – to God’s own satisfaction. A corporate man after God’s own heart – walking in loving obedience… A body, communicating His perfect character to a dying world in sin. And the goal of that corporate body is, “Christ in you - the hope of glory.”
Trust in God
The final snare is to permit the trials of this life to overwhelm us with worry, lest at any time your hearts be overwhelmed with the cares of this life. And the caution against the physical sin translates into a spiritual warning.
His Light
But if our eyes are on Him, our vision is unimpaired and we walk in His Light: and if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1John 1:7
He was clothed in mortal flesh so that He could be identified as one with our race. God became man so that man could return back into fellowship with a holy God. Christ became sin so that sinners could be covered in His perfect righteousness.
Justified in the Spirit
The 2nd principle of this mystery of our faith is that Christ was justified in the spirit. Christ, Who knew no sin, was made sin so we might be made righteousness, in Him. He was made sin, and He bore the world’s sin – but Christ was the innocent sacrifice..
for the wages of sin is death but Christ being raised from the dead, dies no more.
Grace upon Grace
As the mystery of lawlessness increases, so the mystery of godliness multiplies - grace; more grace; much grace – grace built upon more grace. 'For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.' John 1:16 'For where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, Romans 5:20 -pressed down; shaken together and running over.' Luke 6:38 We are to be lights in this darkest of age.
When we do not abide in Him, our own fleshly acts are not acceptable to God, for the flesh works in us, both to will and to do for our own evil satisfaction – such are the unrighteous acts of our old sin nature.
Righteous acts don’t have their source in my old sin nature but in the new life in Christ: for in myself I can do no good thing, for all my righteousness is from the Lord… not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ – the righteousness which is from God by faith.” Philippians 3:9
Looking to Jesus
Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
therefore … let us strip off the sin which so easily ensnares us”Hebrews 12: 1
Run the Race
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
Hebrews 12 gives instructions on how to become a witness that lives by faith as well - lay aside every weight -lay aside the sin which so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that is set before us.
One Sin
We must strip off all encumbrances that weigh us down and shackle us to this world.
We are to put away all that diverts us away from faith in God and trust in Christ – and we are then directed to strip off the one sin, which so easily ensnares us.
Besetting Sin
But what is this one sin that so easily ensnares us all?
Many erroneously assume that it is some sin in their life with which they struggle.
Many search their hearts to discover a particular sin they think is their specific sin.
Men have lived a lifetime – trying to identify and lay aside their own ‘besetting’ sin.
The book of Hebrews clearly identifies the sin that does so easily beset us.
The sin that so easily ensnares us all is a lack of trust in God.
The sin that hinders our Christian life and our walk with the Lord is a lack of faith.
Trust in Christ
The sin that trips us up and clings so closely is unbelief – as exemplified in Israel, for without faith it is impossible to please God.
Hebrews 12:1 The besetting sin of so many maturing believers is a lack of faith in God’s Word, because the focus of so many believers is trust in self and not trust in Christ.
Let us.. lay aside that besetting sin of unbelief, that defeated the children of Israel.
If we want to be like that great cloud of faithful witnesses who trusted God, let us lay aside every weight – let us lay aside that sin of unbelief which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with patient endurance the race that is set before us… Looking to Jesus.
Trinity of Demands
“Therefore,” ….we are exhorted: therefore let us lay aside every weight, and let us lay aside the sin (of unbelief as demonstrated in earlier chapters) let us lay aside this sin which so easily ensnares us – lack of trust in God and let us run with patient endurance the race that is set before us…” But this trinity of demands has its focus on a person – the Lord Jesus, the Son of Man Let us look to JESUS….
Hebrews is not about salvation from sin, but the sanctification of the saved soul.
SECOND:- We are to renounce the besetting sin of unbelief, which has caused so many to stumble.. for what God requires of us all is that we have faith Him and trust His Word – for without faith in Him we are unable to grow in our spiritual life.
We need to renounce the sin of unbelief that was the downfall of the Israelites.
Character of God
Oh, it is possible that sin can be a barrier which prevents fellowship with Him. It is possible to grieve Him when we sin and become double-minded. It is possible to quench the work of the Spirit in your life due to carnality.
Without His saving grace, we would remain dead in trespasses and sin – but thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory over sin and death – in Christ.
Condemned by God
If God were to deal with us as sinners He would convict us of sin.
God convicts all men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.
John 16:8 1) of sin..
for we all deserve judgement - for the wages of sin is death.
Convicted of Sin
Were God dealing with us as sinners, the Spirit would use the law as a schoolmaster, for the Law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, and we all fall short of God’s law. The law exposes our sins and contrasts it with the sinlessness of the Lord Jesus:- personal sins, faults and transgressions, filth and foulness would be our fallen focus. He would convict us of sin, of righteousness and judgment.
Forgiveness and Fellowship
Although all our past, present, and future sins were forever forgiven at the cross God can never look on any sin – even a believer’s post-salvation sins.
He would use the law to convict us of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement.
Eternal Plan
At first, we were called out of darkness into His glorious light. We were called out from the bondage of sin and death into the freedom of God’s Son, and throughout this life, we are witnesses to the amazing grace of God – and throughout this life we are being trained to carry out our part in God’s eternal plan.
Ideal and Actual
Such a model etches a rude distinction between the ideal and the actual. A life of noise and clamour; a life of darkness and disease; a life of pain and despair; a life of where the Lord seems distant; a life lacking love, joy and peace; a life of sorrows and sin; of sickness and sadness; deterioration and death.
New Creation
Through Him, the world was spoken into being, and by Him, the universe is sustained. Through His death sin was conquered and by His resurrection death was vanquished.
John 8:31. But these inflexible, religious Jews were slaves to sin and captive to their traditions. To these men, absolute Truth was shocking, appalling, scandalous – odious.
Liberating Gospel
It seems that most believers stop their pursuit of salvation when they are saved. Truly salvation is the liberation from sin and the loosing from bondage. Salvation is the free gift for all that believe in Jesus Christm Who died and rose again..
Adam chose to become sin for his bride, but God already had a plan.
Adam passed on to his progeny the old sin nature that rages in every man, and Adam learned that blood must be spilled for redemption to be achieved, and God had a plan.
Still with the old Adamic sin nature, God continued His purpose through Israel.
God’s Plan
What God predestines are unchangeable plans made in His eternal council chambers. Christ was predestined to be God’s perfect sacrifice for the sin of the whole world. Paul was predestined before the ages, to speak God’s wisdom in a hidden mystery.
Every unbeliever is controlled by their sin-nature and is at enmity with God.
and that is a fact of sin and death – and it’s non-negotiable in time and affects our eternity.
Every believer is delivered from their sin-nature and placed eternal union with Christ.
However hard we try to meet His righteous requirements we fail and end in despair, for we are not sinners because we sin – we sin because we ARE sinners.
We fall short of His perfect standard and the wages of sin is death.
Sin Sacrifice
But God created a plan that was entirely compatible with His holy character.
He sent His perfect Son Who fulfilled the whole law on our behalf, and then He willingly gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin, on our behalf – so that we could become the righteousness of Christ, in Him.
Imputed Unrighteousness
We are delivered from the controlling power of our old sin-nature, but what’s that?
The fall of Adam resulted in humanity being imputed with Adam’s unrighteousness. The sin of our first father places all humanity under the control of our sin-nature.
Newness of Life
In Adam, we receive an old sin-nature, which has a controlling influence on our lives.
But in Christ, our sin nature died at the Cross and we were raised into newness of life.
Body of Death
Paul tried to deal with his own sin nature in his own strength and cried out, oh wretched man that I am..
who shall deliver me from this body of death? Then he finally understood that victory over his sin nature was found in Christ: but thanks be to God Who has given me the victory IN Christ Jesus my Lord.
Old Sin Nature
The old sin-nature was crucified with Christ and we became a new creation in Christ.
The old sin-nature lost its power, which was removed at the cross by Christ.
our old sin-nature tries to regain supremacy over us..
but when we died with Christ, the power of that sin-nature was forever severed.
The creation was good, but it was cursed, for Adam’s sin affected the natural world.
In Him we are delivered from the sin-nature and placed in eternal union with Jesus. This is the fact of life – the fact of abundant life – the fact of eternal life.
Pursue Holiness
To try to sanctify ourselves ends up as ‘works of the flesh’ produced by our sin nature. It is by grace that we are sanctified, as we submit to the work of the Spirit within.
Propitiation Price
It was in the heart of the Father from before the world began to redeem mankind. The propitiation price for sin was agreed – in the eternal council chambers of God. This was according to the eternal purpose that God has realised in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God’s Grace
Grace was in the heart of the Creator when God set the ransom price for man’s sin. Grace was in mind of God when God laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Blessed be the God and Father – Who made Christ sin for our sake.
God’s Glory
His Glory was in the mind of the Father when sin’s eternal sacrifice was selected. His Son was the one and only means to secure God’s satisfaction for sin’s payment. Blessed be the God and Father ..Who predestined us for adoption to sonship, through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.
God in His wisdom knew that man would sin and that man would need a saviour – and in His eternal council chambers God purposed that Christ would be all in all.
God’s Justice
God in His justice purposed that sin must be punished and the wages of sin is death. But God in His grace so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, to die... so that Christ would identify with man and become the propitiation for our sins – so that all Who believed on His name would not perish but have everlasting life.
He made us pure and holy, and He freed us from sin. 1Corinthians 1:30 God in His grace chose us to be in union with Christ and in fellowship with Himself – not because of our own merit but by His amazing and eternal grace, and God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him – in love.
Work of Christ
God’s grace is founded on the work of Christ, the Son of God Who is God the Son, for His plan has provided redemption and purchased us from the penalty of sin.
In union with Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sin, according to the riches of God’s grace.Ephesians 1:7
Curse of Sin
To date it is 100% certain that if you have been born you will die – physically. Though man longs to live eternally, we are under the curse of sin and death..
for by one man’s sin came death – spiritual death and finally physical death, for all.
We were enslaved in sin and slaves of Satan, with the curse of death on our head.
We were spiritually dead; at enmity with God - Satan’s captive in the slave-market of sin.
Forgiveness of Sin
Forgiveness of sins is just one from a shower of blessings He richly bestows upon us.
The shedding of His blood secures pardon and God remembers our sin no more. But without forgiveness of sin, we are ineligible for all other graces of salvation.
All the riches of redemptive grace are uniquely united with the forgiveness of sins – for a holy God can’t look at sin... but as forgiven sinners, we are united with His Son.
Identified With Christ
Everyone who hears the gospel and believes in Jesus is placed in Him immediately. Anyone who trusts God, to take care of all our sin, is immediately placed in Christ – dead to self and alive to Christ – identified with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
By grace, the Spirit placed us in a position of union with Christ that will never be broken. By grace, we are identified with His righteousness because He identified with our sin.
In Him, we’re delivered from the Law – saved from sin’s shocking death penalty.
In Christ, we also are glorified in Him – participating in His glorious victory. Our salvation is finally consummated and we rise in life victorious over the grave. All our enemies are under His feet, and ours – sin, Satan, heavenly powers and death,
You were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 Who made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Obedience is a necessary step towards being conformed into the image of Christ. Obedience frees us from the bondage of sin to the liberty of life in Christ Jesus.
Bondage or Freedom
Through disobedience, Adam fell, and we became slaves of sin and death.
In one, we were in bondage to sin. In the Other, we are made children of God.
We read in Romans chapter 6: Do you not know that if you present yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or obedience resulting in righteousness?
Continuing Grace
Too often we limit the grace of God to salvation from the penalty of sin – alone. We often forget that salvation was the start of our eternal journey and not the end, for grace is poured out throughout life and grace continues into the ages to come.
Freedom of Grace
We are saved from the penalty of sin, which is death – eternal separation from God. But we are also saved from the destructive and enslaving power of sin in our lives: for sin shall no longer be master over you and have dominion over you..
Provision of Grace
God’s provision of grace is given in love and breaks the power of cancelled sin. Grace sets us free to live and move and have our being – living and working in Him.
The growth and consolidation of one's spiritual life is predicated upon clear knowledge of the dual facts of Romans 6:11 - dead unto sin; alive unto God.
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.—But I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.—We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thanksgiving in your hearts to God.—But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
But you have come to Mount Zion… and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.—Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.—For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.”
“God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering.”—“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”—And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.—“A ransom for many.”
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.—He has blessed us in the Beloved.
“I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.”—“I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”—“My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”—“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”—It is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.—“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”—So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Adam one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. (Romans 5:18 NLT)
The saving of men from sin,death, and hell, and getting them to heaven, was as nothingcompared with what Paul saw as to the significance of a believernow.