By: Sabrina Peters
Jesus came to give us a new life, not a new excuse!
There’s nothing we can do to earn salvation. It is 100% a free gift – undeserved and unmerited.
But how we live still matters. Because sin has consequences. It hurts us and it hurts others. And our conduct speaks volumes.
Because we want the world to see Christ in us.
Romans 6:1 MSG puts it like this, “So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we’ve left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn’t you realise we packed up and left there for good?”
This isn’t a salvation issue. This is an issue of sanctification and spiritual maturity.
“Sin is a dethroned monarch so you must no longer give it an opportunity to rule over your life controlling how you live and compelling you to obey its desires and cravings.” (Romans 6:12 TPT)
“Remember this: sin will not conquer you for God already has! You are not governed by law but governed by the reign of the grace of God.” (Romans 6:14 TPT)
We are free, because of Him. We are righteous, because of Him. Let’s walk in all that He’s already afforded for us. Not see it as an excuse to live however we want.
I’ve honestly seen pastors justify affairs under the guise of grace. I’ve seen leaders lie, cheat and steal and still have the audacity to pretend nothing ever happened? That’s not godly, that’s deceived.
The truth is God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but He does expect us to be honest.
The bible tells us in 1 John 1:9, “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].”
We’re meant to be honest with ourselves and others. Not hide or failings or conceal them.
God is so gracious, so kind. His mercy is new every morning. But sin still destroys. It has consequences on so many levels. Relationally, personally and spiritually.
Although nothing can separate you from the love of God, your behaviour certainly impacts your life and those around you. God’s grace justifies us, not our sin.
So, remember we’ve been set free – to live free, to live honest, humble and holy lives.
“Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognise that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognised as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
Article supplied with thanks to Sabrina Peters.
About the Author: Sabrina is a writer, pastor and relationships blogger. She is passionate about Jesus and changing the way people think about God & sex.
Feature image: Photo by Edwin Andrade on Unsplash
