NO LONGER A SLAVE TO SIN

　

Rom. 6:5-7 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised as he was. 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. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.

Far too many professing Christians do not get what Paul is saying in these verses. There is a great lack of turning away from sinful practices. Many believe that because sins are forgiven that it no longer matters what we do and say. Many act no differently than they did before they repented. There is not a lot of effort being made to stay away from sin. The thought is that grace overrules our sinful hearts and God will take us into heaven regardless of what we do.

A true child of God does not continue to live in sin. Christ changes his heart so that he no longer has the desire to sin all the time. He no longer is a slave to sin. He no longer acts or talks like sinners do. It doesn't mean he will never sin, but it does mean he will resist sin more times than not. It means he will seek to live a holy life and sin will not rule over him. Grace never gives us a license to sin or to ignore the sin we do. Sin is dealt with before God. A child of God knows when he sins and he confesses his sin to Christ and seeks His forgiveness. Forgiven, he strives not to repeat the sin again.

Christ has set us free from the need to sin. He has set us free from the bondage of sin. He has set us free from sin's condemnation. He has made it possible for us to live godly lives. In fact, God demands it. Without holiness, no one will make it to heaven; no one will see God. He whom Christ sets free is free indeed, to sin no more.