Inner peace is one of the most sought after human experience. You know that place where serenity takes over and your spirit filled with Christ’s love. Constant turmoil is unhealthy. Life on its terms isn’t easy and staying obedient to God is tough. It’s astonishing how the three letter word sin causes unremitting pain.

The origin of sin dates back to the Great Fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3: 1-19). God’s disappointment with them shut the door to the Garden of Eden. Understanding the way God reacts to sin is crucial to a believer and without this knowledge abiding in Christ is elusive.

Even though their disobedience disgusted God, He loved them and gave them a way out (Genesis 3:22). And God does the same for us. God’s new way of showing mercy is giving us Jesus Christ.

Breaking the bondage of sin begins when God saved you. Remember, salvation is God’s gift (Ephesians 2:8). Once God brings you into His kingdom, then Christ takes over, and the Holy Spirit fills your heart. This unity (Holy Trinity) breaks the chains of sin. And your darkness is overtaken with the Light of Christ (John 1:4).

 

 

Why is discussing sin essential?

Well, the primary reason is we still sin (1 John 1:8-9). Unbelievers use a Christian’s sins as ammunition to attack God’s kingdom. They don’t understand because they are a slave to sin, and God hasn’t chosen them to enter his sovereignty.

The unchosen ones live in blasphemy disregarding the way Christ works in a saved soul. A real Christian knows the key to breaking sin’s pattern is confession and repentance. And true faith shows a decrease in practicing sin.

Through personal devotion and our walk with Christ turning away from sin becomes easier. Christ paid the price for our freedom, and this great revelation transforms our lives. In the old Testimony, God showed His chosen leaders the kinds of sacrifices acceptable for receiving His grace.

But when our Lord brought His New Covenant into focus, then He was the One, who gave us the ultimate sacrifice. Yes, God showed His faithfulness by sacrificing His Son.

We are privileged to witness God’s faithfulness.

The key to becoming free from the paralyzing grip of sin is committing to Christ. This means spending time with Him throughout the day. Halfhearted efforts prevent us from receiving full access to Christ’s mighty hand. And we don’t have the strength to remove our sins. But God has appointed Christ to remove them.

Each of us has days when our slack attempts in contacting God keeps us in distress. Excuses or staying too busy is a setup for unnecessary problems. Remember Christ didn’t tell God waits until I’m ready.

No, Jesus followed God’s will and we must follow His example. Either we give Christ our best or risk the consequences. Don’t be mistaken my friend; God notices everything.

In John’s First Epistle he left us a Spirit-filled truth on the freedom from sin.

“My little children, these things I write to you, so you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)

John’s message permeates the essence of repentance. He shows Christ as the way of atonement and reminds us to confess our sins to Him. When you take a look at this scripture, it’s self-explanatory. Christ our Intercessor (John 14:12-14) forgives us and our part is confessing our sins to Him.

Before God saved me, my life was hopeless. I was out of control and blinded to those I harmed. When I tried to change my sinful behavior, it got worse. On my limited strength nothing changed. I had no self-control and sin ran wild causing nothing but trouble.

Pride, sexual immorality, and selfishness ruled my motives. Since I couldn’t be trusted, there was no integrity. But when I reached the point where I wanted to die then God grabbed a hold and rescued me.

I am grateful for the day when God saved me because Christ freed me from my sinfulness. This revelation changed my life. Since then I have learned the qualities of salvation.

 

 

One of the essential ingredients in staying free from the chains of sin is spending private time with God. Serious prayer time is crucial for me. It’s imperative for me to confess my sins before God without distractions. It’s in those times with Christ I find the answers and the courage to turn away from sin. And when sin returns my faith leads me back to God.

For example, my sexual behavior has changed because Christ has given me a holy outlook on God’s intended purpose. Humility replaces pride and selflessness turn me away from selfish behavior. And the more I pick up my cross and walk with Christ a continuous flow of righteousness emerges.

I’m not without sin but this holy path gives me a spiritual courage stronger than sin. I owe everything to God.

Christ is the way out of sin. Draw closer to God (James 4:10) and watch Christ free you from the bondage of sin. No matter how often sin raises its ugly head repentance is the answer. Remember our freedom came at Christ’s price.