Finishing with Sin
Finishing with Sin
The first step in this race is to stop sinning consciously. Under the Law, there was no exhortation to stop sinning. But under the new covenant, all the apostles are agreed that the twofold message of the gospel is exactly as Jesus put it: freedom from condemnation and ceasing from sin.
Paul says, "Stop sinning" (1 Corinthians 15:34). John says, "I am writing these things to you that you may not sin" (1 John 2:1). Peter also exhorts us to 'cease from sin' (1 Peter 4:1).
After explaining justification by faith in Romans 5, Paul asks this question, "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may increase?" (Romans 6:1). And again (with greater force this time), "What then? Shall we sin even once?" (Romans 6:15 - Literal). The answer in both cases is a resounding 'No'. We should seek not to sin even once, any more.
Does that sound like a heavy, burdensome message? It can be burdensome only to those who want to keep on sinning! But it's a joyful message of liberation to those who are sick and tired of sin's captivity. Any prisoner would be delighted if he heard a message that he could be free. That wouldn't sound burdensome to him, would it?
Jesus was anointed to proclaim "release to the captives (of sin) and to set free those who are trodden down (by Satan)" (Luke 4:18).
The glorious new-covenant promise is:
Sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law (the old covenant), but under grace (the new covenant established by Jesus)( Romans 6:14 ).
The first step to victory is to believe that such a life is possible for you.
Link: https://www.cfcindia.com/books/a-good-foundation
