We must emphasize the freedom from the law of sin and death. We emphasized yesterday that we gain this freedom by surrendering to the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. We are free from the lower law by the operation of a higher law. We are not free from sin by someone waving a wand of forgiveness over us and saying we are free. We are free from the law of sin and death because we are literally free—“He breaks the power of canceled sin” (“O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”). The sin is canceled in forgiveness and its power is broken by the introduction of “the Spirit of life . . . in Christ Jesus.” To forgive sin and not give power over the recurrence of sins forgiven would be a moral danger. It would invite to further sinning.
A Roman Catholic seeker at an evangelical altar of prayer said: “I’ve asked for forgiveness all my life, but this is different. My sins are all gone.” Forgiveness was not condoning sin, but canceling sin by forgiveness and power. The sins are actually gone as condemnation and as present fact. They are gone! He forgives and gives—forgives the past and gives power for the present and the future.
A woman went to a hospital to see a boy of fourteen who had only a short time to live. She was called early one morning, for he was sinking. She whispered to him: “God loves you, Jesus loves you. He died to save you and to take you to heaven.” The boy replied, “Please say it again.” Then his last words were “Please thank Him for me.” His sins were not only forgiven, they were gone, buried in the love of God.
You are free from the law of sin and death because you are free from sin and from sinning. Not that a momentary sin may not recur for which forgiveness is immediately received, but the habit of sin is broken.
THE PRAYER
O Jesus, we look into Thy face and life is forever spoiled—we can never try any other way to live life. This is it—and forever! Our old songs are now discords, our old ways, ways of destruction. Now we are on the way! Amen.
AFFIRMATION FOR THE DAY
All my sins are gone except the memory, and the memory is being erased or redeemed.
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3 Responses
Freedom from the power of sin
As Christ-followers, we don’t need to affirm that our sins are gone. The Pharisees were famous for proudly doing that. We need to demonstrate that our sins are gone by humbly and gratefully living in Christ’s power and victory over them and continually guarding our heart that we don’t get deceived by and entangled with them again.
Yes, Steve. Demonstrate and proclaim our victory over sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Let’s do it, Bob! Help us, Lord, to show Your reality, love, and power by our daily lifestyle, not just to proclaim it with words.