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Christians, like all humans, sin daily, but turning away from sin through repentance is crucial in this life.
Paul makes it clear that sin has tainted the human race, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
At the same time, the Bible shares we are to despise sin:
“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil” (Proverbs 8:13).
“If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
Humanity dead in sin can’t achieve repentance alone; it is only through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that the Spirit Himself can guide believers. Yet, a conflict emerges between darkness (original sin-flesh) and the Spirit (God).
Thanks be to God that through Christ alone, we can conquer sin and live a life of repentance. A.W. Pink shared, “The truly regenerated soul is afraid of disobeying and defying God. Nor does he want to. No, his real and deepest desire is to please Him in all things, at all times, and in all places.”[i]
While it’s entirely true that God is love, and Jesus demonstrated the greatest love by dying on the cross for the sins of His people, God is also just and loathes sin. The Proverbs explain as much, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).
Conquering sin in this life is a must as it’s the core message of Jesus. Jesus came for sinners, those who desired deliverance from humanity’s fall. It’s no coincidence that the petitions within the Lord’s Prayer emphasize “forgiveness of sin and also a deliverance from evil.”
Defeating sin starts with admitting that it exists in your life, followed by faith in Jesus Christ alone for redemption. Christians are saved by grace and faith alone and certainly can’t earn merit, let alone salvation from any good works. However, this doesn’t negate the fact that being born-again in Christ produces a new life and purpose.
Are you Gospel-driven (Great Commission)? Are you seeking to please God in everything you do (Greatest Commandment)?
The state of our society and world is deeply concerning. To face darkness, you must prioritize your own life in Christ, and then you can make a difference.
If sin is in your life, remember what’s at stake: the message of Christ and salvation. Pink further defined salvation:
“Salvation means being reconciled to God; and that involves and includes sin’s dominion over us being broken, enmity within us being slain, the heart being won to God. This is what true conversion is; it is tearing down every idol, a renouncing of the empty vanities of a cheating world, and taking God for our portion, our ruler, our all in all.”[ii]
In Christ alone our hope is found.
[i] A.W. Pink, Profiting from the World, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1970), 26.
[ii] Ibid., 23.
