Living without Sin

 1 John 3:6
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

I am not a Greek scholar, but I desire to read God’s word with an open heart.  Sin takes place when we break God’s law. It is a willful transgression against the known will of God. We are born into this world with a sin nature, and we come to realize that we are spiritually lost without a Savior. Christ, who knows no sin, came to earth to give His life as the supreme sacrifice to forgive us of our sin. This is salvation in a nutshell. By confessing our sins to Christ, we have acknowledged that we are sinners. We now abide in Christ and have turned away from our sinful way. We no longer willfully commit sin when we abide in Him. A person who willfully goes against the known will of God is ignorant of God and God’s will to set them free from the bondage of sin. We realize that we are human and born into a world where sin is ever before us. Temptation is real and Satan is relentless in his attempt to cause a follower of Christ to violate one of God’s commandments to live holy and righteously in this present world. Many Christians have fallen for the traps of Satan and have fallen into sin. Many have made shipwrecks of their lives and have left the Way for whatever reason. It is not God’s will that any person be lost, but His will that we live in fellowship with Him. God’s word is full of dos and don'ts, and keeping track of every law leads one to live in bondage and fear, but Jesus simplified it all by telling us that the law can be wrapped up in two statements. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself. So how does one live a life without sin? Are our words and actions pleasing to Jesus? The Holy Spirit came to dwell in us and to guide us in all we do. We sin not, because we know Him, and because we know Him and love Him, we desire to please Him.

Receiving the Gift Through Confession

 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Along with John 3:16, this scripture is used to stress what it means to believe in Jesus Christ. God gave His Son to die and paid the price for our sins, so that we would not die and go to eternal damnation. The message of the Gospel is one of good news, and the good news is that we don’t have to perish. But the good news does come with conditions. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and to confess our sinfulness to Him, and accept His forgiveness. It is not God's desire that anyone would die in their sins and go to hell. The message to believers is to go out and tell others of this great gift. This is the greatest gift given to man. We celebrate at this time of the year Christmas to tell the world that God gave the most important gift to mankind when He gave His son to be the supreme sacrifice for the sins of the world. Many will go through this season with the knowledge that Jesus came to this world, and lived among us, and celebrate this great event in history, but many have yet to come to the foot of the cross and confess their sins and to be cleansed from all unrighteousness. This is the reason for the season: Jesus, who was not only born into this world, but also gave his life as the greatest gift man has ever received. We received this gift by confessing our sins. He is faithful to forgive. 

Confessing Sin

 James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Many Bible translations use the word sin in place of fault. The root interpretation of sin is to miss the mark, to come short of God’s perfection. The fall of Adam and Eve changed the nature of humanity. The human body is now subject to failure and shortcomings. We often say, “We are not perfect, we are all still human.” We still deal with human weaknesses. As humans, we still make mistakes and errors from doing everything perfectly, but our hearts can always be faultless before God. Scripture says that Christians cannot sin, (1 John 3:9). Yet, it is possible for a believer to still commit sin. But, if we want to remain in Christ, we will not live a life of sinning.  Satan knows our weaknesses and vulnerabilities and will exploit them, causing us to fall. Temptation to sin would not be temptation if it were not possible to transgress the laws of God. Giving our heart in full surrender in sanctification, letting the Holy Spirit take residence in our heart will give us the ability to resist the temptations of Satan. Confession is made possible by restoring one back to fellowship with God. “And if any man sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” (1 John 2:1). If we also confess our sins one to another, the prayer of other believers God will hear and heal broken fellowship. It is not God’s will that Christians fall when tempted. He has made a way of escape. It is not His will that Christians live in sin, but His will that they be delivered from sin. Thank God, He has provided grace and mercy to them that seek and ask forgiveness. We need not despair, get up, face your fault or sin, confess, and move forward with God.

Forgiveness is a Choice

 Col 3:13
bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Is it possible to forgive, but not forget? When life happens, things sometimes happen to us that cause deep hurt. They are imprinted in our memories and don’t go away. When God forgives our sins, they are cast into the sea as far as the east from the west. (Psalm 103:12). God says, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jer.31:34) To forgive means to “send away”. The slate is clean. God's forgetfulness means that He will not bring it again and hold us accountable. When we confess our sins, He forgives our transgressions and wipes them away with His precious blood. The blood now covers sin and shame and we are made clean, whiter than snow. When others do things to us or our loved ones, the temptation is to become resentful and bitter toward those who have caused hurt. Forgiveness is not a feeling, it is a choice. I may never feel like forgiving, but by the grace of God, I choose to forgive. Forgiveness does not take away the hurt and disappointment, but it does bring peace to the heart. We can take it to Jesus, and leave it at the foot of the cross, and give it to Him. Healing is sometimes made easier when apologies are made, but apologies may never happen, and forgiveness may not happen in a moment of time, but God’s love and grace is able to bring healing and forgiveness to a heart that seeks it!

Learning to Forgive

Mat 18:27
Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
Jesus, desiring to show his disciples what forgiveness looks like, told the story of the king that forgave his servant, but the servant would not forgive the person who owed him money. The king, hearing about this, could not tolerate the injustice and changed his mind, and required his servant to pay it all. The moral of the story is, If you want forgiveness, you also must be willing to forgive others who did you wrong. Forgiveness is a willful choice that is made because the love of God constrains us to forgive. We realize that we are sinners and in need of forgiveness. Jesus, who died for you and me, paid the ultimate price and forgave us saving us from eternal damnation. When we feel that we have been betrayed or wrongfully accused by someone, it comes with real pain and disappointment. Forgiveness does not always come easy and sometimes over time, the pain eases up, but never goes away. David Branon writes in Our Daily Bread, “Forgiveness at its fullest can be realized when both parties move toward healing and reconciliation. And while it doesn’t remove the effects of harm done or the need to be discerning in how to address painful or unhealthy relationships, it can lead to restored ones—testifying to God’s love and power. Let’s look for ways to “extend forgiveness” for His honor.” We forgive because He has forgiven us, and He is our great example of how to live each day of our lives.

More Than A Religion

 Matthew 16:16

 “You are the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of the living God.”

 

Christianity is more than a doctrinal religion. The fact that it is a belief system and one that is a faith base makes it a religion. Many will say that it is not a religion, but a relationship. I believe it is both. The doctrine of believing that Jesus is the Son of God, Deity in the flesh is grounded in historical religion taught in the Holy Scriptures from the day that Jesus walked this earth. What makes it more than a religion is personally knowing this Christ, Jesus the Son of the living God. Who is He to you? Not what the church says, or what you were taught at home. Who is He to you personally? Jesus has the power to forgive sins, He desires to forgive the sins of anyone who confesses and believes that He is more than just a doctrinal statement. He sent the Holy Spirit to us that He may abide in our hearts and purify our souls. Jesus, yes He is a religion, but it is a religion that can live in your heart. He is the Christ, the Son of the living God!

Reconciled to Your Brother

 Matthew 5:24
Leave your gift before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer you a gift.
We cannot have a right relationship with God, if there are hard feelings between you and someone else. As Christians, Jesus wants us to have a heart of forgiveness and forbearance. We may not always see eye to eye with everyone, but Christ made it possible for us to show compassion and understanding. It is not easy to always put aside things that others have done or said to us, and act like nothing ever happened or was said, but Jesus made His teaching clear, “…be reconciled to your brother”. Your relationship may never be the same, but God is able to heal and make it possible to continue working for the Kingdom side by side without strife and bitterness.

Come Now To God

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Yes, no one is perfect. Every man is tempted when he is drawn away from his own desires. Satan walks around seeking whom he may devour. Everyone is subject to temptation and even good people in a moment of weakness can succumb to temptation. And if we sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, who is faithful and just to forgive all who come to him in humility and confession. Such is the love and promise of God who is full of grace and mercy. We also have a way of escape when tempted if we avail ourselves to the grace of God. Allowing the Holy Spirit to help us make choices that will lead us in the light. The grace and mercy of God extend even to those who have left the path and now walk in darkness. To the hypocrite, who outwardly appears to be religious, but is full of dead men’s bones. God says “Come now”. No matter your condition, no matter what you have done, He wants to make your heart as white as snow.

Let All Bitterness Be Put Away

Eph. 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

People normally become bitter and full of malice when they are treated wrongly. It is the natural reaction of the carnal nature. It is difficult to understand the behavior of other people. Those who seek to hurt others do so out of self preservation or selfish intent. Desiring to fulfill or satisfy a personal need. The carnal heart cares not who it hurts, only thinking of self and protecting one’s ego, even at the expense of doing wrong or hurting someone else. Bitterness, a sin that destroys the very fiber of one’s character can easily begin to fester in the heart toward one who has wronged us. We feel it is our right to be bitter, or angry. Having ill will toward someone who is treating you unfair or hateful is what is expected. To the natural man, this is how we deal with people who don’t care and are self centered. How is it possible to let all bitterness be put away? How can we keep from lashing back in anger and speaking back maliciously? It is only by the grace of God and a heart purified by faith by the Holy Spirit that this is made possible. Even as Christ forgave us, He gives us grace to forgive and love others. “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

Behold the Cross

Luke 23:48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

Behold and see what God has done! Gave His son to die on the cross to save the likes of you and me. Gaze upon the cross, and behold the things that sin will cause people to do. The heart of man is wicked and destructive. Anything that reveals the sinful nature of man causes man to revile in hatred against that which condemns their heart. Behold Him there hanging on the cross between two sinners, the Holy one of God who healed the blind, fed the thousands, made men to walk, and loved sinners regardless of their social statues. Behold how He breathes words of forgiveness to those who put Him on the cross. “Forgive them, Lord for they know not what they do”. Behold Jesus, as He looks toward heaven and exclaims, “It is finished”. The ultimate price was paid, Jesus, the God-man who came to earth and lived among us to show us how to live. Gave His life, paid the penalty for our sins that we may behold eternity and see Him someday face to face.

Love Your Enemies

Luke 6:35 “ But love ye your enemies, and do good and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest; for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”-

It is not within human nature to love someone who hates you and is out to make life miserable for you. Loving your enemies requires a divine act of God. It requires that we say “No” to hate and “Yes” to love. It is a choice we make. We take sides with that which is good and holy. Being tempted to retaliate when someone does us wrong is a normal reaction as we try to defend our dignity and self worth. Being hurt and being tempted to hurt back is the part of the human nature that Jesus tells us that we must resist. He reminds us that Love conquers all and loving those who despitefully use us is possible when we know that God also shows mercy and forgiveness. Forgiving is not forgetting, but it does take resentment out of the heart and puts a love that passes human understanding. We love, because God first loved us.

Divine Forgiveness

Eph. 4:32 “and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”-

Real forgiveness is divine. Forgiveness implies that there is no animosity toward the person that did you wrong, or treated you unfairly. It is one of the most difficult Christian attributes to demonstrate when the heart is hurting and breaking. We were made with the emotions to love and hate. To hate is not wrong, we hate sin, we hate what sin has done to our society, and how it has affected those we love. When someone is hateful, we abhor the hate they manifest. It is difficult to separate hate and the one who is hating, or hurting. How can we forgive such a person who only thinks of themselves and lives to only gratify their lustful desires. God loves the hater (sinner) and died on the cross that the hater may know forgiveness and know eternal life. This is divine forgiveness that comes from God. In the human, such forgiveness is not found. Living in the Vine means that God’s love lives within us. We are instrument and vessel that He uses to show others how God loves. If we hold bitterness and resentment toward others, we have failed to show God’s forgiveness to them. Let us put aside our pride and be kind and tenderhearted toward those who may hurt us. In most cases, those that hurt others are also hurting. Christ desires to forgive and heal those that hurt.

Name of Jesus

Matt. 1:21 “ And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.”-

In the Name of Jesus, is often said when a prayer is concluded. There is something about that Name that is above every other name. There is no other Name under heaven, on earth given among men that has the power to forgive sin. This is not just any one name Jesus, for there are many born on earth who have that name. But this Name has power to heal the sick, make the lepers clean, and cause the blind to see. He is the son of the living God, He is God made flesh who came to dwell among us. How sweet in His Name, the song in our heart sings about that lovely Name. At the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. In His Name we can claim eternal life, and it is in His Name that allows us passage through the gates of heaven. Oh, how I love that Name!

Forgiveness

Luke 23:34 “Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they parted His raiment and cast lots.-

Forgiveness- What does it mean to forgive? Forgiveness is an action and not an emotion. It is done with purpose regardless how we may feel. It is one of God’s graces that is given to Christians who face injustice to self or others we love. Temptation to retaliate and get revenge are real emotions that Christians with human emotions must resist and overcome. We live in a selfish world and people will act in ways that will cause others to be hurt. They are blinded by sin and they know not what they do. Even when they know they are doing wrong, sin justifies their actions. Forgiveness will not justify the wrong doing, but will see that people living for self and self gratification need to come to Jesus and be saved. Learning to forgive is not always easy, but it is the way of Christ. If we are to be like Him, we must learn to forgive. For God, who has forgiven us of our selfish living, desires that we also forgive them who do likewise. “Dear Lord, it is not always easy to forgive those who have hurt and have done us wrong, but give me the grace to overcome my feelings and give me the power of Christ to forgive others, even as you have forgiven me”

Failing God

John 18:25 “And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, “Art not thou also one of his disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.”-

Failure is tough to deal with. The pressure to meet expectations are sometimes too demanding. We are so human oriented in our efforts to accomplish our goals and aspirations. Peter had every intention when he started out to follow Jesus, and stand with Him all the way. But, Peter could not deal with the fear of man and dropped the ball. Jesus knew that Peter had a heart that desired to serve, but also knew that Peter had a weakness that needed to be dealt with. Failure is not a necessary competent of the Christian life, but without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the experience of full surrender to the will of God, failure is inevitable. But, failure does not have to be fatal. God is a God of second, and third chances. To the heart that is sincere, God will not fail. He loves us too much to let us stay down. He reaches down to where we are, forgiving us, and bringing us out of our despair. It is not God’s plan that we fail Him, He wants to help us to be overcomers and have victory in our life everyday. After Peter experience the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Peter was never the same. He put his full trust in God and was able to cast all his cares on Him. God is able to use the fallibility of  man like Peter, and give him the power of God to live holy and righteous all the days of his life.