Loose From Sin

 John 11:44

And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

 

A preacher I heard a long time ago took this verse to show evidence of a second work of grace. I don’t know if the intent of John’s writing was meant to convey this meaning, but it does make a good analogy. We are dead in our trespasses and sin, dead to the things of God. Jesus died on the cross to give us life, He brought us from death to life. But, carnality still has us bound up. Our carnal nature desires to have its own way. It binds us up with fear and pride. Jesus desires for us to be set free, and let loose from the chains that keep us from being all that God wants us to be. He sent the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. His Spirit sets us apart from the world to make us a vessel that can be used for His glory. We can be set loose and totally abandon ourselves to God, letting go of our selfish desires, submitting our will to His will and be holy sanctified to follow Him.

Transformation in Christ

Acts 9:18  And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Transformation is not always instantaneously, Like Paul there are many who do a 180 degree turn from a life that destroyed to a life that heals. It is certain that God can clean up a sinner, breaks the habits of sin and make a new creature in Christ. Transformation of the heart is always done instantaneously, but life style and knowing how to live for Christ is most often done over time. God changes our heart, but learning to walk with God is a journey that we all take. Habits are sometimes broken like chains that bind, but not always. God is always working on us, molding us, and shaping us into His image. God has opened our eyes to see clearly the mysteries of His word. Our eyes have been open to a spiritual world once bond in darkness. We have been transformed by the renewing of our minds, and now walk in the light to live and do His will. 

A Prisoner set Free

Psalm 146:7-8“…the Lord looseth the prisoners…The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind; the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down;…”

Sin is binding, it shackles us with chains that keeps us from being free to serve God the way we should. A prisoner to sin, we live in bondage to Satan who keeps us trapped by deceiving us into thinking that leaving the pleasures of sin will take the fun out of living. The carnal nature enjoys the lust of the flesh, but the fulfilling the lust of the flesh drive us further into a prison that keeps us trapped. Sin leads to a life style that keeps us from serving God in righteousness. Jesus came to set the prisoner free, He has the keys of life that will give us real freedom. Freedom to worship God is the Spirit of holiness. Freedom to be what God wants us to be. His grace, causes the chains of sin to loosen and break. We don’t have to be a prisoner of sin, we can be set free if we choose to live in truth. He is truth and the Truth shall set us free.