The Paradox of Freedom: Why Christians Must Fight Against Sin
As Christians, we are often faced with a paradox: if God’s grace is so abundant, why must we strive against sin? Doesn’t the magnitude of His forgiveness render our efforts unnecessary? In fact, the opposite is true. Our struggle against sin is not only necessary but also evidence that we are truly in Christ.
From Slaves to Sin to Slaves of Righteousness
Before conversion, we are helpless against sin’s power. But once united with Christ, we are empowered to resist its pull. This freedom is not a license to sin but a liberation from its dominion. As Paul writes in Romans 6:14, “Sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” This promise is rooted in Christ’s triumph on the cross, where sin’s power was broken and we were raised to new life.
The Battle Against Indwelling Sin
Fighting against indwelling sin feels like a battle because it is a battle. But the war has already been won for those in Christ. We have been set free from sin’s penalty and power, and one day we will be set free from its presence. Until then, we must strive to avoid giving in to our sinful inclinations. Our old sin nature may clamor for attention, but we need not give in, for we have died to sin.
Training for Godliness
The Christian life is one of training for godliness. As Paul writes in Titus 2:11-14, “The grace of God has appeared… training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” This is the essence of our walk with Christ – a journey of progressive sanctification, where the Holy Spirit conforms us more and more into Christ’s likeness.
True Freedom: Slavery to Righteousness
Our struggle against sin is not an exercise in futility but a demonstration of God’s empowering grace. By resisting sin’s pull, we become slaves of righteousness, which is true freedom. As we walk this road, we are assured of victory in our fight against sin, and we are walking the path to eternal life.
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