So, you’re a Christian and you made a mistake. Does that mean you’re done, finished, no good anymore?
Or perhaps you simply are struggling with some of the same temptations that plagued you before you met Christ. You are not alone. Listen to this excerpt from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Church in
I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22.I love God’s law with all my heart. 23.But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24.Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Romans 7:21-2 (NLT)
That’s right, even Paul struggled with the conflicting sin nature and the new nature of the Holy Spirit. In the next verse, he provides the answer to that last question…
Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. Romans 7:25 (NLT)
Some might say, “I thought I’d be perfect after I became a Christian.” Sad to say that’s not true. HOWEVER, we are free from the penalty of death for the sins we commit AFTER we accept Christ as our Savior. Jesus paid the price…
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2.And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)
Isn’t that cool!!! Now, obviously we don’t have a “blank check” for running around committing sins. Paul addressed that back in chapter six…
1Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Romans 6:1-2 (NLT)
If we truly love Jesus for Who He is and what He has done for us, we will grow closer and closer to Him to the point where the Holy Spirit living in us is given full control.
So, don’t get discouraged and think you’re going to be thrown out of heaven for doing something stupid. God loves you and NOTHING can separate you or me from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).
SEEK FIRST THE
