SIN IS NOT OUR MASTER
Our sinful actions can no longer ruin our right standing (righteousness) with God, but they can ruin our life and our witness to others. http://gracelovetruth.com/?p=496
Our actions no longer determine our right standing with God. New Covenant righteousness is founded on Jesus (i) and not on our works. Now some may say "That is a licence to sin" (ii), WRONG!! It is in fact a licence and empowerment to do what is good, holy and right!
YEAH, yeah, we all know that sin is harmful and sin is bad. It harms us and harms others, but the good news is that those who are in Christ are no longer enslaved by Sin (iii). It no longer controls us but we control it. WE CAN SAY NO, we can choose to do things differently. The the grace of God and the empowering (iv) of the Holy Spirit living in us, enables us to think, live and do, in a right way - a way that honors our Holy Father and blesses others. And, when we get it wrong, which we all do at some stage, God's grace and forgiveness covers us (v).
Our loving heavenly Father knows that sinful actions harm and rob us of the abundant life (vi) and blessings He has provide for us. That is why Jesus has set us free from the power and domination of sin and made us slaves to righteousness (vii), and what we are slaves to, we listen to, and obey..... it used to be sin, but now through Jesus' grace, its righteousness.
Hum, let me think about that, righteousness is now my master and I belong to Him, wow, now that's good news that will change my life as I choose to accept and believe it?!
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(i) Rom 3:22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. (ii) Rom 6:1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! (iii) Rom 6:6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.... (iv) Tit 2:12 Grace teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, (v) Rom.4:7 "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. (vi) John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (vii) Rom 6:18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.