Christians,
Have you ever thought about how many times you live in defeat instead of in victory? It may be more often than you think. Let's take a look at 1 John 2:1-3 (NIV).
"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin. We have one who speaks to the Father in your defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sing, and not only for ours but also for the sings of the whole world."
What I want to focus on is the "if" underlined above. Scripture says "if" you sin, your sins are covered by the blood of Christ. It doesn't say "when" you sin. So many times we live our lives based on Romans 3:23 which says, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We use this as an excuse to sin or as a way to make us feel better for sinning when we should be looking at it through the lens of 1 John 2:1-3. We have victory over sin; we shouldn't live in defeat! Jesus didn't die on the cross so that we could keep on sinning; he died so we could live a life free from sin.
When you walk out a kingdom lifestyle - a life modeling the life of Christ - the desire to sin fades. Now, this isn't to discourage those who still struggle with sin; I still struggle myself. I am writing this to encourage you to follow Christ so closely that sin no longer remains a part of your life.
Hebrews 10:14 says, "Because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." Did you read that? God calls us perfect (in Christ, not in and of ourselves). Because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we have the ability to live a life of sinless perfection! Wow!
Do you want to know what's even crazier? We reference this perfection all the time! For example, the song Jesus Paid It All says, "Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe. Sin has left a crimson stain, he washed it white as snow." We are washed clean, without blemish. Because of Christ, we are made a new creation; but, because we compare ourselves to the greatness of God, we see ourselves as filthy. I can speak especially for women when I say that it's sometimes hard to believe and understand who God says we are. God says you are chosen (John 15:16), you are loved (Romans 5:8), and you are perfect (Hebrews 10:14). Why don't we live in that truth?
The basis of all of this is that you have a choice. When you choose to truly follow Christ and walk out a true kingdom lifestyle you are no longer bound to sin. You can live a life of sinless perfection. Walk in it.
