If Christians were relying on their own ability to obey God's Word, it would be a great struggle. However, many Christians are; without even realising it. And I'm one of them.
Everytime I think that I have grasped the meaning of my salvation, a deeper (or more true) understanding comes to blow the other one away. It's only in the past month or so that I've noticed what I've been doing. For some reason, I've been beating myself up and trying to justify my actions as if I have the power to combat sin. (Did you see what I did just there? Beating MYSELF up- combatting SIN... Get it? Get it? Never mind- you will!). If I did have the power to combat sin, why would I need a Saviour in Jesus? Why would God send His Son to take responsibility for my sins? Surely, when ever I sinned I would just make excuses in a bid to explain why I sinned.
Do you see how silly that last sentence is? I dare you to read it out loud, it sounds even more stupid!
Anyway, I digress. What I'm trying to say is that we are humans, i.e. flesh is a part of us. The flesh cannot fight spiritual battles such as the temptation to sin. Exhibit A:
Romans 7:18~
"For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out."
verse 19 goes on to say:
"For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing."
Now, I don't know about you but if I don't want to do something, I wouldn't keep on doing it. However, in this circumstance it is clear that something else is causing Paul, the author of Romans, to go against all reason- It's a negative spiritual influence.
Let's skip to verse 22:
"For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members."
This goes to show that no matter how hard WE try WE cannot justify ourselves because a sinful nature has lived within all humans since Adam and Eve disobeyed God.
The only way we are justified and made holy and acceptable before God is through the Holy Spirit of His Son, Jesus Christ, in whom there is life, and through whom we escape the wages of sin, which is death.
Romans 8:3-5 ~
"For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit"
Galatians 5:16 ~
"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature."
It's walking in the Spirit that will validate Christ's atonement for our sin. Although He has atoned for every sin ever committed, being committed right now, and yet to be committed; it's up to you to accept that gift with both hands by walking in the Spirit.
What does it mean to 'walk in the Spirit'?
To walk in the Spirit is to desire God and live your life based on His word AND guidance from the Holy Spirit. The more time you spend seeking God, i.e. reading the Bible, praying; the more you will understand what the Spirit wants you to do. And if you are doing what the Spirit wants you to do, then naturally, you will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit:
Galatians 5:22 and 23 ~
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
There may be some people reading this who want to know more about Christ, or want to become Christians but have been putting it off because you 'want to be clean first'. I hope what you have read so far has given you the confidence to come as you are. If not, how about this?
Romans 8:1 and 2 ~
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."
Don't worry about what you've heard about what other Christians do, or the way they judge others. That's for them and God to resolve. You just come as you are- there is no other way. Don't think you're being a hypocrite. You can NEVER make yourself clean . It is CHRIST who CLEANSES YOU and then calls you brother or sister. You become a child of God:
Romans 8:14 ~
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
verses 16-17 say:
"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs- heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him."
The suffering that is referred to is the constant battle against the flesh. It will intensify as you get closer to God, I can't lie to you, but no good thing in life comes without a struggle- this is also true of ETERNAL LIFE. These are the promises that await you when you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour and start walking in the Spirit. So what are waiting for? Claim your inheritance!
For my Christian readers, I hope that this has challenged your concept of salvation in some way. Keep trusting in God and not in man, especially not yourself because your flesh is an enemy of God, and Satan knows that, that is why he uses it against you on a daily basis. Your strength comes from Christ. Don't ever forget that.
Shalom (Peace).
