Sin is any thought, word, or deed that conflicts with God's divine law or holy character.
When the finished work of Jesus Christ is received by grace through faith ... forgiveness and everlasting life are secured. However, while we anxiously wait for the day of our 'homegoing', the battle against sin wages on ...
For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these are in direct opposition to each other, so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do. (Galatians 5:17 Amp)
It is clear from this passage that those who have been redeemed by Jesus' precious blood ... still sin. So what are we to do when we fall?
1. Allow everything to be revealed ... Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me. (Psalm 139:23-24)
2. Own up to our iniquity ... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
3. Change direction ... Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)
The Lord is not some remote deity, with no understanding of human frailty. Jesus not only recognizes the war going on in your soul, He experienced it first-hand ... For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet He did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15).
Christ calls us to return to Him. He knows we are exhausted from the fight ... Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
Satan is 'the accuser of the brethren' and would have us believe that we serve an unforgiving God. The Bible says otherwise ... Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
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