In the apostle Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, chapter 5 and verse 21 (KJV), we read that: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him”.  Jesus took our sins upon himself and paid the price for them  that we could be made his righteousness; we are no longer sinners. We were spiritually dead in our sins, we were sinners (Rom 6:23) but Christ won righteousness for us through his sacrifice. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior we come in to righteousness or right standing with God, by grace (Eph 2:8; Rom 3:22; Rom 5:1) and our sins are forgiven (Col 2:13).

But what if as Christians we do sin? We know that we all sin but if we confess our sins God will be quick to forgive us (1 John 1:7-2:2). This does not make us unregenerate sinners again, we are new creations in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:17); the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

In his first epistle and chapter 3, the apostle John seems to indicate that we should never sin but study of the Greek structure here shows us that what he really means is that we should not habitually sin as a life style (v 6-9). In chapter 1, John makes it clear that as Christians we will slip and sin but if we ask forgiveness God will forgive us.

As born-again believers we need to allow his word to renew us and allow his Spirit to change us to walk in his ways so that sin becomes more and more foreign to us (Rom 12:2; Ezekiel 36:26-27). Praise God for his love, grace and forgiveness.

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We all sin but we are no longer sinners (1 John 1:8). Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross the price was paid for our sin’s past, present and future (1 Cor 15:3). As born-again Christians God no longer sees us as sinners, he sees us in Christ, forgiven and the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:21). Righteousness basically means right standing with God. Satan may try to condemn us but we have an Advocate (Rom 8:34), Christ Jesus, who pleads our case before God (1 John 2:1).

As God’s children and members of his kingdom (Col 1:13) we are still tempted to sin and we do sin (1 John 1:8), but the word says that if we repent and ask for forgiveness God is quick to forgive us (1 John 1:9).  Now that’s good news. So, how many times will he forgive us in any given day? Well, we are instructed to forgive our brother 7 time seventy times (Matt 18:22) and God is far more loving and merciful than we are. But brother Norman you don’t know what I have done. God forgave David when he repented after committing adultery and murder (2 Sam 11). Don’t be condemned, look to God our loving and merciful father, humble yourself and ask forgiveness with a truly repentant heart.

 Now, as Christians we should not go on willfully and deliberately sinning, if we do then there is something very wrong as if we are born again, our spirit (conscience) should convict us of sin and in fellowship with God (Rom 2:15). Check yourself; are you truly born again? Have you given your life to the Master? Talk to a mature Christian friend and settle the matter today.

As Christians we should be quick to repent whenever we sin (1John 1:9); sin does not cause us to lose our salvation but it does cloud our fellowship with God, just as in any human relationship (1 John 1:7). Run to your loving father, repent and enjoy unbroken fellowship with him. There is nothing better.

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In Revelation Chapters 2 and 3 Jesus gives warnings and promises to the 7 churches. As we read them we can see that they are timeless and speak to us today.

He warns concerning losing our first love, our love for and obedience to Jesus. Jesus warns against sexual immorality and idolatry or things that became idols in our lives and cloud our love for Jesus. If we don’t guard against these influences we can become like the dead church of Sardis, where worldly influences had crowded out the things of God.

But now for the good news. My goodness me I can hardly write it down it’s so exciting. Let me try to summarize. Jesus said that the faithful would receive rewards when we go to be with him in heaven. He talks about a crown of life, walking in victory in an intimate relationship with Jesus, completely forgiven and vindicated. Jesus will honor us, we will be God’s possessions forever, ruling the nations with Jesus and sitting with him on his throne. We will eat from the tree of life and dine with Jesus; protected and dressed in white.

Our names are written in the book of life and Jesus says to the Father, these are mine; these are ours. Wow, that should brighten your day up. The world around us has nothing for us; let’s keep our eyes on Jesus. The rewards are awesome, if that’s a strong enough word!

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A BLOG by Norman and Jean Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments section REQUEST A FREE COPY OF A CHAPTER FROM OUR BOOK, click here: www.onthewayinlove.com