Dealt And Done With!

There are many things in life of which we might weary of having to continue to deal. When those occasions occur we may even be heard moaning, “Not again!” Such are things we wish to be dealt with and done with once and for all! However, how much determination do we have for making it so and appreciation for means that might be provided?

Solomon encouraged…
“BY STEADFAST LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS INIQUITY IS ATONED FOR, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.” ( Proverbs 16:6 ESV)

Sin deserves punishment. Solomon acknowledged that in the previous verse. However, God -- because of His steadfast love and faithfulness -- has provided the means for atonement from sin. For us living this side of the cross we have that atonement in its most adequate form through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. Jesus gave Himself as the atoning sacrifice not only for our sins, but also for those of the world. ( 1 John 2:2) That sacrifice for sin was ONCE FOR ALL ( Romans 6:10; Hebrews 10:10) and is COMPLETELY ADEQUATE to deal with sin. The real issue for us to come to grips with is: ARE WE DONE WITH IT?!!!

To know that our sins are dealt with completely by the power of the blood of Jesus is not to make us feel comfortable about sin. On the contrary, sin should make us very uncomfortable! We are not “to continue in sin that grace may abound” ( Romans 6:1), but are instead to acknowledge that God is to be feared because of sin. We would not want to weary God of extending His grace! Properly viewing God should cause us to CONTINUE TURNING AWAY FROM EVIL. Jesus died for us and we are to die to sin. ( Romans 6:2) In that sixth chapter of Romans Paul went on to point out how this is what was to have taken place when we were “baptized into Christ” ( Romans 6:3); being “buried with” Him through baptism ( Romans 6:4) so that we could rise to “walk in newness of life.” ( Romans 6:4)

Are we going to have sin to confess? Yes! (note 1 John 1:8-9) Will we still have need for repentance? Yes! It is the aim of our heart of which we need to be mindful. The way for us to show our greatest appreciation for God’s grace that has provided in Christ the ADEQUATE means of dealing with our sin is to STRIVE TO BE DONE WITH IT in our life. As we walk in Christ may our life reflect the reality of being “dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” ( Romans 6:11)

Have a great day LIVING TO PRAISE GOD FOR FULL ATONEMENT IN CHRIST!
Carl

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