Saved From the Power of Sin

There are many things that the Bible calls “sin.” Sin is disobedience to God. It misses the mark of His design for our lives. Some people have an idea that God is trying to keep us from having a “good time.” They see Him as an angry God who wants us to suffer and stay away from anything enjoyable. But this is not an accurate picture of the God of the Bible.

God is a loving Father who wants what is best for His children. If sin were not harmful, God would not want to keep us from it. He knows that sin is destructive to us and others, and He wants to protect us from it.

By its very nature, sin is deceptive. The writer of Hebrews warned against being “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). Sin looks very appealing, but its true nature is disguised. The devil loves to sugar coat sin to make it look as attractive as possible. There may be pleasure in sin, but in the end it leaves you empty. It offers temporary pleasure at the price of long-term pain.

John 8:31-36 gives us a picture of the power of sin and God’s plan to set us free from it:

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’ ? ‘ Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.’ ” 

Sin is addictive. That is why Jesus said that those who walk in sin become a “slave of sin.” The problem with sin is that it is never satisfied; it always asks for more. Once you indulge in one form of lust, you will be drawn to more and more. Once you tell a small lie, you will begin to lie more and more. Like a drug addiction, it keeps drawing you further and further into its chains.

But Jesus also said that the truth will make us free. And the truth is that Jesus died on the cross to set us free from sin. He paid the price to free us from the penalty of sin; to lift the guilt, shame, and weight of it off of our shoulders. But He also paid the price to free us from the power of sin. We do not have to live under the grip of sin any longer.

If you find yourself under the control of sin, repent and call on the name of Jesus. He will deliver you from its power and give you a new life! “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
(John 8:36)

What are some of the consequences of sin you’ve experienced in your own life? Have you accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for your sin and freedom He offers?