Slipping through the gap

We live in a society where sin has increasingly been redefined and in some cases, even seen as good rather than bad. But we deal with it just the same as ever.

Every sinner needs repentance, but it has to start with the acknowledgment of sin. Even if that particular sin is socially acceptable, or when the outcome is good, or it’s part of your job, sin is still sin in the only eyes that matter.

Our own attempts at justification carry no weight in heaven, the wages of sin is still death. Words of justification for your sin may be accepted by other sinners walking the same pathway and looking for a hope. When you only seek that kind of acceptance, then it reveals whom you really live to serve.

Christ Jesus died on the cross to bring about our forgiveness of sin and acceptance in heaven. The battle with sin and the flesh began when we accepted Him and our eyes were opened.

For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.– Romans 7:14-25

It may sound confusing, but Paul is speaking about fighting the same battle which every believer will fight. The sinful nature, is at war with our new nature in Christ. Paul describes fighting the sin of omission and the sin of commission. Things we should do, but don’t and things we do but shouldn’t.

This can sometimes leave us feeling embattled, lonely and forgotten. Habitual sin can at times leave us feeling like we’ve fallen through a gap in society and church, unacceptable by all. The battle is only present because of our true justification through the blood of Christ. This may bring enmity with the world, but it brings peace with God.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ – Romans 5:1

Acknowledging sin and accepting the free gift of justification means we are declared righteous at salvation. Now we must live a life of sanctification, which means growing in righteousness and perseverance in the life God has laid out for you.

As children of God, you can never fall through the gap and we are never left to fight alone. He knows your struggle and it even acts as a sign that you truly belong to Him. God’s love is able to meet you at any time and wherever you are. His great love will always make a way, where there is no way.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38,39

You are loved and protected by Christ when He lives in you and you are alive in Him. Trust Him because He will never leave you or forsake you and never let you slip through the gap.