“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

While we live on this earth. We won’t be able to seclude ourselves from sin and temptation. This is impossible. While we can limit exposure we still have to operate in the world.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t take precautions against exposure…you should. You don’t want to be a proverbial shark swimming in bloody water.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.^[a] I want to do what is right, but I can’t. ¹⁹ I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”(Romans 7:18-19 NLT)

Have you ever done something you know to be wrong yet you do it anyway?

This devotional will challenge you as it as challenged to me to face whatever repeated area of sin is in your life. You already know what it is. It could be gossip, pride, jealousy, envy, lust, or even unforgiveness.

Previously I talked about metamorphosis and pursuing the likeliness of Christ. In a world filled with temptations of being…well human..frankly…this is the most difficult aspect of being a believer.

Yes Paul does say we are saved by grace not works. But he also tells us not to going on sinning…but let’s face it…with the knowledge that we will.

Many have argued rather passionately in Christianity whether or not sinning after saved affects salvation.

Lets look at what we do know.

Its is impossible to live a sinless life in our flesh. Any pastor, priest or church who teaches this is flat out biblical wrong. The scripture says:

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”- 1John 1:8 NIV

So why then did the Apostle John also say:

“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:6

Perhaps we should look at other translations for some clarity:

“The amplified bible says whoever sins “deliberately, knowingly, and habitually.”

We all sin, but we should not live a life a sin.

This scripture is less about sin and more a about how our heart is regarding sin and if we fear God.

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”1 John 1:9 NLT

Theological salvation arguments aside…Sin at the minimum has consequences in this life.

Scripture says:

“…for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption…” Galatians 6:7-8 ESV

Sin even “small” causes discord:

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. James 3:16 NLT

Sinner causes a barrier to God:

“But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God…” Isaiah 59:2 ESV.

And the most quoted but often misunderstood, Romans 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death,”

But what does the rest of the verse say?

but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“Free gift”…means you can’t earn it, you can’t work for it, and it is not being charged to you. It was already paid forward. You just need to accept it.

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NIV.

Without Jesus actions, your sinfulness would lead to death and permanent separation BUT Romans 5:6-8 says Christ died for the “ungodly” and “while we were still sinners.”

1 Peter 3:18 ESV says “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous,”

He suffered “once” and for all. Before He died, he said “IT IS FINISHED.” Not “it continues” “it has just began” and not “only if they live sinless lives.”

No…IT IS FINISHED. For all who believe and accept him as Lord and savior.

The wages of sin are no longer death if you have Christ Jesus.

Grace is not an excuse or escape, it’s a forward payment. And the price is very high. What is that price? Perfection.

Why would God demand such a high price of perfection for salvation… one that is unobtainable and impossible? Because He had Jesus from the beginning to fulfill it.

“He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.” 1 Peter 1:20 NIV

“…this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.” Acts 2:23

In Matthew 19:25-26 NIV

Jesus has just finished telling the disciples how hard it was for some to enter the kingdom of heaven.

“When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

²⁶ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

And that cost of impossible perfection was fulfilled

“It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 1 Peter 1:19 NLT

This is the very same reason animal sacrifices had to be done with unblemished animals in the Old Testament.

“Your lamb shall be without blemish“-Exodus 12:5 ESV

Paul wrote in Romans 9:22 NLT:

“In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.”

And why do we need that sacrifice?

Say loud for the self righteous in the back:

“ For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23