Is that monster dead and buried, or will he come back in the movie’s sequel? That’s always the question when someone watches a scary movie. Horror movie fans love the thrill of the scare and the uncertainty of whether or not the danger is really over. As October rolls around on our calendars, people will be thinking more about Halloween and scary movies. Soon, monsters, skeletons, and ghosts will decorate houses throughout many neighborhoods. Those same monsters, skeletons, and ghosts will be on many TV screens, too. And little monsters, skeletons, and ghosts will be on the prowl for candy up and down their streets. In fact, the Huffington Post reports that the average American eats 24 pounds of candy per year, and most of it happens right around Halloween. All of the make-believe surrounding Halloween makes it the favorite holiday for many people.
Sin is the Real-Life Monster You Should Worry About
However, there is a real-life monster that everyone has to worry about, though few really do. That monster is sin. It is destructive, it is alarming and ghastly, and it is deadly. Many people think about sin as a cute, little pet, something to be played with and enjoyed. It is not. It is an ugly, hulking, and terrifying monster that will inevitably destroy you. There is, however, also some good news. That monster is dead and buried, and doesn’t have to return anymore. This month, we here at The R.O.C.K. Club in Radford, VA, want to discuss sin with you. We all can find freedom from its tangled webs and dark claws through Jesus Christ.
Born as the Servants of Sin
What is sin? Let’s first answer that question. Sin is anything that spurns God’s law. In other words, it is the wrong actions that we do. We are sinners by birth, as each of us descends from Adam and Eve. They first disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, and they pass that sin nature down to us. In the Bible, Romans 5:12 reads, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” There may be someone reading this that will exclaim, “I won’t be accountable for someone else’s sin.” But if we are true to ourselves, we know that we are not only sinners by birth, but also sinners by action. We have all committed wrong actions, and because of that, we stand guilty before God.
Sins is Determined to Drag Us to Destruction
Yes, we are guilty and already condemned to punishment for our sins, which is physical and spiritual death. Justice, just like in our judicial system, demands a consequence. We, however, are also servants to that sin. We can’t release ourselves from its iron grip. Nothing we can ever do will shake the hold that sin has on us. It determines to drag us to destruction. Our sinful nature taints every good work or religious ritual we try to do to make amends to God. Only one thing can free us; we need an Emancipator.
Find the Life and Freedom in Jesus Christ
We could never make amends to God for all of our sins, but here is the good news. God loves you so much that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to take your punishment for you. Jesus died on the cross to pay the debt you could never pay. In the Bible, Romans 5:6 states, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” He willingly became your substitute and took your punishment.
You Can Have Eternal Life and Freedom from Sin Through Jesus
Now, you can have eternal life and freedom from sin through Jesus. Romans 6:23 reads, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” He offers you life and freedom as a gift. There are no rituals and no works to perform. You just have to trust Jesus and ask Him to save you. And He will emancipate you from the deadly grasp of sin. In the Bible, John 8:36 states, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
Romans 6: Our Old Sin Nature is Dead and Buried
Freedom in Jesus is a wonderful thing. He not only liberates you from your past sinful nature, but that ravaging monster is now dead and buried. Romans 6:6 reads, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” We have a new nature that God creates through Jesus’ work. Romans 6:11 reads, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” We no longer must follow sinful urges and desires. Jesus has freed us from those chains.
Sin Holds No Sovereignty Anymore
Don’t get us wrong, though. As a Christian, you will not live a perfect life. Our old sinful nature, or our flesh, will rear its ugly head every now and again. It’s just like that Halloween movie monster who refuses to stay dead and returns for the sequel. In fact, we fight the flesh every day. Those old temptations will come around again and again.But this time, something has changed. When you know Jesus, sin can’t hold you anymore. We don’t have to follow our old master. We can choose to sin, but we are not held down by sin. Romans 6:12 states, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof.” You can tell sin goodbye. It is a fact, however, that you will stumble and fall. But God is a forgiving Father. The Bible reads in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The R.O.C.K. Club Wants You to Find Freedom in Jesus Christ
Here at The R.O.C.K. Club in Radford, VA, we want you to find the freedom and the life available in Jesus. We are a Christ-centered childcare and educational organization, serving the entire New River Valley. We care about you. Our staff would love to show you how you can know that you are going to Heaven through Jesus. He died on the cross and rose again for you. You can experience that salvation. Call us today. We would love to talk to you about Jesus and help you get started on your Christian journey. You don’t have to be a servant of sin any longer. Encounter the freedom that comes with a true relationship with God.For more information on The R.O.C.K. Club’s Christ-centered childcare and educational programs, call us now at (540) 267-3000. Let us help you understand how you can have a real relationship with God through Jesus. Don’t think you have to serve sin any longer. In Jesus, that old sin nature truly is dead and buried!
