INTRODUCTION
The previous message examined God’s righteousness that is by the gift salvation, which comes by the faith of Jesus Christ, who represents the new covenant and one standard of righteousness for all. This message examines the righteous reign of Christ under the new covenant of grace and the position of sin and sinners especially believers who are under the dispensation of Grace. It also highlights the effects of sin and the role of sin-consciousness in breeding self-control.
1. JESUS CLEANSES THE WORLD FROM SIN
Obedience to God brings righteousness and holiness; whereas disobedience brings unrighteousness, which is sin (i.e., uncleanness and iniquity) (Romans 6:19). Jesus cleanses the sins of the world for all eternity. Through the death of his body the sinful may be saved freely by the Grace of God and presented “holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence”. (John 3:15; Colossians 1:22)
His “blood” is the “blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins”, and fulfills the “Will” of God to replace the former “blood of the covenant” between Israel and God. (Matthew 26:28; Exodus 24:8). God remits the “sins that are past” through “faith in his blood” and by overlooking our sins demonstrates His righteousness; and hence He is the justifier of those who believe in Jesus. (Romans 3:24-26).
The redeemed are therefore washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus Christ by the Spirit of Grace. (1 Corinthians 6:11; Zechariah 12:10). This means that, in spite of our human tendencies for unrighteousness, the new or “born again” Spirit of Grace is available to sanctify one’s imperfect being to bring spiritual consciousness of right and wrong. (John 1:12-13,16 & 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23).
2. THE POSITION OF SIN UNDER GRACE
God’s new covenant by Jesus Christ places the redeemed in a right standing with God in righteousness and with other believers. On God’s part, because of His Spirit that is poured out under His new covenant, by the blood of Jesus Christ, He promises not to hide his face anymore or be angry, or remove His covenant of peace from his people. (Ezekiel 39:29; Isaiah 54:9; Jeremiah 32:40-41).
Note that Jesus came to save the world not to condemn it.(John 3:17). This is not to suggest however that as His children, God might not chastise or correct us.(Hebrews 12:6) . But in relation to sin, one is judged by God’s own righteousness that is wrought by Grace through Jesus Christ, not your own.
3. BELIEVERS AND SIN UNDER GRACE
Now should believers sin because you are under Grace? “God forbid”! (see Romans 6). Although believers are under grace and “sin shall not have dominion over you”, one should not “yield [yourself] as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin” or obey the lusts of sin. (Romans 6:13-14).
Let us consider this practically:
X has done wrong and is put in a dirty dark prison, and condemned to death. Y loves X so much that he gave up His only son Z, (who did no wrong) to die in the place of X, so that X may be set free to enjoy a good life. Y washes X clean, and welcomes him in his house in Z’s room. X leaves Y and returns to wrong again that may lead to death. This is the position of believers who sin under the dispensation of Grace.
“Being made free from sin, and… [having] your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life”, what “fruit [have you] in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.” (Romans 6:21-23). Believers should consider the Love of God who saved you and His Spirit that is in you and avoid the life style in the world of sin (Galatians 5: 17; 5:19-21; Ephesians 2: 1-3)
4. EFFECTS OF SIN UNDER GRACE
a) Sin is an ‘Insult to the Spirit of Grace’
By submitting to unrighteousness, you trod underfoot the son of God, counting the “blood of the covenant” by which you were sanctified as “unholy” and rendering “insult” to the “Spirit of Grace”. (Hebrew 10:29). In other words, one is giving that which is holy to “dogs” (Matthew 7:6). By indulging in sin you could “grieve” the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption”.(Ephesians 4:30).
b) Sin Hardens the Heart
Sin-indulgence moves one away from the ‘world of light’ where believers are hid in Christ toward the “world” of darkness. And since Satan is deceiver, seeking to devour you, when you do business with him or play on his turf you may incur the consequences of your actions. (1 Peter 5:8; Luke 22:31).
Father God would still be where you left him patiently waiting to welcome you when one repents and returns as the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).
c) Sinners are Servants of Sin
Righteousness is what distinguishes the “children of God” from the “children of the devil” therefore who does not practice righteousness is not of God. For “whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin” (1 John 3:10; John 8:34).”For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”
So “be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers”. Yield yourselves as servants unto God and your body as a medium of righteousness unto God. (2 Corinthians 6:14; Roman 6:13).
d) Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost is Damnation
Brethren, be aware that while “all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men” including “[speaking] a word against the [Jesus]” yet “the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men… neither in this world, neither in the world to come”- believers and unbelievers alike.( Matthew 12:31-32).
Therefore, refrain from blasphemy. The Holy Spirit is the power of God that perfects the righteous reign on earth, including the ministry of the new covenant; he convicts of sin unto righteousness; teaches believers and by him intercessions or supplications are made unto God in Heaven.(John 14:26; 1 John 2:27; Romans 8:26-27).
5. SIN-CONSCIOUSNESS BREEDS SELF-CONTROL
A believer, who does not feel remorse in sin, is resisting the one who convicts of sin – The Holy Spirit. Sin-consciousness is the cure for unrighteousness and can ensure self-control, by the work of the Spirit (Ephesians 2:4-5; Acts 7:51; Galatians 5:22). To be conscious of sin could help one to move toward God and His righteousness.
The conduct of believers, who persist in sin or excuse it in disregard of the blood of Jesus, is the symbolism in the character of the people of Israel. They were delivered by the blood of the “Passover lamb”, but repeatedly wished to return to slavery in Egypt. (Exodus 12:13;14: 11; 32:1).
Thus brethren, resist to “enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” for it will gradually harden your heart and turn you away from God. Rather you should “esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: having respect unto your reward in heaven” (Hebrews 11:24-26; 1).
God’s gift of salvation should invoke in believers Love for God that should inspire a desire in one to keep His commandments to love and live righteously and justly. (John 14:21-24; 2 Corinthians 6:7).
6. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Brethren, Jesus’ blood has cleansed the world of sin and God is no longer angry nor will he hide his face from those that believe in his righteousness through Christ.
Unbelief keeps one in spiritual bondage and darkness without the “light of life”. Indulgence in sin moves one away from the ‘world of light’ toward the “world” of darkness; and there can be no fellowship between light and darkness.
But to be conscious of sin could help one to move toward God and His righteousness. Ask God for grace to overcome any lusts and confess your sins. It will enhance your spiritual growth and self-control, and thereby we demonstrate our regard for the Spirit of Grace.
The love of God rather than compulsion should inspire ones heart with a desire to keep His commandments and endeavour to walk in the Spirit over the flesh to live justly and righteously in peace.
Next week by grace, we continue to examine another aspect of the righteous reign of Christ, pertaining to Justice for the vulnerable and the power over evil.
PRAYER
Our Father in Heaven, thank you for your word and for thy GRACE upon all thy children; for your mercies endures forever.
We exalt thee O Lord because you are righteous in all your ways and Holy in all thy works. Who can contend with thee? “For in thy sight shall no man be justified” but by thy Grace.
Deliver thy people from the enemy, which persecute their soul, to make them dwell in darkness. Cause them to hear thy loving kindness, and to know the way wherein they should walk. Teach them to do your will; for you are our God: your Spirit is good. Lead them into the land of uprightness for thy righteousness sake. (see Psalm 143:8, 10-11)
I make this prayer in JESUS NAME. Have a Sabbath of peace!
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG), 8 December 2017.
