The Broken Chains

"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with... Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God." (Romans 6:6-11) Imagine a slave market. You are standing on the block, in chains.

Your master is Sin . He is cruel. He beats you. Then Jesus buys you. He takes the deed. He breaks the chains. He says, "You are free. Follow me." But the next day, your old master (Sin) walks by and yells, "Get back to work!"

You have a choice. You can obey him out of habit. You can tremble in fear. OR... you can pull out your new papers and say: "You don't own me anymore. I have a new Master." Many Christians still obey Sin, not because they have to, but because they think they have to.

They believe the lie that they are still slaves. The Great Exchange broke the power of Sin. You don't just get forgiveness (for the past); you get freedom (for the present). Sin is now a squatter in a house it doesn't own.

You have the legal right to kick it out.

Theologically, this is Sanctification . Justification deals with the Penalty of sin. Sanctification deals with the Power of sin. Romans 6 says you are "Dead to Sin." A dead man doesn't react. If you kick a dead man, he doesn't get angry.

If you offer a dead man whiskey, he doesn't drink. We are called to "reckon" (consider) ourselves dead to the old master. It is a mental shift that leads to a behavioral shift. Reflect on this: What sin feels "unbeatable" to you?

Stop saying "I can't help it." Start saying: "I am dead to that. That is my old master. I don't work for him anymore." 👣 Take a Step Action: The Resignation Letter. Write a short note to your "favorite" sin.

"Dear Lust/Anger, I resign. You are not my boss. I don't take orders from you. I belong to Jesus." Read it out loud when you feel tempted.