We often find ourselves yielding into temptation and falling into sin. At times, our falling into sins even makes us doubt our salvation. But we understand the truth that every Christian struggles with sin as long as they are in this world. Paul says in Romans 7:19, “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” But if we all keep struggling with sin, then what is the significance of Jesus dying on the cross?
It is clear from this passage that Christians are not immune to sin. Even after being forgiven of our sins and accepted by God as His children, we still have our sinful nature within us. But the good news is that sin can’t dominate our lives any more. Romans 6:14 says, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Our sinful nature is the ultimate challenge we have in front of us, as Christians. We need His grace everyday to overcome sin. The real battle for a Christian begins the moment he accepts Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.
We always complain that we had no way to avoid sinning at that moment as we couldn’t resist the temptation. But 1 Corinthians 10:13 clearly says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” God shows us the way to escape. But it is we who decide whether to choose it or not. If we open up our hearts to Him, we will surely hear His gentle voice and obey Him.
We are all weak in flesh and need strength to flee from temptation. Paul says in Romans 5:6, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” When we look at Jesus on the cross in our trials and temptations, God will give us His strength to overcome. Paul says in Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God showed us His everlasting love by giving His Only begotten Son to be crucified on the cross. It is because of God’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross, we are saved from sin..
The price Jesus paid on the cross is matchless. He took up on Himself the sins of the entire world. How can we take the death of Christ for granted and sin again? If we love Him, we will hate sin. It’s a choice between our sin and His cross. What would you choose?
Dear Lord, Thank you for your love and for your crucifixion on the cross for me. Grant me your strength to resist evil and overcome temptation. Remind me of your pain on the Cross when I yield to sin and help me to choose you over sin. Amen!
