From Sinner to Saint

Last Thursday, I shared how we as a life group spent time in Genesis 1-3 talking about where sin comes from. If He created all things and said they were good, then when does evil enter the picture? Why does God create us with the ability to sin? Why do we pursue sin?

Super fun topic, right? No not fun, but so essential to understanding why Jesus had to come, die, and rise again. So that we may be reconciled and to walk in His power daily to defeat sin!

The best part about understanding our sin is it helps us understand our need. Our need for a Savior and our need for a Helper. One to save us from our sin (and restore us back to right relationship with the Father) and one to help us from continuing in sin.

So while it's not the most uplifting topic, it's definitely foundational to the Christian life!

Our sin helps us understand His grace.

And the beauty of it all is that we don't have to remain in sin. Our identity doesn't have to be that of "sinner" for all of our lives. When we place our faith in Christ and trust Him, our identity is no longer sinner . . . it's saint.

When we trust in Christ and His blood that cleanses us, we become saints. (Just read Chapter 1 of the epistles in the New Testament: To the saints at Ephesus, Corinth, etc.)

Saint: Holy one. A believer. One who's been redeemed. One who's set apart.

Saints not because of OUR action, but because of CHRIST's action on our behalf.
He makes us holy, he makes us clean, he makes us saints.

The Holy Spirit then works in us to helps us become free from our bondage to sin, and desire godliness above all.

The LORD not only provides a way through Christ to be forgiven of our sin, but He also provides away through the Spirit to no longer remain in sin.

Forgiven of the penalty of sin (through Christ).
Released from the power of sin (through the Holy Spirit).
And eventually in eternity, removed from the presence of sin (with the Father).

Though sin may not be a favorite topic for some, it is one of mine. Because it shows me my need, helps me find comfort in His grace, and live in gratitude for His sacrifice. My identity is not longer sinner, but saint.