Above Sin!

This will be the last topic under the series I have been sharing on in the last three weeks- “understanding the New Birth”. This series focuses on bringing the believer into an understanding of the spiritual realities made available under the New Birth so as to live a victorious Christian life.

Sin is one of the most discussed topics amongst Christians with so much fears attached to it. This has led to prayers not to fall in sin and forgiveness from uncommitted sin a routine in many quarters, however, this is not the design. We are saved to be above sin, no more struggling with it. And, it is always a hard nut to crack when statement like “I cannot sin” is being uttered. However, that is the gospel truth and reality of the new birth.

A man who has experienced the new birth, scripturally, cannot sin. This is because he is no longer responsive to stimulus from the world. From the beginning, man sinned by disobeying God’s command and this led to the transfer of the sin nature to mankind. Hence, the problem of sin was not in the act (what man does) but, the very nature of man. It wasn’t a question of what a man does, they were called sinners because sin had become a nature by the virtue of their birth. All that was available to men in the old covenant was to manage the sin nature with animal sacrifices.

So, the nature of sin was the real deal, not the act. This was what brought the era of law; the laws proved how much the act of sin was not as grievous as the nature. The laws only dealt with the act, trying to compel man to order but the more it tried, the more man messed up. Do you remember Brother Paul’s word in the book of Romans?

“For when we were in the flesh, the passions of sins which were aroused by the LAW were at work in our members to bear fruit to death” Rom7:5

It then became obvious that the only solution to the problem of mankind to totally have victory over sin was a change of nature which invariably will take care of the “act”. The nature which was lost in the beginning can be described as “life” because the scriptures made us to understand the consequence of going against God’s directive was death. This brought Jesus who in Himself is God into the picture. - The Life of God

By the death of Jesus, shedding of His blood, He took away the legal right the devil had over the domain of man. He became sin (nature), not a sinner (act), so as to replace the righteousness (a new nature- Life) into every man who submits to His Lordship. At the point of accepting Jesus, the New Birth happened i.e a spiritual transplant of a “life” beyond the physical; a spiritual surgery.  At that moment you become righteous.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to become sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” 2Cor 5:21

It is very true that after you gave your life to Christ, a spiritual reality took place; a new you emerged. There may not be a physical change and sometimes no drama follows your conversion moment but, it is real and true.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, ALL THINGS have become new.” 2 Cor 5:17

The reality of having a new you birthed by the Holy Spirit becomes a contact point to change every other part of your being. The Spirit begins to tutor you into understanding things that are not worthy of a priest which you may have been used to in your old nature. This is the work of the seed that has now been birthed in you, a new nature that makes all things obviously new.

Now that your nature has changed from sin to righteousness, it becomes very natural for sin to become displeasing to you. When you have come to the realization of who you are, it is your responsibility to take hold of your place in Christ. You can no longer respond to sin, if you still do, it is because you are waiting for someone to tell you to rule even after you have the crown and authority.

“Whatsoever has been born of God DOES NOT SIN, for His seed remains in him; and he CANNOT SIN because he has been born of God” 1 John 3:9

Having said this, guilt of past sins will still knock at your door and try to pull you down. Guilt thrives on ignorance. The best way to stay in your new position is to stand on what the word says on your new status; you are righteous not because of your deed but believing in the works of Christ.

Sin is a nature problem, not an act problem; your nature has been changed, you are now above it.

“But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life” Romans 6:22

P.S: If you love to know more about living above sin and sinfulness, you can order for my book titled “I am Not A Sinner where this is discussed extensively.

Be Innovated

Olufemi Ibitoye