There are some that say, “I am free [in Christ] to do anything!”
This thought probably comes from Baptist doctrine of eternal security of the believer; also known as “once saved, always saved”, though that is not to say that this only affects Baptist’s or that Baptist’s are the only ones that think this way.
With that thought in mind, many believe they are free to do anything and there is no consequence, this would include sin.
I dispute and disagree with that thinking.
It is written having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness (Rom 6:18) and 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. Rom 6:22
These verses tell us that Jesus sets us free FROM sin; not free TO sin.
If someone knows Jesus as Savior then there will be proof of that in how they live and it will be more than just showing up at church once a month.
Paul tells us the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Gal 5:19-24
You’ll notice that the first on the list of works of the flesh deal with our subject.
None of us are perfect; that includes Christians.
Paul also said, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:12, 14
This is how I feel about it; Christ Jesus sets you free from the bondage of sin when you believe in Him with your whole heart; confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Rom 10:9-10
Seek God everyday in prayer, Bible reading and mediation on the word.
Become committed to a fellowship of believers, also known as church. Notice I said committed and not a member!
Though you will be tempted to sin, you’ll seek God to help you overcome that temptation.
When you give into to sin you will feel genuine remorse and ask forgiveness and strive to do better.
Don’t get the idea that you can just sin and sin and sin and ask forgiveness each time.
I’ll touch on that next time.