For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!
Romans 6:14-15
Could there be a greater mercy from God than to deliver us from the dominion of sin? Some would say of course it is greater to have redeemed us. Perhaps. But still, redemption without deliverance is a difficult concept. The beautiful part of God’s plan of salvation was not just that he sent his Son to die for us, but rather that He has given us His Spirit that we might live free of sin’s grip.
St. Peter spoke of this miraculous giving of the Holy Spirit in his second epistle when he said, “…by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” (2 Peter 1:4). It is an indescribable act of mercy that God allows us to participate in His divine nature. Think on that for a minute. Let it soak in.
Through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, which comes to us in all of life in waves of mercy, we can live free of sin’s dark dominion. As children of God’s grace we are to live and walk in the light of His presence. We are not to sin, but rather choose holiness. Each of us has a choice every day whether to give into sin’s temptations or to just say “No”. And, it is by God’s mercy and grace that we are enabled to say “No”.
Have you experienced this divine participation in the nature of God? If not, you can. It is the privilege of every believer by His great promise. Just open up your heart and let the waves of His mercy overwhelm you.
Grace and Peace,
+Pastor Brad
Prayer
Loving, Merciful Father, thank you for stooping to our level. For loving us so much that you give us a portion in your Spirit. May it be so in me today. Amen.
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