“…we were buried with Christ through baptism into death…we have been united together in the likeness of His death…our old man was crucified with Him, that the BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DONE AWAY with, that we should no longer be SLAVES OF SIN. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, RECKON (consider) YOURSELVES to be DEAD INDEED TO SIN, but ALIVE TO GOD in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:4-11) When we are sanctified (the second work of grace), we are dead to sin. So, can we still sin? Yes, but it’s no longer OUR NATURE TO SIN. We can be tempted and GIVE OURSELVES UP to sin but it is no longer OUR NATURE TO SIN. We must put on the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD. (Eph. 6:13-17) Also, we can do this, “Your word I have HIDDEN in my heart, That I MIGHT NOT SIN against You.” (Psa. 119:11)
Hiding God’s Word in our heart is very important, why? Because God’s word is, “…living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our INNERMOST THOUGHTS AND DESIRES.” (Heb. 4:12) We see that God’s very powerful Word has, “…set us FREE FROM SIN, and we became slaves of righteousness.” (Rom. 6:18) Then it goes on and tells us, “…now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to HOLINESS, and the result is ETERNAL LIFE.” (Rom. 6:22)
Now we can make this declaration: “My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled. I call on you, my God, for you WILL ANSWER ME; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as THE APPLE OF YOUR EYE; HIDE ME in the shadow of your wings…” (Psa. 17:5-8)
-Bill Stockham