Read Romans 6:5–7

Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.
Romans 6:5–7

Many Christians still live as though they are enslaved.

They too often resemble frightened and unsure religious slaves. Sometimes it emerges in other manifestations. We rationalize around our sin; we act hypocritically; occasionally we lie and cheat and steal. Then with a shrug we say, “Well, you know, man, nobody’s perfect.” In effect, we are saying, “I’m still enslaved. Sin still overpowers me. I’m so ashamed. But I just can’t help it.”

Nonsense! When will we start living like those who are free? God says to every one of us, “Where sin abounded, grace superabounded. You were once enslaved to a passion, yes, but no longer...Now you’re free from that. You can live above it.” Grace awakens, enlivens, and empowers our ability to conquer sin.

Once we truly grasp the freedom grace brings, we can spend lengthy periods of our lives without sinning or feeling ashamed. Yes, we can! And why not? Why should sin gain the mastery over us? Who says we cannot help but yield to it? How unbiblical! You see, most of us are so programmed to sin that we wait for it to happen.

To tell the truth, most Christians have been better trained to expect and handle their sin than to expect and enjoy their freedom. The shame and self-imposed guilt this brings is enormous, to say nothing of the “I’m defeated” message it reinforces. We begin the day afraid of sin. We live ashamed. We go to bed with a long list, ready to confess. If it isn’t very long, we fear we’ve overlooked several “hidden sins.” Maybe we’ve gotten proud.

What in the world has happened to grace? Furthermore, where is the abundant life Christ offered? Are freed people supposed to live such a frightened existence? Are we emancipated or not? If so, let’s live like it! That isn’t heresy; it’s the healthiest kind of theology imaginable.

I can assure you, your old master doesn’t want you to read this or think like this. He wants you to exist in the shack of ignorance, clothed in the rags of guilt and shame, afraid of him. Those days have ended, my friend. You’re free. Those of us who are a part of the grace awakening refuse to live like slaves. We’ve been emancipated!

Taken from The Owner’s Manual for Christians by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2009 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. www.harpercollinschristian.com