Shedding the Skin of Sin: From Sinner to Saint

Are you satisfied with merely being a "sinner saved by grace"? Do you believe in the transformative power of the cross? Have you embraced your identity as a child of God, made righteous in Christ?

Beloved, put ON Christ and make no provisions for the flesh. (Romans 13:14)

The statement "I'm just a sinner saved by grace" often carries a connotation of self-deprecation, implying that we are inherently flawed and incapable of righteousness. However, this perspective contradicts the transformative power of the cross, where Christ took on our sins and granted us His righteousness.

2 Corinthians 5:21: "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

Adopting this "sinner" label can be a form of pride, a false humility that prevents us from fully embracing our new identity in Christ. It limits our potential and hinders our ability to serve as God's instruments of light in the world.

Redefining Our Identity:

The moment we accept Christ as our Savior, we are no longer defined by our past sins. We become new creations, partakers of God's divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). This transformation is not a future promise but a present reality. Instead of clinging to a self-imposed label of "sinner," we must cultivate a mindset aligned with God's perception of us. We are saints, holy ones, set apart for His purpose.

2 Peter 1:4 in the King James Version (KJV) reads:

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

Rejecting False Identities:

Satan, the master deceiver, delights in perpetuating false identities, keeping us bound by guilt and shame. He seeks to undermine our faith and hinder our spiritual growth. Religious rituals and self-imposed restrictions may seem like expressions of humility, but they often lead to legalism, a distorted view of grace that emphasizes external works over a transformed heart.

True humility lies in recognizing our dependence on God, surrendering to His grace, and allowing Him to shape us into His image.

Overcoming Sin:

The cross has empowered us to overcome sin, not through our own efforts but through the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. We are no longer slaves to sin but have the freedom to choose righteousness. If we find ourselves repeatedly entangled in sinful patterns, it's a sign that we need to seek God's guidance and rely on His strength to break free.

Embracing New Identity:

The resurrection of Christ marks our ultimate transformation, where we will fully shed the remnants of our sin nature and be clothed in perfect righteousness. However, this new identity begins here and now. As we put on Christ, we shed the old self and embrace our true calling as children of God.

"Putting on Christ" doesn't mean ignoring or condoning our mistakes and sins. While we strive to embody Christ's character and live according to His teachings, we must also take responsibility for our actions and make amends where necessary.

Here are some scripture references that emphasize the importance of acknowledging and addressing our wrongdoings:

• Proverbs 28:13: "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy."

• James 5:16: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power to prevail."

• Matthew 5:23-24: "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First reconcile with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift."

These verses highlight the importance of acknowledging our wrongdoings, seeking forgiveness, and making amends to those we have wronged. Sweeping our past under the rug and refusing to confront our mistakes is not in line with biblical principles.

True repentance involves not only a change of heart but also a change of behavior. It means taking steps to make right with those we have wronged and demonstrating a genuine desire to live a life that reflects Christ's teachings.

While putting on Christ means embracing His righteousness and forgiveness, it doesn't mean erasing our past or excusing our mistakes. Instead, it means acknowledging our shortcomings, seeking God's guidance and forgiveness, and striving to live a life that honors Him and reflects His character in all aspects.

Let us not be deceived by false identities or settle for a diminished view of ourselves. We are saints, empowered by the cross to live lives worthy of our calling. Let us put on Christ and make no provisions for the flesh, allowing His transformative power to shine through our lives.