Not Just Forgiven—Freed
Many Christians believe that salvation means going to heaven when they die. While that’s true, it’s only part of the Gospel. Jesus didn’t just come to forgive your sins—He came to set you free from their power.
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
— John 8:36 (NKJV)
Victory over sin isn’t reserved for spiritual elites. It’s the birthright of every believer in Christ. This post will explore how to live in that victory—no longer enslaved to the power of darkness, but walking in the freedom Jesus purchased with His blood.
Understanding the Problem: The Power of Sin
Sin is more than isolated bad choices; it’s a spiritual power. The Bible refers to it as a master that enslaves:
“Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.” — John 8:34
It corrupts, blinds, and eventually destroys. Romans 6:23 makes it clear: “The wages of sin is death.” But Jesus came to break sin’s grip on humanity.
Jesus Came to Destroy the Works of the Devil
“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” — 1 John 3:8
Jesus didn’t come merely to manage your sin or help you cope with it—He came to destroy it. The Greek word for “destroy” means to loosen, unbind, dissolve. Jesus dismantled sin’s legal right over you by paying its penalty in full at the cross.
The Cross: Your Place of Freedom
“Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with…” — Romans 6:6
At the cross:
-
Your old sinful nature died.
-
Your slavery to sin ended.
-
You were united with Christ in His death and resurrection.
This isn’t figurative language. It’s a spiritual reality. You are no longer a sinner trying to be righteous. You are a saint learning to walk in the freedom you already have.
You Are No Longer a Slave
“For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” — Romans 6:14
Sin’s dominion has been broken. If you are in Christ:
-
You are not under condemnation (Romans 8:1)
-
You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
-
You are dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11)
Victory begins when you believe what God says about you, not what you feel or what the world says.
The Battle Is in the Mind
Even though the power of sin is broken, its patterns may linger in your thoughts. That’s why Paul tells us:
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” — Romans 12:2
Satan’s weapon is deception. If he can convince you that you’re still a slave, he can keep you from walking in victory—even though you’re already free.
You must:
-
Know the truth (John 8:32)
-
Believe the truth (Romans 10:10)
-
Speak the truth (2 Corinthians 4:13)
-
Walk in the truth (Galatians 5:25)
Grace Empowers, It Doesn’t Excuse
“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” — Romans 6:1–2
Grace is not a license to sin; it’s power to live righteously, free from sin. Grace teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness (Titus 2:11–12). When you live by grace, sin loses its appeal.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Victory isn’t achieved through willpower—it’s received through walking in the Spirit.
“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16
The Holy Spirit:
-
Strengthens you in temptation
-
Leads you into truth
-
Produces fruit (Galatians 5:22–23)
-
Empowers you to say “no” to sin
The more you yield to the Spirit, the less room sin has in your life.
Temptation is Not Sin
Being tempted is not the same as sinning. Jesus was tempted (Hebrews 4:15), yet He never sinned. As one minister said, you can’t keep sinful tempting thoughts from entering your mind anymore that you can keep a bird from flying over your head. But you can keep the bird from building a nest in your hair, and you can keep the tempting thoughts from ruling your mind.
Temptation becomes sin when:
-
It is entertained instead of rejected.
-
It is acted upon rather than resisted.
God provides a way out every time:
“God is faithful… He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13
Daily Victory: Practical Steps
Renew Your Mind Daily
Replace lies with truth. Speak God’s Word out loud, especially during temptation.
Stay in Fellowship
Community matters. Isolated Christians are vulnerable. Accountability and encouragement are powerful.
Pray Without Ceasing
Prayer keeps your heart sensitive to God’s voice and alert to the enemy’s schemes.
Eliminate Triggers
Don’t flirt with sin. Remove access to whatever opens the door to temptation.
Fast Regularly
Fasting weakens the flesh and sharpens spiritual focus.
What About When You Fall?
Even mature believers stumble. But falling isn’t the same as failing. God’s grace is sufficient—even when we miss the mark.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us… and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9
Repent quickly. Don’t wallow in shame. Get back up, because God’s mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22–23).
Declare War on Sin
You can’t tolerate what God came to destroy. True freedom means hating what once enslaved you.
“Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” — Romans 12:9
Don’t manage sin—eliminate it. Don’t make excuses—make war. Through Christ, you’re not fighting for victory but from victory.
The Blood Still Speaks
The power of your victory isn’t in your effort—it’s in the finished work of Jesus.
“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” — Revelation 12:11
His blood:
-
Cleanses your past
-
Covers your present
-
Declares your future
Let the blood of Jesus silence every accusation and destroy every stronghold.
Walking in the Light
“If we walk in the light… the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.” — 1 John 1:7
Victory is sustained in the light—a lifestyle of openness, humility, and dependence on God. The more you walk in the light, the less power sin has over you.
You Are an Overcomer
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” — Romans 8:37
You were never meant to live in cycles of defeat. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in you (Romans 8:11). You are:
-
Justified
-
Sanctified
-
Empowered
-
Free
Let your life declare the Gospel—not only by what you believe but by how you live.
Live Like You’re Free
If you’re in Christ, you’re no longer bound. You are free. The prison doors are open. You don’t have to earn victory—you just need to walk in it.
Let today be the day you:
-
Stop identifying with your struggle.
-
Start believing what God says about you.
-
Refuse to live below your spiritual inheritance.
You were created for freedom. Jesus paid for your liberty. The Holy Spirit empowers your walk.
You are no longer a slave.
You are a son, a daughter, and an overcomer.
Walk like it. At Life Christian University we stand ready to assist you with the highest level of spitiual learning, so that you will walk closely with the Lord Jesus, and represent Him as a powerful ambassador.
