A Fresh Start

At some point in time, all accountable individuals unfortunately make the mistake of committing sin. The Bible makes it clear what sin is. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). Also, “All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death” (1 John 5:17). Likewise, Paul explained “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23). With all of that being said, the sobering truth is, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). By committing sin, we separate ourselves from being in fellowship with God. Isaiah explained, “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isa. 59:1-2).

One of the great aspects of becoming a Christian is the blessing of a fresh start. The separation that came as a result of sin can be remedied by obedience to the Gospel. Paul wrote, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). He also explained, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Rom. 6:4-6). By his own obedience, Paul was also able to write, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). Therefore, the new Christian truly does receive a fresh start.

However, as many have experienced, the Christian will sin again after his conversion. John made it clear that “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). Further, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:10). So what does the erring Christian do then? Is he without hope, doomed to condemnation? Thankfully the answer is no! There is another fresh start waiting for the child of God. John also wrote, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). By doing such, the Christian continues to enjoy fellowship with God. “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7). If we are in fellowship with faithful brethren, then we are also in fellowship with God. “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3).

So, where do we find ourselves? Are we tired of living a lifestyle of sin that destroys us? Are we sick of the results of my sins? Then let us be brave enough to commit ourselves to Christ. We can experience the joy of knowing what it is like to be “born again”. All of the sins of the past will be washed away by the blood of Christ (Acts 22:16). The only thing that will keep me from being so blessed is me. Are you ready?
~ Corey Barnette