Sinner, Saint, and Things You Ain't!

Emilee Danielson -

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The Shift in Christian Identity

Modern Christian thinking has undergone a concerning shift, with believers increasingly embracing and even celebrating their brokenness. While acknowledging our former sinful state is important, Scripture calls us to embrace our new identity in Christ. Rather than wallowing in insufficiency, Christians need to remember they are made new creatures in Christ Jesus.

Looking back at traditional church music reveals this shift - songs like "Victory in Jesus" and "It Is Well with My Soul" emphasized wholeness and completeness in Christ. While "Amazing Grace" acknowledges being a "wretch," it focuses on transformation through grace. The key is maintaining proper perspective - remembering our former state makes our sainthood more meaningful without keeping us trapped there.

Understanding God's law is crucial for grasping the full impact of salvation. As Ray Comfort explains in "Hell's Best Kept Secret," modern gospel presentations often skip past the law, which serves as our "tutor to bring us to Christ" (Galatians 3:24). The law reveals the depth of our guilt before God and stops us from justifying ourselves through comparison to others.

Just as a speeding law reveals a driver's true guilt, God's law shows us our true standing. Even seemingly minor infractions like stealing a paperclip or telling a single lie make us guilty before a holy God. This understanding makes Christ's sacrifice profoundly meaningful rather than a casual transaction.

Living as New Creations

Ephesians 4:22-24 instructs believers "to put off your old self…and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This isn't about sinless perfection but about embracing our new identity and living accordingly. God renews us daily as we pursue Christ-likeness.

Rather than staying defeated by past patterns, Christians should encourage one another to view themselves and others through the lens of their new identity in Christ. This perspective transformation leads to behavioral transformation.

Current Events: Lawlessness in Leadership

Recent events highlight growing lawlessness, even among lawmakers. Representative Jamal Bowman pulled a fire alarm in Congress to obstruct proceedings - an act that meets the same legal standards used to prosecute January 6th defendants. Yet unequal application of justice continues, with some facing harsh imprisonment while others receive minimal consequences for similar actions.

This lawlessness extends globally, with similar patterns emerging across nations and institutions. Many world religions anticipate a messianic return, suggesting significant prophetic implications for current events.

Right On or Way Off?

Three Bible-related statements were evaluated:

  • "The house cat is the only domesticated animal not mentioned in the Bible" - RIGHT ON
  • "A Bible was once printed with 'Thou shalt commit adultery'" - RIGHT ON (The "Sinner's Bible" of 1631)
  • "China is the largest producer of Bibles" - RIGHT ON (Though concerning given China's stance on Christianity)

Closing Encouragement

In these challenging times, believers are called to maintain a light heart while staying grounded in truth. Though circumstances may be difficult, Jesus remains in control. Christians should continue putting on their new self and the armor of God, remembering they are more than conquerors through Christ.