Christians, now that you are saved, does that give you a license to sin? Can you do whatever you please, whenever you want to? With no repercussions? Do you have a license to sin?
Some people claim to be a Christian, but they still live for themselves: selfishly, lusting, coveting and doing whatever they want, when they want. While at the same time claiming that Jesus Christ is their Savior. I've known people like this. In fact, I used to be one of them!
But you see, I was only fooling myself. I really wasn't saved. Yes, I had asked Jesus to be my Savior when I was 11 years old. But I had never really surrendered my life to Him. I still wanted to be in control. Sin was still pleasurable. In fact, I had an insatiable appetite. I couldn't get my fill of sin in my 20's, 30's and early 40's.
We are saved by the grace of God alone (
Ephesians 2:8-9). God draws us to Himself (
John 6:44). God opens our blind spiritual eyes. God gives us the desire to seek Him. God, gives each and every believer a measure of faith (
Romans 12:3,6). Salvation is the free gift of God (
Romans 6:23).
Do you wrongly think that by asking God to save you that you now have a license to sin? Think again my friend. If you are truly saved, God has changed your heart. God has given you new desires (
Philippians 2:13). God gives you the desire to grow closer to Him.
You cannot serve Jesus as your Lord and Savior and still be a slave to sin (
Romans 6:18). You are either a slave to Christ (and dead to your sins) or you are a slave to your sins (and Jesus is not your Lord and Savior). Titus 1:16 says "They profess that they know God, but in their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate."
Your works don't save you. But as the apostle Paul pointed out, you can't claim to know God and live for Satan. Look at the harsh words Paul uses: abominable, disobedient and reprobate. Paul didn't pull any punches.
Folks, he's telling you don't fool yourself. If you claim to be a Christian, your surrendered life to Jesus will look different than a non-believer's life. You won't fit in with the crowd. That doesn't mean that you think you are better than anyone else. No, you just won't do the things you did before. You will give up drunkeness, cheating on your spouse, drugs, pornography or whatever your sin of choice was.
Christian brothers and sisters: Do not be deceived (
1 Corinthians 6:9-10), you do not have a license to sin. If you are truly saved, you should deny yourself (your selfish and sinful ways) and pick up your cross (whatever God is asking you to do) and follow Jesus. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was obedient even unto death on the cross. What is God calling you to do?
