Independence Day

By Larry Pasley

    Have you declared your independence from sin? You can truly be free from the burden of sin, the guilt of sin, and the penalty of sin.
    Sin is a burden. - Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
    Sin brings guilt and shame. - Romans 6:20-22  For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. ²¹ What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. ²² But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.
    Sin brings the penalty of death. - Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
    After you have believe in Christ and confessed your faith in Him, and have been baptized for the remission of your sins, to wash them away, you are free from sin and declare your independence from its burden, guilt and penalty.

• Acts 2:38  Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
• Acts 22:16  And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'

May we all declare our independence from sin and its effects.

- Larry Pasley serves as a minister with the Jackson Street Church of Christ in Alexandria, LA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at http://www.JacksonStAlex.com