Christian Blogs, Millpond Ink Musing
Millpond Ink Musing, 2015 – Of Repeated Sins and Victory
There are sins common to both the true believer and the religious sinner that result in repeated collapses. Sometimes it is difficult for the man who has one such weakness, and repeated falls, to know if they truly are in Christ. Why is that? Satan will allow a religious sinner, who suffers from guilt, a temporary respite and seeming victory over the sin. That gives rise to a sense of Christ righteousness and acceptance…. Later, however, as a dog that returns to its vomit, they find themselves again falling prey to the same sin.
On the other hand, we are told in Proverbs 24:16, “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.” So, how do we know the difference? Well, until I was graced by the sealing of the Holy Spirit, I found myself in this terrible cycle. His sealing (Ephesians 1:13), which was manifest in the true removal of all my guilt to which I had previously faltered under the accusers railings, also empowered me to overcome the principle weakness, but more than that, to address all of the sins of my flesh. You see, if the guilt and shame of sin is not thoroughly defeated, then it is the vomit to which we return; especially after repeated failings when we feel abandoned, dejected and our lives are hopeless. Our only pleasure is to return to our sin; such as, and this is tongue in cheek, those who eat a gallon of ice cream at three in the morning.
All I can say with respect to me, is that what I experienced was what the Church of Ephesus had shared, and you know that Paul knew they had experienced it from the text. So, if you find yourself stuck in the same sin cycle; with Satan allowing periodic reprieves, and you want out? Then confess your sins and ask the Father for the sealing of the Holy Spirit; which is His gift to give. Contrary to popular teaching, this gift is not the same as the filling of the Holy Spirit and isn’t automatic; so keep asking. (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones commentary on Ephesians) Then, you will truly know the removal of all your guilt and you will surely know what praise means and sounds like as you sob like a baby given the fullness of the joy that accompanies that blessed event.
Mind you, however, that if He knows that you secretly want to retain your sin, then your prayer is in vain. He knows the true brokenness of our hearts for He is the One Who quickens us to bring us to that point. He knows His own. Then again, so does Satan, and if it’s only a temporary peace that you’re looking for, he’ll provide it. He has from the beginning.
