Free from SIN, Not Righteousness

“… Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! [T]hanks be to God, [you] who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:15, 17-18).  

Facebook theology is attractive. It’s not always accurate! Scrolling through the ever-streaming memes, I saw these words: 

“It’s actually quite simple—you either believe EVERYONE was created in God’s image and are equally beloved, welcomed, worthy, cherished, and desired, or you don’t. If you believe God created all of us—but forsakes some of us—you are either tragically underestimating God’s love or misguidedly worshiping a God you’ve created in your own image.” - Source unknown

Pretty straightforward. Sounds nice, simple, and concise, doesn’t it? 

But what’s missing?

Yes, I believe God creates EVERYONE in his image (Genesis 1:27), that we are equally loved (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4) and welcomed (Romans 15:7). Ephesians 1:4 reminds us that God loved us and chose us in Christ before the world was made. I don’t question that God sees our worth. 

An honest reading of the Bible demonstrates how God cherishes and desires a relationship with us (Jeremiah 31:3, Romans 8:38-39, 1 John 3:1). 

The ever-increasing pressure for complete inclusion and acceptance appears (on the surface) to be fully supported by Scripture and reinforced by social media memes. 

But what’s missing? 

In our desire to treat others with respect and dignity, is there something we’re overlooking—or dismissing?  

Because of God’s never-ceasing love, demonstrated by Christ’s sacrificial death for us, we are free from the enslavement of SIN. But we are not emancipated from obedience. 

“…you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed…”

In our desire to extend grace to others, are we too intimidated to speak a three-lettered word that appears unpopular, even judgmental, harsh, and cruel? The apostle Paul wasn’t! Listen carefully to what he says to all of us who are created in God’s image, equally loved, welcomed, deemed worthy, cherished, and desired by God: 

“… Are we to SIN because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!” [Emphasis mine]

I suspect that today’s society would brand Paul as harsh, intolerant, demeaning, and unloving—all because he refuses to ignore the effect of SIN. 

SIN (our deviation from the expressed will and desire of God as developed and written in Scripture) separates us from God who loves and welcomes us! Christ died for our SINS. In Him we are free from the bondage of SIN that leads to death. 

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved…” (Ephesians 2:4-5). 

In our desire to be welcoming and inclusive to EVERYONE, we are not released from our obedience to God’s commands. 

“Righteousness” means living in right relationship with God. Then, and only then, can we have right relationship with other people. We act with righteousness when we live justly, honestly, and faithfully according to God’s instructions (whether we like them or not). 

As attractive as Facebook theology may seem, I need to remember that Christ has freed me from the slavery of SIN so I can become a slave of righteousness. 

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