To sin or not to sin, that is the question.

It is for freedom that Christ has set you free.

I want to propose something similar to what was proposed to me in my first analytical math class. I was shockingly informed that there was really no such thing as division. My whole life I learned that 4 divided by 2 is 2 and now you are telling me that there is no such thing as division?! (Please do not panic – division was a sly trick mathematicians invented to represent multiplying by the reciprocal) I had to leave behind my knowledge and assumptions of division and devise a new way to represent what division does to an element.

On the same note, I want to propose something to you that may be shocking. But again, do not panic! Proposition: There is no such thing as sin.

I want to enter a disclaimer here. As I have mentioned to many people who are close to me, I have no problem being wrong, it just doesn’t happen very often (please hear my sarcasm). I invite any and all opinions because at the end of the day it isn’t about what you or I think. It’s all about Him. I am also not going to present any of these things with strong theological arguments or great fragments of scripture to prove my point. I am going to take a perspective that defies time and space, personal reference and experience or knowledge and discernment. I find that too many times my own interests limit the greatness of God. So let’s just agree to let those go, even for just a moment.

Back to my proposition. Let’s take a look at creation from the perspective of eternity. Take a deep breath (inhale) and when you exhale, forget everything you know about time (exhale). Do you really think that God would sacrifice his entire creation over one silly piece of fruit? [See my last post here] He can see the entire timeline of time – both what can happen and what actually happens. I don’t take God as a fool, so I think in the divine fellowship (that is the Trinity), they knew what the world would look like with and without freewill. I believe they chose to grant freewill even though they knew some would not choose them. But you see, this had to be the better choice otherwise we would not live in a world with the freedom to choose.

So in the perspective of eternity, knowing all along that redemption would be necessary because of the ‘fall’- how much power does sin have? And does it really come in to play? I suppose I should clarify my meaning of sin. I mean sin to be the willful disobedience of God’s law. I want you to read that again. The willful disobedience of God’s law. Did you catch it? That’s right- law. If God’s law was fulfilled by Christ, and we are in Christ, then we have fulfilled God’s law. If this is true then can the law be disobeyed? In other words, can that which has been obeyed, be disobeyed? Logically, no. So if the law that has been fulfilled, cannot be disobeyed, then sin cannot exist based on its definition. Do you believe me yet?

Now, I hope we all know that the law referred here is the law of Moses. So knowing that the law has been fulfilled (by Christ), was there another law established that we are to abide by? I hear many reference Matt 22:34-40, to love the lord with all your heart, soul and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. But if you read this whole passage you notice that Jesus is summing up the law of Moses to be these two things. So is that the new law we live by? I don't necessarily think so.

So what is the New Testament law? What moral code is outlined that we must live by? How did Paul instruct the Corinthians when they were out of line? Even better, how did he instruct the Galations when they adopted the Jewish law? If I remember correctly he suggested that they simply castrate themselves if it was going to interfere with the gospel that Paul left them with. What does Paul remind the churches about when they start 'misbehaving'? He reminds them of who they are- no longer born under the law but redeemed to have full rights as sons of God. So what law does Paul ever say has been disobeyed? Does he even mention one?

If there isn't a law presented in the New Testament- on a quick side note, I think the only thing remotely close would be a total rejection of the spirit- then can we truly sin? I don't think we can. For if there was something that we still needed to repay, Christ would not have paid the ultimate price. You cannot repay a debt that has already been paid. The question then remains, is there anything we can do that would imitate the repercussions of sin? Does scripture not say that God's mercy triumphs over judgement? Does it not also say that there is nothing on this earth or in heaven that can separate us from the love of God?

Can you imagine a world full of people who no longer lived under the fear of sin? Can you imagine all the things we would actually do that could bring the glory of God? I must superimpose that although I do not believe we can sin, I believe we can still grieve the Holy Spirit when we do or partake in anything that can be found outside of Christ. Again, see my last post here for good vs. evil. What would your relationships look like if you let go of your fears of sinning, of falling short, or simply failing? Is God's grace sufficient in your weaknesses? Unequivocally, yes. You are such an amazing co-heir of the kingdom of God. You are seated in high places with Christ. Isn't that amazing?!

I hope this did not offend anyone personally, I only hope it offended the religious spirit that still gets shoved down our throats. It doesn't bother me if someone disagrees with me - my only hang up would be if we are truly enjoying the freedom that Christ so clearly paid for. I hope, across the board, that answer is yes!

Until then, the next time you feel as if you have sinned, look quickly up to the face of the Father and declare who you are. For you are in his Son, and in his Son there is no sin. Amen!