The Christian life is lived IN CHRIST. This is one of the major things about the New Covenant/Testament. It is all about life IN CHRIST. Christ is not just a person but a place at the right hand of God where Saints of God are seated. Hence, “Therefore if any man be IN CHRIST, he is a new creature” (2Co 5:17). IN CHRIST, there is newness of life (Rom 6:4) and no darkness, sin or death. The truths of New Covenant realities can only be experienced and lived out IN CHRIST.
The authors of the New Testament (NT) did not give it a central place to the subject of sin because the issue of sin was forever addressed through the blood of Jesus Christ. The authors focused more on life IN CHRIST and Christ in Us. Paul, who wrote most of the NT scriptures, stated that he was made a minister for one main reason—to communicate “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:25-27).
The blood of this Christ was shed to usher in the NT dispensation (Heb 9:16-17; Mat 26:28; Mrk 14:24; Luk 22:20; 1Co 11:25), and in Him and through His blood, we who believe in and confess Jesus Christ as Lord receive redemption and forgiveness. This is available IN CHRIST, not outside Him.
Eph 1:7 (KJV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Col 1:14 (KJV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Notice that both scriptures begin with “IN WHOM”, referring to IN CHRIST. Redemption and forgiveness are available IN CHRIST. The thirteenth verse of the same Colossians 1 states that to be born-again means to be transported through the New Birth from a state/condition of spiritual death to life, from the jurisdiction and dominion of darkness to the kingdom and jurisdiction of God’s Love-Son:
1Jn 3:14 (KJV) We know that we have passed (metabaínō) from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
Col 1:13-14 (AMPC)
13 [The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion (exousia) of darkness and has transferred (methistēmi / methistanō: translated) us into the kingdom (basileia) of the Son of His love (Agape Son—my insert from the Greek),
14 In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.
New Creatures In Christ
If you’re born-again, the real you (your spirit) which lives in your body has been drawn out of the realm, jurisdiction, control and dominion of darkness to God and translated into another realm and state/condition of being. The words translated as “we have passed”, “translated”, or “transferred” means to transpose, transfer, or remove from one place to another, denoting a change of place or condition. This is what happens when one is born-again. Not only is that person NO LONGER in the place where satan, sin and death have exousia (jurisdiction, control, dominion) over them, but they also have undergone a change of state or condition—hence, “Therefore if any man be IN CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Co 5:17, KJV). They are no longer sinners or darkness but have become light. But this reality must be acknowledged and lived. The one given this privilege must know it and take their rights in Christ. This is why someone must teach these truths; many are doing so now. Praise God.
Rom 10:14-17 (KJV)
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Sin is primarily a condition of the spirit, not of the body, that results in the death of the spirit (Gen 2:17) or a separation from the source of all life—God Almighty. Once born-again, one becomes death-free and sin-free (Romans 8:2). They receive a new condition and state of being because they are recreated IN Christ—born anew from above. Their old self or old spirit, which was dead in sin, passes away, and they are given a new spiritual self “created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Eph 4:24). They received “power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (Jhn 1:12). They “receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness” (Rom 5:17), but it does not stop there. The gift allows them to “be made the righteousness of God IN HIM (Christ)” (2Co 5:21)”. From being darkness, they become Light. That’s not just a change of position and place but a change in state or condition. They are no longer mere men but Sons of God—beings that never existed before Christ came to the earth (new creation and new creatures). God literally lives in them, walks and works in and through them permanently.
2Co 6:16 (KJV) … for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk inthem; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
God’s Permanent Abode: His Special People
The first Adam did not have God permanently living in him, nor did Abraham, David or any of the great prophets of old. God could come to them or upon them or use them temporarily but was never domiciled in them. Before Jesus Christ came, no man or group of men ever became the dwelling or the temple of God, where their bodies were the literal limbs of Christ or the temple of God (1Co 6:15-19) in whom the fullness of deity was tabernacled.
No such person has ever existed in the history of humanity. Prior to Christ and the advent of righteousness, He temporarily “lived” in a compartment of special man-made tents known as the Holy of Holies. This reality where God Almighty is tabernacled in human flesh is uniquely a reality of the NT and was ushered in by Christ when He resurrected. He now lives in their bodies, which is God-made. These people in which God is pleased to live are known in scripture as: “… a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. [Exo 19:5-6]” (1Pe 2:9, AMPC).
These beings are the Jesus Generation. They are:
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God’s own chosen genos (offspring, progeny, Act 17:28-29; family, kindred, lineage, Act 7:13, et al.; race, nation, people, Mrk 7:26; Act 4:36, et al.; kind, sort, species). Like we have man-kind, these are the God-kind or God species or sort or progeny
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a royal priesthood after the order of Melchisedec, who was King-Priest: “King of righteousness, King of peace;” (Heb 7:2), as well as a Priest of the Most High
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A dedicated nation
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God's own purchased, special or unique people
No wonder Jesus said, “"I tell you that among all of women born there is not one greater than John. Yet one who is of lower rank in the Kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luk 7:28, Weymouth). The purpose of these Kingdom citizens or royal priesthood is to “set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections” of God. They are “members of Christ’s body, of his flesh, and of his bones” (Eph 5:30). These special people are the righteousness of God IN HIM. They should not be sin-conscious because they are far removed from sin. As long as they maintain their rightful position IN CHRIST—where they have been translated or transferred, sin does not have any dominion over them. These Chosen God-species live by the Laws of the kingdom (basileia) of God’s Love-Son (Agape Son), which include “the righteous shall live by faith” and “faith worketh by love”. Those who live this way can never sin or be dominated by sin. They are righteousness.
Redemption and Forgiveness
Now, in this place where they have been transferred, what's available IN HIM?
Eph 1:7 (KJV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Col 1:14 (KJV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
In whom we have:
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redemption through his blood,
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the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
What are these two things?
REDEMPTION
The word, “redemption” in the verse above is translated from the Greek “apolutrosis,” which means deliverance, redemption, and more importantly, riddance. While these are synonyms of “apolutrosis,” it’s important to understand riddance in the context of this passage. The Bible says, “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me” (Psalm 50:15). That’s God assuring His people of deliverance. But now, He has become your riddance, meaning that it doesn’t matter what trouble you get into; He plucks you out; He’ll rid you of that trouble—just like the thirteenth verse of Colossians 1 states that God has delivered, plucked us out of, and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion (exousia) of darkness and has transferred (translated) us into the kingdom (basileia) of His Agape Son. He literally rid us of darkness and its dominion through the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ. IN HIM, we have riddance. He has become our riddance.
FORGIVENESS
Reading the scriptures Eph 1:7 and Col 1:14 above without some in-depth study, one might assume that what we have IN CHRIST is “forgiveness” because of the way the King James translation renders it. But in reality, what we have in Christ completely transcends that. Forgiveness, as Rev. Chris Oyakhilome D.Sc., D.Sc., D.D., one of the most eminent bible scholars of all time, explains, is a pardon; the remission of judgment. When you’re “forgiven,” it means you’re not going to be punished for the offence, but you’re still a recorded offender. But IN CHRIST, our sins aren’t merely forgiven, but REMITTED. The Greek word is “aphesis,” the complete blotting away or removal of sins according to the riches of His grace. In Christ, the error itself is removed; you’ll not be judged, not because you’ve been pardoned, but because the sin doesn’t exist! The power of sin to ruin you has been removed, because the Bible says sin shall not have dominion over you (Romans 6:14). When Satan reminds you of your sin, you ought to remind him of the death of Jesus on the Cross through which you have remission—complete blotting away of sin. Hallelujah! And further, you have been transferred from the exousia of darkness where sin could exert dominion over you. The Bible says in Him we have our riddance (redemption) through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:14). This is so powerful! Because of Jesus, all your sins are remitted (completely removed)—past, present and future.
Explaining Sin
Though one must not be sin-conscious, it helps to define what sin is. Sin cannot be described in a straitjacket because there are different facets to the word sin. Let us consider a few:
INHERITED SIN
Rom 5:12 (AMPC) Therefore, as sin came into the world through one man, and death as the result of sin, so death spread to all men, [no one being able to stop it or to escape its power] because all men sinned.
The sin of Adam was passed to all men. Everyone who came from Adam’s loins became an heir of Adam’s transgression.
IMPUTED SIN
Imputed sin means you may not be the guilty one, but it is imputed to you. In Joshua 7, the children of Israel were told they would win against the cities of Canaan, but one man flouted the law of God, and this sin was imputed to the whole nation, which paid dearly for the sin committed by just one man, Achan. Before going to capture Jericho, God had instructed them, “When you get to that place, don’t keep anything that’s theirs; destroy everything” (Joshua 7:11 AMPC). But Achan took a coat and other items and hid them for himself (Joshua 7:20-21). The whole of Israel lost the battle as a consequence, and people died. The man’s sin was imputed to the whole country. Aside from the inheritance, Adam’s transgression was also imputed to all men because he was their forefather. You didn’t have to be guilty personally; it’s a class sin; everybody becomes part of it. It’s like when the President of your country signs a bad deal or initiates a bad policy; it affects the entire nation.
PERSONAL SIN
Personal sin is the one that a person commits by themself. Everyone born into this world has the sin-nature and requires salvation.
1Jn 1:8-10 (KJV)
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
If a man says he’s free from personal sin, how about inherited sin, and or imputed sin? But thanks be unto God! Salvation—the deliverance of man from his fallen nature and the depravity of sin and its effects, the recreation of his spirit and the restoration of fellowship with God—is possible and available through Jesus Christ! He’s the only way out!
SIN IS SPIRITUAL
There is another dimension of sin. Many people associate many New Testament realities with the physical realm. For example, many say sins are purely actions that displease God. But this cannot be accurate.
Sin must primarily be viewed as a spiritual condition, a state of being out of alignment with God, who is himself Spirit, rather than simply a collection of actions. Understanding the importance of one's identity IN CHRIST shows a person the reality in that place and condition—which is “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Rom 6:14, KJV). Sin is primarily a spiritual issue, not merely a matter of only outward actions. It's a state of being that affects a person's entire being, including their thoughts, emotions, and actions.
SIN CONSCIOUSNESS
Sin consciousness is a major obstacle to spiritual growth and victory, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and inferiority. And yet the scripture says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are IN CHRIST JESUS, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom 8:1, KJV). The matter that should rather occupy such people is:
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Am I IN CHRIST?
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Do I oscillate between walking in the Spirit and walking in the flesh?
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Am I abiding in the light always?
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Do I have a righteousness-consciousness?
WALKING AFTER THE FLESH OR SPIRIT
Rom 8:1 (KJV) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:1 (AMPC) THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. [Jhn 3:18]
He who walks after the spirit cannot sin nor be adjudged guilty of wrong. Such a one cannot be condemned. Apostle John phrased it differently:
1Jn 3:9 (KJV) Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
What then is walking in the Spirit? Walking in the spirit is walking according to the dictates of the Holy Spirit—His leading and guidance because “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rom 8:14). When we walk this way, we stop living in fear neither do we subject ourselves to our flesh (physical senses) as a guide.
Rom 8:15-17 (KJV)
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Walking in the Spirit is also walking by the Truth of God's word. The Holy Spirit will never lead us outside the Truth of God's word. Walking in the Spirit is seeing the invisible and living it—calling the things that be not as though they are—acknowledging and walking in spiritual realities.
2Co 4:18 (KJV) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Walking in the Spirit is living by faith in Jesus and with the faith of Jesus Christ.
Gal 2:20 (KJV) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
No wonder the Apostle Paul defined Sin in this way:
Rom 14:23 (KJV) And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Faith requires a corresponding action (works); you prove your faith by your actions. Faith not expressed (without works), won't prevail. James 2 verses 17 and 26 let us know that faith without corresponding action is of no effect. If we have been translated into the kingdom of God’s Love-Son, then we live by Love. The righteous live by faith that works by love IN CHRIST.
Gal 5:6 (KJV) For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Walking in the Spirit is walking as the righteous because “my righteous one will live by faith” (Heb 10:38, NIV) and faith works by love.
Sin is living outside God’s Word, not acting upon or living out God’s Word (doing the Word) by faith in love. Sin is a transgression of the law. In the New Testament, the law we live by is love, which is the greatest commandment. Living outside love is sin. We are transferred into the kingdom of His Love-Son, and we are the product of Love because God is Love. Why would anyone understand this and choose to live outside love or act outside love? Love is our Father (source) and domicile. If you find yourself living outside the Agape-Son or the Word of God, then simply change course and get back into the Word or the Light. It is in Him we have cleansing from all sin.
1Jn 1:7-9 (KJV)
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Walking in the spirit is walking in the light. What is the light? We find that in previous verses:
1Jn 1:5-7 (KJV)
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Walking in the Spirit is walking in the light. The light is the Word of God and God is His Word. John 1:1 says, and the Word was God. In summary, the Word of God was given to us to show us how to live and where to live. As we live and do this Word, we are walking in the light, and God's blood continually cleanses us from all sin.
WALKING IN THE FLESH
The flesh refers to the physical senses not subject to or controlled by the Holy Spirit. Walking in the flesh refers to being led by your physical senses in your actions rather than being led by the Holy Spirit of God.
Rom 8:6 (AMPC) Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].
In chapter 8 of the book of Romans, we have the contrast of two walks: the walk by the flesh (senses) and the walk in the spirit.
Rom 8:9 (KJV) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Fallen man (unregenrated man) or the one who has not been born-again lives purely in the realm of the physical senses. When man sinned in the Garden of Eden, he died spiritually. This sin and death passed unto all men. Man became alienated from God because he ceased to live in the spirit or in God’s realm. He became estranged from God's ability also. He became mortal instead of immortal. Once he lost his spiritual senses, he relied solely on his physical senses for direction and guidance. He walked in the flesh, the realm of his senses or the physical. He had fallen from the realm of Omnipotence to the realm of human ability. All that he should know about the world in which he lives was dependent upon his five senses.
We can see by this that the walking in the flesh, or senses, expresses the walk of spiritually dead men. But we who have been born-again have come back into our rightful realm, the normal realm, God’s realm. By being made alive spiritually through the impartation of God's life (Zoe) to our spirit, we can walk again in His realm. It is the realm of the Spirit, the realm of Omnipotence; for man's spirit is one with Him in the realm of faith (1 Corinthians 6:17), where words that are filled with Omnipotence call the things that are not as though they were and those things become. These are the two walks that we have contrasted in the eighth chapter of Romans.
Let us notice the comparison:
Rom 8:5-7 (KJV)
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Romans 8:5-7, "The mind of the flesh is enmity against God." It is the mind that lives alone by the evidence of the five senses, excluding God, excluding the spiritual and the faith life. Its end is death (verse 6), for it belongs to a death-doomed body and cannot reveal God to man, that he (man) might receive His (God) life. The mind of the spirit is the mind of the one who has received God's life and come back into the normal realm for man.
In summary, walking in the flesh is not an option for a born-again Christian. It's walking outside Light. God is Light. We are called to walk in Christ or walk in God. As we do so, we are walking by and after the Spirit—and His blood cleanses us automatically.
Learn To Forgive Yourself
What follows below are a collection of direct quotes from Rev. Chris Oyakhilome D.Sc., D.Sc., D.D., which will help some who may find it difficult to receive forgiveness or forgive themselves of past errors:
So, if a Christian does something wrong, and says, “I can’t just forgive myself,” that means he doesn’t really believe in Jesus and His vicarious death. He died on account of our sins. He’s not just asking you to forgive yourself; He’s telling you that He’s greater than you, and He’s the Judge, and that your sins are remitted.
If you believe that He’s the ultimate Judge and that He’s not holding your sins against you, why should you feel so frustrated because of your errors? Don’t be like those who are saddened by their past mistakes whenever they want to pray. They remember something wrong they had done and allow it to dissipate their faith. Some, as a result of the errors they made, have gone into severe depression. Some others have succumbed to suicidal thoughts, unable to face the shame and possible humiliation. But that is so wrong!
Yes, you did something wrong; you messed things up, but don’t let it dominate you. Jesus took responsibility for your wrongs; He paid the price already. Therefore, refuse to allow the failures and mistakes of yesterday keep you in bondage.
JUSTIFIED BY GRACE
No wonder we’re called His justified ones. We’re not “ordinary sinners saved by grace.” You’re not a “wretch”; like they sing, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a ‘wretch’ like me….” Even the sinner isn’t a wretch. Jesus didn’t die for a wretch. You’re somebody special.
YOUR VALUE
Your value is the blood of the Son of God. That blood, the Bible says, cleanses you from all sins—all unrighteousness. Notice the present progressive tense, “cleanses,” which means it happens as often as you require it.
UNCLEAN WORLD
We live in an unclean world with so much unrighteousness around us. Sometimes, these impurities rub off on us. But thanks be unto God! The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses you from ALL unrighteousness (1 John 1:7); it’s automatic. Hallelujah!
CLEANSING
It didn’t say you’ll be cleansed after you pray for the forgiveness of your sins, neither did it say, “the blood is going to cleanse you from sin”; no! It’s not futuristic; it’s a continuous automatic process: His blood CLEANSES you each time the need arises! This is perfectly legal before God.
No wonder He calls us holy, unblameable and unreproveable in His sight (Colossians 1:22). Then, in 1 Corinthians 6:11, He says you’re washed, sanctified, and justified, in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Blessed be God!
Get to know, understand, and consciously walk in the light of God’s Word, in the light of your righteousness, and you’ll not have to worry about sin, because your nature in Christ isn’t subject to sin.
NOTA BENE: The subject of sin is extensive beyond what has been captured here. I have written the above with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, referencing many Scriptures and the writings of Rev. Chris Oyakhilome D.Sc., D.Sc., D.D., and E.W. Kenyon. At the end of this article, I'll make other readings available. You can consult them to broaden your knowledge and understanding further. I encourage you to add prayer to your reading and study. As you do the Holy Spirit will guide your understanding.
