Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 Timothy 3:5
I read an article recently that greatly disturbed me. The writer was dealing with the sin of homosexuality in his work. After proving that this lifestyle is sinful, he gave the readers who struggle with this sin two options. The first was to flee from this lifestyle. The other was to indulge in this sin while living a substandard Christian life. For those who flee, he wanted them to be sure that they would struggle with their feelings and that it would be tough. For those who chose to indulge in sin, he outlined all of the trials they would face. How about a third option? Has the fountain of God's assistance dried up? Is there no way to get supernatural help to overcome sin in this day? Can God not still sanctify a believer to live a holy life? If not, then why do we sing songs like Lewis Jones' camp meeting song "There is Power in the Blood" or Cowper's hymn "There is a Fountain Filled With Blood"?
There is a third option. Jesus Christ, the immutable Savior, has power now to set the captive free. Why do some teach that we must struggle along with sin as if we are defeated already. What happened to the power in the blood of Jesus to wholly deliver us? Since we know that this is the last days, it is important to note the verse above. There will be many with a form of godliness but they also deny the power of Christ to save. This is a parallel to another time when men denied God's power. In response, the Holy Spirit spoke clearly through Isaiah, "Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst (Isaiah 50:2)." Doesn't Romans 8 teach that in Christ we are more than conquerors? Yes, the third option is to fall upon the mercy of God in Christ and by faith accept divine deliverance.
When I was saved in the early Eighties my life was an absolute mess. Being the son of an alcoholic, I sadly followed the same path. Many Christians and many counselors told me the same dismal news--I would always struggle with alcoholism. On one occasion a drug and alcohol rehabilitation counselor even found me drinking for breakfast and turned me into my company commander for discipline. I was even prescribed Antabuse to make me ill when drinking but I drank and got sick. Did I mention that this was in Germany, the beer capital of the world? This is where Christ found me. Jesus did in one night what others nor myself could do--He brought instantaneous deliverance. If He can do it for me, He can do it for you. His power was so effective that if I even get near the smell of certain types of alcohol I will get sick. I am living proof that is the power of the blood! Friend, I have not struggled with drinking since Jesus set me free.
When the woman with an issue of blood touched Jesus with all of the faith she could muster she was not expecting to leave Him with a continued struggle due to her affliction. She expected deliverance. This woman was not disappointed. Notice what the Word says, "And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched (Luke 8:43-44)." She didn't muddle on or have to choose the lesser of two evils. She was IMMEDIATELY set free. That same power is still there. There is still grace in the time of need that overcomes all your sin. The blood of Jesus is still the most powerful thing in our physical universe! If you are battling with a sin, don't accept compromise. Call to Jesus and believe He can set you free. You will see that He will be Soon2Come, and you will not be disappointed!
If you have aver been set free and delivered by the power of Christ, take time to share it with somebody today! May the LORD bless you.
