“For by Grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

The Believer is saved by Grace through faith, amen?  Amen!!  Jesus Christ paid the penalty of sin for whosoever will believe on Calvary’s Cross.  It was there that our Redemption was fully paid.  Knowing this, Who He is and what He did, there is no doubt as to our Lord’s Resurrection.  He is sitting at the Right Hand of the Throne of God making intercession for all of us “whosoevers”.   Jesus’ work IS the intercession.  The only way to God the Father is through Him.  He is the Source and His Cross the means by which the blessings of God are yes and amen according to HIS Will and HIS purpose.

Now, all of that being said, Jesus’ work on Calvary’s Cross is a two fold blessing; a “double cure”.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the Law, but under Grace.”  Romans 6:14

Dominion over sin is not for unbelievers.  The fact of the matter is, sin has dominion over the lost…no matter how “good” they are or seem to be.  Sincerity, self effort or good works does not redeem anyone to God and neither will they give one dominion over sin.  Grace, Jesus Christ and Him crucified, is what affords the Believer dominion over sin…Grace through faith, the same faith that got us in to the Kingdom of God, sanctifies the Believer precept upon precept, line upon line into the image of Christ.  This is why we fight the good fight of faith – faith in Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2

The problem with many Believers today is they are not free from the law of sin and death because their faith is placed is their works.  Even the most Scriptural doctrines such as fasting, reading the Bible, praying, water baptism, etc. are not given for dominion over sin.  Yes, they are certainly ordinances of the church that every Believer should practice.  However, when our faith is placed in them for victory, the Holy Spirit is not commissioned to free us from the law of sin and death.  We are saved, yes and praise Jesus Christ for this glorious Salvation!

Sadly however, many Brothers and Sisters remain bound by sin because their faith is in their part to sanctify themselves; to just say no to sin and have faith in their declaration.  I know, I’ve been there!  I know what it’s like to truly love the Lord but to be bound by cigarettes.  I hated them and hated myself for smoking them but I couldn’t just say no. Then the day came that I cried out to the Lord and admitted to myself that I couldn’t do it..I just couldn’t but instead of just confessing my weakness I looked to Him, to Jesus Christ, the Author and the Finisher of our faith and He took the desire away.  I was delivered from nicotine and I give God all the glory.  So many don’t recognize the difference between forgiveness and deliverance.  I would repent daily but deliverance escaped me because my faith was in my self efforts.

There are many out there who truly love the Lord and all they hear from Christians is they are not saved because sin has dominion over them.  Whether others believe it or not, I was not born again the day the Lord delivered me from smoking.  I was born again, justified freely and completely, the day I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.  And trust me when I tell you, my dear husband will quickly tell you, the Lord is not finished with me…and neither is He finished with you.  Corruption has not put on incorruption this side of glory.  We all fall short of the glory of God.

Please understand, I am speaking of those who love the Lord and hate their sin, NOT those who believe Grace is a license to sin…they need to get saved.  The power of sin was broken by Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross.  This is the double cure that so many have unknowingly rejected because religion offered many philosophies that appealed to their flesh and they remain bound by the law of sin and death.

“But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Seek the Lord first and dominion of sin will follow.  There is a change in the Believer.  We are a new creature in Christ Jesus.  HE gives the increase…seek Him.

-Donna Clark Warren