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THE DANGERS OF SIN-FOCUSED RELIGION – Ray E Horton
Here is a key reason a Jesus, Grace, Righteousness focus, rather than a me, law, sin focus, is so important for our very survival in Christian living. A brother wrote that God “knows babies will constantly mess up, but if they know that there is no condemnation for them, the devil cannot accuse them and attack them with guilt and condemnation so that they feel unworthy and separate themselves from God, hoping to stop their sins before they worship God again.”
He testifies: “I have been there before, I know the frustration and guilt, even when I told a lie I couldn’t go to church for weeks, then I’d end up fornicating on top, and wouldn’t go to church or even pray alone for months. For over 10 years I could not speak in tongues because I always considered myself not worthy enough. It was a suicide life, but grace has opened my eyes now. I know the truth, and I have been set free.”
Don’t Listen to the Accuser
This is exactly the problem with the sin-consciousness so much of religion fosters. The enemy, the accuser of the brethren, uses it turn young believers from the Lord and bring them into a downward spiral. I know this, but so appreciate my brother’s testimony to demonstrate this truth.
When our focus is rather on the Lord and who we are in Christ, the lie is exposed, and we become aware that Jesus has put our sins as far as the East is from the West. It is then that when we fall, we can get up and turn right back and go on with Jesus, cleansed by the blood and confident in Him. It is the only successful way to live, dependent, by faith, on God’s Grace through Jesus.
