My youngest son Levi likes to climb on the back of our couch. When we see him we always make him get down and tell him, “don’t do that again.” Now he probably thinks that we are just stopping him from having fun. When in reality we are protecting him.
In John chapter 8 we find the story of the woman caught in adultery. This story ends beautifully with Jesus forgiving the woman and saying Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more (John 8:11 KJV). The first part of this: Neither do I condemn thee is beautiful, but so is: go, and sin no more. Yes, it may be a command, but it’s also mercy. It says that you’re free from sin. You don’t have to be bound by sin any longer. You can live a new life. There’s a lot to be said about these words.
It is important to talk about. Because we must also understand that Jesus sets us free from sin, not free to sin. Jesus didn’t die for our sins so we can continue to live in sin. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein (Romans 6:1-2 KJV)? For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age (Titus 2:11-12 NET).
We should not be like those that profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him, since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed (Titus 1:16 NET). But rather we should turn away from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it (Psalm 34:14 NHEB).
Jesus is not trying to stop you from having fun, but rather He is protecting you because the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23 WEB).
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sober and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires as in your ignorance, but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior; because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy (1 Peter 1:13-16 NHEB).”
2 Timothy 2:19 NET However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.”