Victory that overcomes the world
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5 ESV)
Three wrong beliefs that hold Christians back from having total victory
Wrong Belief #1: “I know that God is forgiving but what I have done is too much.”
The Bible says…
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
“He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” (Col. 2:14 NLT)
“… as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 NIV)
Wrong Belief #2: “I must punish myself to be forgiven.”
The Bible says
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…” (Eph. 2:8 ESV)
In other words, we can’t do anything to add to what Jesus did on the cross to cover our sins. He did more than enough to cover all sins, It’s called “grace”, which is God’s unmerited favor.
“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” (Rom. 11:6 ESV)
Wrong Belief #3: “I know that God has forgiven me, but that doesn’t matter. I can’t forgive myself.”
The Bible says…
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20 NIV)
“…so now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Rom 8:1)
Renew your mind with God’s Word (swap your thoughts with His thoughts)
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” (Rom. 12:2
“With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.” (Psalm 108:13 ESV)
Quote:
“The feeling of being, or not being, forgiven and loved, is not what matters. One must come down to brass tacks. If there is a particular sin on our conscience, repent and confess it. If there isn’t, tell the despondent devil not to be silly”. - CS Lewis