A Winnable War

In 1860, the USA was embroiled in a bitter civil war - one part of the country pitted against the other. In the 20th century, America fought in wars with and against other nations.

As a believer, you participate in a spiritual battle with consequences that are just as deadly. Understanding the nature of the conflict, however, can greatly alter the outcome.

Here's why: when you received Jesus Christ as Savior, you received a new spirit, and you became a distinctly new person. Your old identity apart from Christ was done away with.

How does that affect your walk with Christ? Tremendously. As a new creature in Christ, you are no longer at war with yourself. It is not a civil war--the old John Doe versus the new John Doe. If that were the case, you would always be at odds with yourself, and that would be frustration at best. Such tensions often leads to a mediocre Christian experience--winning some and losing a lot.

The truth that sets you free is this: the battle you face is partisan -- the new you against the principle and power of sin that still indwell you. This is a winnable war! (CS)

"It is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me." (Romans 7:17)