THE INTERNAL TENSIONS OF CHRISTIANS

According to the Apostle Paul, "there is no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," for He graciously justifies them before the Law of God (Rom.8.1-4). This condition, however, does not imply that christians are free to sin. The Apostle himself confessed: "For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me"(Romans 7: 22-23).

Yes, christians live this internal conflict. Although they are already saved from eternal death and live a new life with God, in this world, they can fall into temptation and sin. When this occurs, they suffer, since the desire of their hearts is to live in holiness before God. This can not be mistaken for religious moralism seeking justification, since Christ has already exempted them from the "just requirements of the Law" (Rom. 8: 4). The law, however, is holy (Rom. 7:12), so christians seek holiness for God's sake and not for religious legalism (Rom6.17)

These tensions are real and not infrequently christians fall into sin. Paul, in a position of great humility, spoke of his intimate experience: "for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing"(Rom 7:18, 19). In this regard, the Apostle John wrote that If we claim we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and his word is not in us (1 John 1:10).

Paul explains the conflict: "for the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want"(Galatians 5:17). Although the spirit of man has been awakened and made alive to life with God, there is still in him a sinful nature - the flesh - which strives against the Spirit. That is why Paul exhorts: "so I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).

This tension generates some discomfort for christians are always subject to two conflicting appeals. Paul then directs them to be led by the Spirit, that is, to heed their voice and guidance that come through prayer and reflection in the Word. If tension is present, it means that the christian did not give in to the "flesh" appeals. In conclusion, the Apostle says: "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God "(Romans 8:13).

Antônio Maia – M.Div.

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