Knowing who and what we are in Christ are integral parts of remaining steadfast in the reassurance and promises that the Cross of Christ freely gives every believer.
SIN NATURE: AKA fleshly man
We are born into sin. As hard as that is to believe, the proof exists for when we are young and infantile, we all have to be taught how to behave and tell the truth, etc. This shows us that sin is who we are. Sin has been passed down to each person because of the fall of Adam. Had they not sinned themselves, we would not have taken on such corruption. Moreover, it is this sin nature within that causes God’s creation to be separate from him.
Sin dominates any unbeliever, and sadly, most believers. Many have been falsely led into believing that if they claim victory they can win the battle of dominion of sin over their lives. Such is not the case; this is the reason why so many have stated in their conflicted minds of suicide, depression, lack of self-esteem etc, they often say “God has turned his back on me.” “I tried God, it doesn’t work, and he doesn’t love me.” The list of excuses is quite long, and we have all been there, tried, and failed because there is no way at defeating sin and its destructive ways other than through Jesus.
Sin destroys a person, and it can be defined many ways. One can say, “I’m struggling with suicide, not sin!” However, the fact of the matter is, it is the same. There is no difference.
If we break it down suicide is a negative, its effects literally lead to death, but that is not just what makes it sinful, the very nature of suicide is negative. It debilitates the person with negative thoughts of themselves, and others around them.
“The wages of sin is death” Romans 7:24 NIV
“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry (there are many forms) and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions, factions, and envy; drunkenness (and we know that alcohol is a depressant linked to suicide), orgies, and the like. I warn you… those that live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 NIV (Parenthesis added)
Some may further argue that they are suicidal because of what others think of them, or have done to them. I will argue back that Jesus himself was beaten to a bloody pulp, spat on, punched and verbally ridiculed and demeaned, and yet he chose to bear it in silence.
Suicide is sin in many forms, even though it may not be apparent, it is a means for revenge. It openly speaks of the torment of the person, and while they may have been unable to fight back in the form of standing up to bullies, co-workers, friends and family, suicide recognizes the defeat to sin we all have when we are not focusing on the cross and forms its own method of retribution.
“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written:” It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:19-20
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. “ Romans 12:21
The only way that suicide, depression and everything else that is defined as sin, can be dealt with is through the Cross of Christ. There is no other means! And again, I do not mean the cross itself, I mean the act of what Jesus did on the cross. He shed his blood to atone for all our sins!
“and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” Romans 14:22 NIV
"But this man after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God.” Hebrews10:12
It is absolutely impossible for a believer to overcome suicide or any other form of sin for that matter, without faith being fully and completely in Christ and the cross.
Without the power and workings of the Holy Spirit, no one can ever live for God. While a believer is saved while struggling with suicide, as discussed before, one can stifle the Holy Spirit and this is what sin sets out to do! This is the reason why most believers live their lives in constant struggle, failure, and defeat! Our very nature of sin does not have to have dominance over us if we focus our faith exclusively on the cross!
For a further study on the nature of sin, please refer to ROMANS chapter 6.
