Page 113 - Overcoming Addiction

Chapter 16 - Free in Christ

erhaps you picked up this book out of a desire to obtain victory over a specific
Paddiction or besetting sin. If so, it seems fitting to end this book by seeking to
widen your hope of the victory and freedom that you can experience in Christ.
Perhaps it has seemed almost too good to be true, as you have considered the
promise that Christ can deliver you from any sin or addiction. There is no giant,
no walled city, no stronghold, that cannot be overcome in Christ. These statements
are true, but I would urge you to consider something even greater than this
precious truth. Not only can Christ deliver you from ANY sin, He can deliver you
from ALL sin.
The level of Christian experience has sunk very low in these days due to the
wayward heart of mankind. Many who confess Christ love pleasure more than
they love God. There has been little pressing in to know how mankind might
satisfy Yahweh’s desire, as men and women have been more focused on satisfying
their own desires.
Few Christians in this hour are able to receive the report that there is a place
in Christ where we can rise above all the bonds of this sinful world. We can be
filled with the fulness of Christ. His life can be our life. His thoughts can be our
thoughts. We can become fully motivated, and completely animated, by the divine
life within our members. Our daily walk can be one of unbroken fellowship, and
our experience can be one of endless righteousness through the power and
presence of the One who dwells in us.
This testimony is hidden from the majority of men and women today, yet the
Spirit bears witness of its truth. So too do the many parables of Scripture, as well
as the plain speech of the apostles. Yet that which is declared in many ways and in
many places has been obscured by the veil that lies over the eyes of men and
women who are divided in their affections. Consider once more the parable of
Israel’s release from captivity in Egypt and her entry into the land of promise.
How much authority did Egypt and Pharaoh retain over Israel after they
crossed the Red Sea? Crossing through a body of water is symbolic of passing
through death into a new life. What is symbolized in crossing the Red Sea is the
complete death to all that had formerly kept Israel enslaved. We find this truth in
the following words:

Exodus 14:13
Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of
Yahweh which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom
you have seen today, you will never see them again forever.”

“See the salvation of Yahweh!” It is a complete salvation. Egypt maintained
no hold over Israel. The power of Pharaoh was completely broken as the great
army of Egypt perished in the sea.