By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  07/02/20

In our battle for freedom from our addictions, our only hope for victory is found in what Christ has already accomplished to set us free. We can only be transformed by renewing our minds constantly in the Truth of the Gospel, remembering the richness of His grace every morning, every evening, and every moment in-between.

Read Colossians 2:6-15. Though I have been walking with the Lord for over fifty years, I have never ceased to be amazed at the price God paid for my salvation, at what it cost Jesus to mount the counteroffensive into Satan’s territory, so that I might have freedom from the bondage of sin.

In this passage from Colossians, Paul describes the glorious way Christ has brought us into spiritual fullness:

Christ made us alive when we were dead in sin (v. 13).

Christ forgave us our sin, canceling any condemning accusation against us (v. 14).

Christ disarmed Satan and all his demons of any power they had over us, triumphing over them by the cross (v. 15).

The Truth of this passage is so humbling as we examine the incomprehensible gift of God’s love and grace that it demands we cry out with Paul, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! . . . ’Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?’ For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:33, 35-36).

We must not be blasé about what is the greatest miracle of all time: We have been received back into fellowship with God. Christ did all and gave all so that we might have all—everything we need for life, godliness, and freedom. By delivering us from our slavery to sin, He has given us the power to silence Satan’s every accusation because the grace of God in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ is sufficient to pay the ransom of our every sin (see 2 Corinthians 12:9).

When you are struggling with guilt and shame, confess your need for Christ and allow Him to burst open your cell door by the power of the cross. You are more than a conqueror through Christ (see Romans 8:31-39). So, tell your addictions, “You have no claim over me. I am free. My debt is paid in full. Christ came from heaven to give me life, and that I now have abundantly in Him.”

Prayer: Father, thank You for the amazing gift of Your love and grace that has canceled my debt and ransomed me from the grave. May I live boldly and righteously in the new life You have given me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13-14).