What does it mean to be dead to sin? There are at least three explanations given currently.

Perhaps the most popular version is that we have a sinful nature but we are to count it as dead and forget about it because we are saved by grace. If we are really saved we are not going to sin because saved people don't sin. You see this explanation frequently in the footnotes of Evangelical editions.

The idea here is we are free to do anything we please. All things are lawful to us but we choose to do good. Our sins were all judged on the cross and we can never experience condemnation. This sounds right but it is dead wrong!

People have accused us of being legalists or Pharisees because we teach that some things are wrong and we are not to do them. For example, we teach that going to X-rated movies is sinful and we shouldn't do it. Some of our Charismatic brothers and sisters tell us we are legalists because in Christ we are free to do as we please including attending X-rated movies. A favorite verse is, "To him who esteems something to be unclean it is unclean." Since they do not hold X-rated movies to be unclean they can gorge themselves on moral filth without condemnation.

We teach that spending considerable time and energy on entertainment, such as professional sports, is entanglement with the world and therefore sinful. You should hear the uproar over this! It seems we have attacked a household God.

Athletics can be a valuable part of life for young and old. But the American preoccupation with professional football, baseball, and basketball is definitely a part of the world culture. We Christians view the present world as passing away and are to do all in our power to bear a true witness of God and His desires until the Kingdom comes. We are not to settle down as part of the American worldly culture as though we did not realize it all is to pass away. We are called to be disciples of Jesus of Nazareth!

We teach it is sinful to curse or use filthy language. Our grace-full opponents counter with, "To the pure all things are pure."

While this popular view of "salvation" which keeps the believers from being "condemned" (whatever happened to convicted?) seems so scriptural and reasonable, let us point out that it is completely discredited by the verses that follow in the sixth chapter of Romans.

What does the Scripture say about our "freedom?"

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (II Corinthians 7:1)

All things are lawful. All things are not expedient! If we are going to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness then a decision must be made as to what is filthy and the believers must be taught what is filthy.

Brother, this isn't legalism it's Christianity!

At present (1997) there are numerous revivals taking place throughout the world. Thousands of Christian people are repenting of their sins under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

If a Christian is not answerable to the commandments of Christ and His Apostles, of what sins are they repenting?

To be continued.