If you have made mistakes in the past or done things you regret, it is important to know that you can be completely free from those things because of what Jesus did for you. Here is how, with a focus both on God’s grace and your personal responsibility:
1. Jesus Already Paid for Everything
When Jesus died on the cross, He took the punishment for all your sins—everything you have done wrong. Because of this, you no longer need to carry guilt or shame. As it says in Isaiah 53:5, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities." His sacrifice allows you a new beginning, no matter what has happened in your past.
2. God’s Grace Is a Gift, But It Requires a Response
God's grace is an undeserved gift, and you don’t have to earn it. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that "for by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." However, your responsibility is to accept that gift in faith and genuinely repent of your wrongdoings, which means turning away from them. True repentance is key to walking in that freedom as Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
3. The Holy Spirit Helps You, But You Must Cooperate
God does not leave you alone after forgiving you. His Spirit is with you to help you live in that freedom. Galatians 5:16 says: "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." This means that although the Holy Spirit gives you strength, you must also make daily choices that reflect your new life in Christ. It’s your responsibility to live according to the Spirit.
4. Renew Your Mind and Live in Obedience
Even though you are a new creation in Christ, you must renew your thinking to live in that freedom. Romans 12:2 exhorts us: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This means that while Jesus has given you a new identity, you must actively work to align your thoughts and actions with that truth.
5. Stay Away from Bad Company
Part of living in freedom also involves making wise choices about the people you surround yourself with. Bad influences can lead you back to old habits and past mistakes. 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns: "Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character." If there are people in your life who encourage you to drift away from God or return to destructive patterns, it’s your responsibility to cut those ties and surround yourself with people who push you toward growth and spiritual health. God calls you to walk in freedom, but you must be intentional about staying away from influences that drag you back into sin.
6. You Are a New Person, So Act Like One
Once you have accepted Jesus’ forgiveness, you are no longer the same person. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" However, as a new creation, you have the responsibility to leave behind habits, behaviors, and friendships that do not edify you, and to walk in your new identity in Christ.
So, you see, you do not have to remain trapped in the past. Jesus has already set you free by paying for your mistakes, but you have the responsibility to repent, renew your mind, stay away from bad company, and cooperate with the Holy Spirit to live in the freedom God offers. This freedom is not just a gift, but also an invitation to live a transformed life, full of purpose and obedience.
Make this Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
I come before You with gratitude, acknowledging the powerful work You have done in my life. Thank You that You have made me a new creation, renewing me through Your Spirit and Word. You are doing a new thing in my life, leading me away from the past and into the new future You have planned for me. Lord Jesus, You are my future, and I press on, forgetting what lies behind, and reaching toward all that You have set before me.
I praise You for rescuing me from my dark past, bringing me into Your light, freedom, and forgiveness. Thank You, Lord, for casting all my sins into the depths of the sea, forever removed from me by Your great mercy. Christ, You have set me free from the slavery of my past; I stand in this freedom, no longer bound but fully alive in You. May my life reflect this transformation, bringing glory to Your name.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
(Scripture references: 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 1:23; Isaiah 43:18-19; Philippians 3:13-14; Colossians 1:13-14; Micah 7:19; Galatians 5:1)
Embracing a Deeper Journey … with the Almighty I AM
Yolandita Colón