YOUR POWER OF CHOICE WAS RESTORED WHEN JESUS BOUGHT BACK YOUR LIBERTY!!

GOD HAS GIVEN THE REDEEMED SOUL “BACK” THE POWER OF CHOICE.

The bible says God sent JESUS “...to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of prison to them that are bound...” (Isaiah 61:1).

THE REDEEMED SOUL IS FREE, BUT ALONG WITH THAT FREEDOM COMES THE RESPONSIBILITY OF WILLFULLY CHOOSING TO LIVE AND WALK IN THAT FREEDOM. “…Choose you this day (and everyday of your life) whom ye will serve (the flesh or the Spirit).” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

The freed and redeemed soul CAN FREELY and willfully choose to follow either the body of flesh and its dictates (outward influences) or the indwelling Holy Spirit (inward influences). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (the flesh or the Spirit).” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

An untransformed mind will continue to FOLLOW the information put into the heart by the body of flesh and it dictates, which is now dead, and will, therefore, remain a willful slave to the EVIL ONE. “….you [will become] ... slaves of the one you obey (follow and cooperate with)…” (Romans 6:16 NIV).

For example, if you have an unhealthy eating habit, the untransformed mind will continue to FOLLOW the information put into the heart - by the body of flesh and its dictates - about what and how you should eat. You will, most likely, constantly struggle with it, or continue to eat unhealthily disregarding your personal desire to be healthy or your personal desire to stick to a new eating lifestyle..  “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin (nature through my unrenewed mind) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

“... the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT). “…The sinful nature (flesh) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants. And the [Holy] Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature (flesh) desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

The bible urges, the redeemed soul, to be transformed by renewing their minds. “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind... [through the revelation knowledge of God, the Holy Spirit]...” (Romans 12:1 KJV). IT’S A CHOICE. “... Those who are dominated by the sinful nature (through the unrenewed mind) think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit (through the RENEWED mind) think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind (is a willful choice that) leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind (is also a willful choice that) leads to life and peace...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT).

The REDEEMED soul is FREE and NO LONGER has to follow the body of flesh, which is crucified, or its dictates, but the unrenewed mind will continue to influence them to engage, interact, and experience life with unrighteous thoughts and sinful behaviors. “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).  Otherwise, “….you [will become] ... slaves of the one you obey (follow)…” (Romans 6:16 NIV). “…The sinful nature is always hostile (antagonistic and unreceptive) to God, (his indwelling Spirit, and his holy instructions)  …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“..[The sinful nature]... never did obey (follow after) God’s laws, and it never will (follow after god’s holy laws)…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “...those who are still under the control of their sinful nature (through the unrenewed mind) can never please God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “.. .[god’s redeemed people] ... are not controlled by ...[their]... sinful nature. (unless they choose to be) ... [they]... are controlled by the Spirit if [they choose to be AND] have the Spirit of God living in [them] …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“… (Christ lives within the redeemed soul)... The Spirit of God, who (powerfully) raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God (powerfully) raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give (spiritual, power-filled) life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “… The [indwelling Holy] ... Spirit gives you (the REDEEMED soul, spiritual) life because [you] have been made right with God (reunited with God, the Holy Spirit). …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“… Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, [the redeemed soul has]... no obligation to do what [their]... sinful nature urges [them]... to do. For if you (choose to) live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit (the indwelling Holy Spirit) you [choose to]... put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by (the unrenewed mind which has been influenced by) SIN (through the body of flesh or sinful nature)? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (THE WORD & the powerful indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE, unto them saying, “All POWER is given unto me (the word) IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV). “… Be transformed (HOW?) by the renewing of your mind (through the POWERFUL WORD of God)….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

Will the WORD renew your mind and empower you to live and walk in the FREEDOM Jesus died for you to have? Yes. HOW? “…If the Son (the word) therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed (without a doubt!!)…” (John 8:36 KJV).

The REDEEMED soul can FREELY choose to trust in and depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to STRENGTHEN them to engage, interact, experience with the world anew.

The indwelling Holy Spirit produces fruit and the Word introduces new information into the heart of the redeemed soul. In addition, the WORD of God introduces new information into the heart(mind), which form new thoughts that direct NEW behaviors. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…I will put a new spirit...[AND HEART]... in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “…The Lord (JESUS, the Word) is that [indwelling] ...Spirit (that makes the heart new and restores the soul)…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

“…Jesus Christ (the Word) is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…I can do all things through Christ (the Word) which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). The body of flesh is crucified, but it left its influence through information within the heart, which still form unrighteous thoughts within the unrenewed mind.

The unrenewed mind was so accustomed to the evil one’s information - given by the body of flesh and its dictates - that the redeemed soul willfully allow their thoughts to “STILL” be formed by the crucified sinful nature.

On the other hand, the indwelling Holy Spirit, through a mind allowed to be renewed, will influence and sanctify the redeemed soul. The Word of God will cleanse the heart(mind) so it will not form evil thoughts, but righteous thoughts that empower them to live and walk in freedom from the sinful nature.“…The sinful nature (flesh) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants. And the [Holy] Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature (flesh) desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “... Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT).

One or the other - the body of flesh that desires to do evil or the indwelling Spirit that desires to do righteous - will influence, the redeemed soul, through the information within the heart (mind) which FORM THOUGHTS (evil or righteous) that command behavior. “…The sinful nature (flesh) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants ...These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions...” (Galatians 5 NLT).

If the information within the heart(mind) is NOT renewed, the information put there by the body of flesh (sinful nature), which is crucified, will CONTINUE to COMMAND and CONTROL your behavior.

An unrenewed heart(mind) will make it IMPOSSIBLE to overcome UNRIGHTEOUS THOUGHTS, UNRIGHTEOUS BEHAVIORS, or to LIVE FREE from the crucified SIN NATURE. “... the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey  ... and it never will...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT). “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [the redeemed soul can] ... do nothing [they cannot renew their hearts(minds)]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

God’s people are told: “… [The body of the REDEEMED soul becomes]... the temple of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) which is in [them]…” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “ …The Spirit of God dwelleth in [the REDEEMED soul]…” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). Yet the bible also says: “… Be transformed (live and walk as a New Creation) by the renewing of your mind (heart) (through the powerful WORD of God)….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). 

How is the redeemed soul a NEW CREATION and yet have the SAME MIND? First God RESTORES the SOUL to spiritual LIFE. “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to (or restores) SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  God is a “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…The law of the LORD (the WORD of God) is perfect, restoring the SOUL…” (Psalm 19 NASB). “….He (the WORD OF GOD) restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…I (God, the holy spirit) will restore…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).  “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man (woman) became a living soul... [again] …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

Second, God SETS your soul FREE from the bondage of the SINFUL NATURE, which is crucified.  “... our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin...” (Romans 6:6 KJV).  “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man (woman) became a living soul …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “... [the redeemed soul has been] made free from sin (the sinful nature)….” (Romans 6:18 KJV). “... If the Son (the WORD) therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed” (John 8:36 KJV). “…Where the Spirit (indwelling Holy Spirit) of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom)...” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “ …The Spirit of God dwelleth in [the REDEEMED soul]…” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). The body of flesh is crucified. “...We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin...” (Romans 6:6 NLT).  “... My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in (and depending upon) the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 NLT). “..they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh (the sinful nature) with the affections and lusts...” (Galatians 5:24 KJV). “...Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there...” (Galatians 5:24 NLT).

Third, God has RESTORED spiritual LIFE, he has set the SOUL FREE from the bondage and imprisonment of the SINFUL NATURE (the body of flesh). Now the redeemed soul “is” in the position to FREELY and WILLFULLY choose to follow God and NOT their SINFUL NATURE. “... [the redeemed soul has been] made free from sin….” (Romans 6:18 KJV). “... If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed...” (John 8:36 KJV). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (through the WORD)….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).  “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (the flesh or the Spirit).” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “….you [will become] ... slaves of the one you obey (follow)…” (Romans 6:16 NIV). “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin (nature through my untransformed mind) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “... the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

“…Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil…” (Jeremiah 13:23 NIV). “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Jesus Christ sets the redeemed soul FREE. The bible says God sent him “...to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of prison to them that are bound...” (Isaiah 61:1). Why didn’t God erase ALL the old information left in the heart by the sinful nature? In the beginning, back in the Garden of Eden, God created mankind with a human will. Adam and Eve were given a human will to choose how they wanted to respond in any and every situation they encountered.

GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT SAID TO ADAM AND EVE: “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou  SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

LOOK HOW THE SERPENT APPEALED TO THE WOMAN’S SENSES, USING THE BODY OF FLESH. “…The woman [became] ... convinced (THROUGH SOUND) [to eat from the tree, anyway]... She saw (SIGHT) that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked (LUST of the EYES) delicious (TASTE), and she wanted (LUST of the FLESH) the wisdom (PRIDE of LIFE) it would give her. So she took (TOUCH) some of the fruit and ate it (TASTE)...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “….She [choose to take] (human will) ... some of the fruit and [eat] ... IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

WHAT EVE HEARD, SAW, LUSTED FOR, TASTED, AND TOUCHED TEMPTED HER TO “CHOSE” AGAINST GOD’S HOLY INSTRUCTION. “….She [choose to take] (human will) ... some of the fruit and [eat] ... IT…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). HOWEVER, EVE GOT TO PLACE OF TEMPTATION, ULTIMATELY, “SHE” MADE HER OWN DECISION TO “EAT” THE FORBIDDEN APPLE.

There are lots of things to blame Eve’s decision own, but regardless of who or what they are, “HER CHOICE” played the most important part of all. The body of flesh was not CREATED to obey God, but the SOUL was. “…The [flesh]...nature  ... never did obey God’s laws, and it never will…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

The bible refers to the soul as a person, a who, or a self. “...Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore ... for WHOsoever doeth any work therein, THAT SOUL shall be cut off from among his people...” (Exodus 31:14 KJV). “...and souls of men...” (Revelation 18:13 KJV). “.. and man(woman) became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

Jesus came to earth to SAVE SOULS, the lost SOUL. “…The Son of man came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (God’s living Word), and thou shalt be saved…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  “...receive the word ...which is able to save your souls...” (James 1:21 KJV). “...those (people) who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls...” (Acts 2:41 KJV).

God encourages, the righteous to WIN SOULS too. “...he (she) that winneth SOULS is wise...” (Proverbs 11:30 KJV). “...he (she) who turns a sinner (leads that person to Jesus) from the error of his (her) way will save his(her) soul from death...” (James 5:20 KJV).

The bible is repeatedly referring to these souls as people or persons. When God finished the creation of Adam, he called him “a living soul.” Adam wasn’t GIVEN a soul, he BECAME “a living soul.”  “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

When a SOUL is saved, that soul RETURNS to the SHEPHERD of the SOUL! “...ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls...” (1 Peter 2:25 KJV). “...Behold, all souls are Mine (God, the Holy Spirit’s)...” (Ezekiel 18:4 KJV).“…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…(Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

When God sets the soul FREE, the soul is FREED to CHOOSE again between evil and righteousness. When the soul is in bondage and imprisoned by the sinful nature it is not FREE to choose anything. The captive soul is under the influence, dictatorship, and power of the Evil One.

When the soul is FREED, the power of CHOICE is FREED also. God has provided EVERYTHING, the redeemed soul needs to live and walk in FREEDOM. “… choose LIFE …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “… Jesus (the Word) said … I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU] … choose…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

CHOOSING, however, between life and death or right and wrong REMAINS the responsibility of the redeemed soul.  God has provided ALL that the redeemed soul NEEDS to live and walk in FREEDOM from the sinful nature, but it is a willful and voluntary choice to follow God’s instructions“…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “….The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… The Lord is GOOD to “ALL”…” (Psalm 145:9 KJV). “…His (God, the Holy Spirit’s) DIVINE POWER hath given unto [his people].. ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

Nothing is more precious that the power of choice, but it comes with the responsibility of accepting whatever the consequences are of one’s actions.

The heart(mind) is the information center and it is also home of human will. Human will is the power of choice given to every man and woman by God. Thus, the information that goes into the heart, stays in the heart, or leaves the heart is the CHOICE of the human will. The redeemed soul is responsible for RENEWING their OWN MIND. “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). It is “their” mind given to them by God.

Whether they remain influenced by the sinful nature or become influenced by the indwelling Holy Spirit is a CHOICE. If the redeemed soul allows “their” mind to remain UNRENEWED they are choosing to accept, whatever the consequences are, of their actions or choices.

The redeemed soul that doesn’t live and walk in the FREEDOM that the Word of God promises will blame God, his word, the church, church folks, hypocrites, clergy, other church members, the environment, circumstances, trials, tribulations, and anything or anybody else, but themselves.

“…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU] … choose…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

Regardless of who or what a person believes to be the blame for their choices, accepting the responsible for their part in the DECISION can’t be avoided.

The redeemed soul has information within their hearts influenced by the Evil One. If they choose to follow that information they are the ones CHOOSING to do so and are willing participates. They have options and can accept the responsibility to do something DIFFERENT like RENEWING their OWN minds(hearts). IT’S A PERSONAL CHOICE! “ … Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).  

Nonetheless, “...letting your sinful nature control your mind (is a choice and) leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind (is also a choice and) leads to life and peace...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT). “…The sinful nature (flesh) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants ...These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions...” (Galatians 5 NLT).

“...letting your sinful nature control your mind (is a CHOICE that) leads to death...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT). “ … Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (it’s a choice also)….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

EVERY REDEEMED SOUL STRUGGLE WITH MAKING THE CHOICE TO FOLLOW GOD WHETHER THAN THEIR SINFUL NATURE.

IF YOU WERE ABLE TO MAKE A CHOICE TO GIVE YOUR LIFE TO JESUS AND ASK HIM INTO YOUR HEART. YOU CAN ALSO MAKE A CHOICE TO ASK HIM TO HELP YOU MAKE DECISIONS TO FOLLOW HIM INTO RIGHTEOUS LIVING EVERY SINGLE DAY.

YOU ARE “NOT” IN BONDAGE TO THE SINFUL NATURE. YOU ARE NOT IMPRISONED BY THE SINFUL NATURE. JESUS FREED YOU. YOU ARE FREE TO CHOOSE TO WALK AND LIVE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS.

GOD HAS GIVEN YOU AMPLE HELP THROUGH THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT THAT WILL EMPOWER YOU TO LIVE AND WALK IN FREEDOM.

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ASK, TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO HELP YOU. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

IT IS FOR FREEDOM, FREEDOM FROM THE SINFUL NATURE, THAT JESUS SET YOU FREE. CHOOSE TO RENEW YOUR OWN MIND AND BE TRANSFORMED. .“...you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).
... If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed” (John 8:36 KJV). “…where the Spirit (Holy Spirit) of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom)...” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

Therefore, “... Stand fast (keep living and walking) therefore in the liberty (freedom from the sinful nature) wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage (or imprisonment)...” (Galatians 5:1 KJV). “... It was for freedom that Christ set us free...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB).