An angel told Joseph something significant about Jesus’ role: “[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

What does it mean for Jesus to save someone from their sins?

Firstly, he saves us from the “consequence” of our sins. This is why the cross is so important. We’re the ones who deserve to be up there, not him. But he goes in our place, paying the price for our sin, so that we can have peace with God.

But there is another (and much-neglected) dimension to his saving work. He also saves us from the “slavery” of our sins. Let me explain.

In John 8:34 Jesus says: “everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” In Greek the sentence and word choice tell us that this is a reference to ongoing, continuous and unrepentant sin. When we shape our lives in a way which is contrary to the will of God we start to become enslaved by our own sin.

Many people will claim they are ‘free’ or ‘liberated’ from God when they throw all that away and ‘do their own thing.’ But when they (or we) go against God’s will, we’re becoming enslaved, not liberated.

To summarize, not only does Jesus save you from the eventual consequence of sin, but the current slavery of sin.

It’s a struggle, absolutely. In fact, we’ll struggle with sin our whole lives. But when we trust in Christ, the Holy Spirit enters into us and begins to work. Our job is to cooperate with that work as God shapes us to be more like Christ. 

Why? Because God wants good things for us! He wants us to live abundant lives which reflect his goodness!

Unchecked anger enslaves. Selfishness enslaves. Sexual impurity enslaves. Pride enslaves. Greed enslaves. They corrode from the inside out. They want more and more and more.

Then Jesus comes along as if to say, Follow me, and I will show you a better way—a way of forgiveness and servanthood and wholeness and humility and gratitude. It will be good not only for you, but for others, and for the wider world.

Jesus saves. In more ways than you think.

Salvation isn’t just something Jesus does for you, but to you.

Let’s cooperate with the ways God is injecting abundance into our lives.

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Notes:

–“For he will save his people from their sins.” Sermon. December 15, 2024. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.