Chapter II: What is the Dominion of Sin, which we are Freed from and Discharged of by Grace
CHAPTER II
What is the Dominion of Sin, which we are Freed from?
We will explore three aspects based on the words of this text: I. What is the dominion of sin from which we are freed and discharged by grace? II. How can we determine if sin has dominion over us or not?
III. What is the reason and evidence for the assurance given that sin will not have dominion over us, namely because we are "not under the law, but under grace."
I. Regarding the first point, I will briefly mention some characteristics that reveal its general nature; the specific elements comprising it will be addressed later.
Firstly, the dominion of sin is perverse and evil, meeting the criteria that designate any rule or dominion as such, because it...
1. It is an unlawful seizure. Sin has no rightful authority to rule over the souls of people. People have no ability to grant sin the right to rule over them. They may willingly subject themselves to its enslavement, but this does not confer any right or legitimacy upon sin. Originally, all people have another sovereign to whom they owe complete obedience, and nothing can absolve them from their allegiance to this sovereign—God's law. The apostle indeed states that "to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness"
(Romans 6:16). And it is true. By their voluntary submission to sin, people become its rightful slaves. However, this does not grant sin any authority over God's law, which alone has the right to rule over human souls. Those who surrender themselves to the service of sin are living in open rebellion against their true
Lord. Consequently, several implications arise:
(1) It greatly intensifies the evil of a state of sin. Those who live in sin willingly detach themselves, to the extent of their capacity, from the authority of God's law, and willingly subject themselves to the tyranny of sin. If sin had any legitimate claim to this dominion, any valid justification to present, it would somewhat alleviate the guilt of those who surrender themselves to it. However, people "yield themselves" to the slavery of sin, as the apostle describes. They reject the authority of God's law and choose the foreign yoke of sin. This undoubtedly exacerbates their guilt and wretchedness. Yet, it is evident that the majority of people openly and overtly declare themselves as the servants and slaves of sin. They proudly display its symbols and engage in its degrading work. They even boast in their bondage and consider themselves brave and esteemed when they openly embrace sin through profanity, drunkenness, impurity, greed, and mockery of religion. However, their "condemnation does not sleep," regardless of whatever illusions they may entertain in the meantime.
(2.) Consequently, it follows that, in general, all individuals have the authority within themselves to reject the rule of sin and reclaim their freedom. They can, at will, assert the rightful claim and authority of God's law to govern their souls, completely disregarding any pleas or claims of power made by sin. They have the right to say to sin,
"Depart from me; what business do I have with idols?"
I emphasize that all individuals possess this inherent right within themselves due to the natural allegiance they owe to God's law.
However, they lack the ability on their own to exercise this right and effectively rid themselves of the yoke of sin. This is the work of grace.
The dominion of sin is shattered solely by grace.
But you may ask, "What purpose does this right serve if individuals lack the power to enforce it? How can it be seen as an aggravation of their sin if they do not exercise the right they possess, especially when they lack the means to do so? Would you blame a person who
has a rightful claim to an estate but cannot recover it due to a lack of resources?"
I will briefly provide three answers to this question:— [1.] No person alive neglects the use of this right to reject the yoke and dominion of sin because they are unable to do so on their own, but solely because they choose not to. They willingly opt to remain under the power of sin and view anything that would deliver them as an enemy. "The sinful mind is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so," Rom. 8:7. Whenever the law asserts its right to rule over the soul, a person under the sway of sin regards it as an enemy that disrupts their peace, and they fortify their mind against it. Similarly, when the gospel comes and offers the way and means for the soul's liberation, extending its aid and assistance towards that end, it too is seen as an adversary, rejected along with all its offers. See Prov. 1:24–31; John 3:19. Therefore, this is the state of anyone who remains under the dominion of sin: they choose to do so, persisting in that condition through an act of their own will, openly displaying enmity towards anything that could provide deliverance—an enmity that will greatly aggravate their condemnation on the final day.
[2.] God may rightly demand from anyone that which the grace of the gospel has the power to enable them to perform and comply with.
This grace is presented to them daily through its proclamation.
Although we may not comprehend the methods and means of grace's effective communication to the souls of individuals, it is certain that grace is tendered in such a way through the preaching of the gospel that no one is left without it, no one lacks its aid and assistance— except those who, by an act of their own free will, refuse and reject it.
This is the crux of the matter: "You refuse to come to me to have life," and all unbelievers have, or can have, this experience within themselves. They can ascertain, upon careful self-examination, that they willingly reject the assistance of grace offered for their
deliverance. Hence, their destruction is of their own making.
However,— [3.] There comes a time when people even lose their right as well.
Just as the one who willingly had his ear pierced forfeited all claim to future liberty and was not allowed to go out in the year of jubilee, there is a moment when God judicially abandons individuals to the rule of sin, for them to remain under its sway forever, to the extent that they lose all entitlement to freedom. This is how He dealt with many idolatrous Gentiles in the past, as mentioned in Romans 1:24,
26, 28, and this is how He continues to deal with similarly corrupt sinners. It is also His approach towards the majority of the antichristian world, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, and with many who scorn the gospel, as described in Isaiah 6:9-10. When it reaches this point, individuals are condemned, having lost all right and claim to liberation from the dominion of sin. They may occasionally grumble about the service of sin or its consequences, experiencing shame and pain due to the disgraceful disorders that afflict many in their impurity. However, because God has judicially handed them over to sin, they don't even have the right to offer a single prayer or request for deliverance, and they will not do so.
Instead, they are bound in the chains of accursed presumption or despair. Consider their actions and the recompense they receive, as stated in Romans 2:5-6. This is the most woeful state and condition of sinners in this world—an inevitable descent into the chambers of death. Those of you who have lived under the power of sin for a long time, beware, lest what is spoken of in these scriptures befall you!
Currently, you still have the right to be delivered from the bondage and servitude in which you find yourselves if you make your plea in the heavenly court. You do not know how quickly you may be deprived of this right as well, through God's judicial abandonment to sin and Satan. Then, all complaints will be in vain, and all sources of effort for relief will be utterly dried up. Any hopes of future repentance will be cut off, and your cries will be disregarded, as stated in Proverbs 1:24-31. While it is still called Today, do not
harden your hearts, lest God swear in His wrath that you shall never enter into His rest.
To warn you, take note that the indications or signs of the impending arrival of such a season, of such an irreparable state, are as follows:
(1.) Prolonged persistence in the practice of any known sin. There are limits to divine patience. God's long-suffering waits for repentance for a time, as mentioned in 1 Peter 3:20 and 2 Peter 3:9. However, there comes a time when it only "endures vessels of wrath fitted for destruction," as stated in Romans 9:22. This typically occurs after a long period of continuing in known sin.
(2.) When convictions have been internalised and warnings have been disregarded. God usually does not deal with individuals in this manner until they have rejected the means of their deliverance.
There is indeed a generation that, from their youth, live in contempt of God. Such proud sinners are described by the psalmist in Psalm
10:2-7, and there are rarely any signs of the decree going forth against this type of people. The apparent evidence is their "pursuit of drunkenness" and the addition of one form of sin to another, openly progressing in their sinful ways, boasting and showing a profane disregard for all sacred matters. However, generally, those in danger of this judicial hardness have previously received warnings and convictions that made some impression on them, but they are now left without any further calls or rebukes, or at least without any sense of them.
(3.) When individuals incur the guilt of sins that appear to encroach upon the unpardonable sin against the Holy Spirit, such as proud, contemptuous, and malicious reproaches against the ways of God, holiness, the Spirit of Christ, and His gospel. The Scriptures often depict this type of people as being close to a final and fatal rejection.
(4.) A voluntary abandonment of the means of grace and conversion to God that individuals have experienced, often accompanied by a
hatred of the Word and those who proclaim it. In such cases, God frequently and visibly gives them up in an irredeemable manner to the dominion of sin, declaring that He will have no further dealings with them.
(5.) A deliberate choice to associate with wicked, profane, unclean, and mocking company. It is exceedingly rare for anyone to be rescued from that snare. There are many other signs that indicate the imminent arrival of a hardening judgment that will consign people to eternal servitude to sin. Oh, if only poor sinners would awaken before it is too late!
2. This dominion of sin is wicked and corrupt, not only because it is unjust and wrongfully assumed, but also because it is always utilized and exercised for harmful purposes, leading to the detriment and destruction of those under its rule. A tyrant, a usurper, may employ their power and authority for the benefit of those they rule over, but the dominion of sin always brings evil outcomes for sinners. Sin, in its reign, may appear enticing, offering various advantages and satisfying their desires. They are promised rewards for their actions, with pleasure and profit to be gained. Moreover, it may even falsely guarantee them eternal rest or security, assuring them that nothing they do in its service will lead to failure. Through these means, sin keeps them in a state of false assurance. However, its ultimate purpose, the true intent behind all its power, is the eternal ruin of their souls. Sinners will come to understand this when it is too late, as stated in Jeremiah 2:13, 19.
Secondly, this dominion of sin is not merely a coercion against the will and efforts of those under its control. Where sin's power and influence rely solely on forcing the mind and soul through temptations, it does not have dominion. It may perplex them, but it does not govern them. Where sin does have dominion, it possesses the force and authority of a law within the wills and minds of those in whom it resides. Thus, it demands obedience from them, and they
willingly present themselves as servants to obey it, as stated in Romans 6:16.
Therefore, for this dominion of sin to exist, there must be some measure and degree of consent from the will. The constant resistance and prevailing power of the will against sin undermine its claim to rule and dominion, as the apostle extensively explains in the next chapter. The will is the supreme faculty and power of the soul; whatever principle acts in it and determines it, holds the authority.
Despite light and conviction, the ultimate decision regarding duty and sin rests within the power of the will. If the desire to sin is removed, sin cannot have dominion. Here lies wisdom: the one who can discern between the influence of sin upon them and the rule of sin within them is on the path to peace. However, often— as we will further explore, along with the reasoning behind it—this is not easily attained. Convictions, on one hand, may create a significant appearance of opposition in the will against sin due to their unavoidable impact, even when it is not truly the case. Disturbed emotions, under temptations, may argue that the will itself is surrendered to the choice and service of sin, when it is not so. The will in this matter is akin to the shield of the Thebans; as long as it remains intact, they deemed themselves victorious even in death.
Nevertheless, this matter is settled by the light of Scripture and experience, and it is presented here for resolution.
Thirdly, for this dominion of sin to exist, the soul must not be under the supreme guidance of any other authority—specifically, not under the Spirit of God and His grace as governed by the law. This is what truly holds sovereign rule over all believers. They are led, guided, and influenced by the Spirit, being under the governance of God and Christ alone. The rule of sin is entirely incompatible with this. No one can serve both these masters simultaneously. Grace and sin may coexist within the same soul, but they cannot both hold dominion at the same time. The throne is singular and allows only one ruler.
Every evidence we have of being under the rule of grace affirms that we are not under the dominion of sin.
Therefore, this is the primary method we have to safeguard our peace and comfort against the claims of sin that disturb our consciences.
Let us strive to maintain an experience of the rule of grace in our hearts, as mentioned in Colossians 3:15. We are and must be under the guidance and rule that determines our state. This rule can either be that of sin or of grace. There is no collaboration or partnership between them in terms of rule, although they can coexist in terms of residence. If we can assure ourselves of being under the rule of grace, we secure ourselves from the rule of sin. It is therefore wise, and forms the foundation of all our comforts, to obtain evidence and experience of being under the rule of grace. This will reveal itself if we diligently observe its actions and operations within us. It will manifest in two particular ways, among others:
1. By maintaining a consistent commitment to living for God and conforming to the example of Christ, despite being taken by surprise through temptations and the urgent enticements of sin.
This is referred to as "cleaving unto God with purpose of heart," as mentioned in Acts 11:23. This will be evident wherever grace governs. Just as a sailor heading to sea has a specific destination and port in mind, guiding their course accordingly, they may encounter storms and adverse winds that push them off course and sometimes even backward towards their starting point.
Nevertheless, their original intention remains intact, and they employ their skill and diligence to recover from losses and setbacks caused by crosswinds and storms. The same principle applies to a soul under the guidance of grace. Its steadfast purpose is to live for God, but along the way, it encounters the storms of temptations and the deceptive tactics of sin. These disturbances unsettle and disorient the soul, pushing it backward at times, as if attempting to divert it in the opposite direction and return to the shores of sin from which it embarked. However, where grace holds the rule and guidance, it will overcome all opposition and hindrances. It will restore the soul, bringing it back to order and rescuing it from the confusion and negative states into which it was drawn. Grace will
reestablish a dominant focus on living for God in all aspects of life. It will do this consistently, whenever the soul encounters such disturbances caused by the power of sin. When there is a firm and enduring strength in a cause or purpose, it will persist through all changes and variations. However, when the strength of a cause is merely circumstantial, the initial opposition and disorder will lead to ruin. If someone's commitment to living for God is only occasional, based on present convictions, the first vigorous opposition or temptation will disrupt and overthrow it.
However, when this commitment is rooted in the soul's foundational design empowered by grace, it will break through all opposition and regain its influence in the mind and affections. Through this, grace demonstrates its rule and reveals that sin's presence in the soul is a result of rebellion rather than rightful dominion.
2. It does so by consistently practising grace in all religious duties, or at the very least, making a sincere effort to do so. When sin has dominion, it may allow the soul to perform religious duties, and in some cases, even excel in them. However, it ensures that divine grace is not exercised within them. Regardless of the pleasure derived from these duties or the emotions stirred by light, gifts, afflictions, or superstition, there is no exercise of faith and love in them. Faith and love are essential and inseparable from the rule of grace. Wherever grace governs, the soul will strive for the continual exercise of grace in all its duties and will not find satisfaction in mere external performance. If it falls short, it will examine itself and guard against similar lapses.
Unless there is a great temptation or an overwhelming sense of guilt, which hinders the necessary spiritual boldness for the proper exercise of grace (namely, faith and love in holy duties), the soul will not be hindered from pursuing and utilising them.
If, through these means and similar operations of grace, we can have a confirming experience that we are under its rule and guidance, we
can free our minds from troubling apprehensions of sin's dominion, for both cannot reign in the same soul.
Fourthly, for this to occur, sin must make the soul aware of its power and rule, or at least do something that elicits this awareness, unless the conscience is completely calloused and hardened, beyond feeling.
No rule or dominion exists without those subject to it being aware of it. There are two ways in which sin, in its dominion, will make those it rules over conscious of its presence:
1. In suppressing and overcoming the influence of the mind's convictions. Those who are under the dominion of sin (as we will soon see) can have insights and convictions regarding their obligations in many matters, and they may generally follow this light and conviction despite the dominion of sin. Just as a tyrant allows his slaves and subjects to pursue their own affairs, but if their actions, in substance or manner, come into conflict with or oppose his interests, he will make them aware of his power.
Similarly, when sin has dominion, if individuals have light and conviction, it will generally permit them to comply with it in many things. It will allow them to pray, hear the word, abstain from various sins, and perform numerous duties, as explicitly affirmed in Scripture concerning many who were under the power of sin, and as we observe in practice. We witness considerable religious activity and the diligent observance of religious times and seasons, with many morally good and beneficial duties being performed by those who, in many other respects, proclaim themselves to be under the dominion of sin.
However, when the light and conviction of these individuals rise up in opposition to the primary influence of sin in the lusts and ways it exercises its rule, they will become aware of its power within them. Those who suppress, ignore, disregard, or act directly contrary to their convictions will initially feel resentment towards the light, and then console themselves with resolutions for other times and seasons. But sin will prevail by virtue of its dominion.
From this, two things follow:
(1.) A consistent opposition to sin, driven by the light in the mind and convictions in the conscience, does not prove that those in whom it exists are not under the dominion of sin. Until individuals reach the point of complete blindness and hardness, there will be a capacity within them to judge what is good and evil, accompanied by self-judgment in relation to these matters, as the apostle explains in Romans 2:15. Many find contentment in this. When their light condemns sin, they believe they hate it, but they do not truly hate it.
When convictions call for certain duties, they believe they love them, but they do not truly love them. What they perceive as the rule of light within them, in opposition to sin, is merely the rebellion of a naturally enlightened conscience against its dominion in the heart.
In short, light can condemn every known sin, deter from many, urge the performance of every known duty, and lead to the fulfilment of many, yet sin can still have complete dominion over the soul. This will become evident when it is put to the test in those instances where sin exercises its ruling power.
(2.) It is a wretched condition for individuals whose minds are constantly caught between the guidance of their light and the compelling force of conviction on one hand, and the rule or dominion of sin on the other. Wherever light exists, it deserves to have the rule and guidance. It is the art by which the mind directs itself. For individuals to be coerced, by the power of their desires, to act against their light most of the time, as they do when sin has dominion, is a distressing and lamentable state. Such individuals are described as "rebelling against the light" in Job 24:13, because the light rightfully deserves to rule within them, but is overthrown by sin. This condition turns most people into a "troubled sea that cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."
2. Sin, when it has dominion over someone, makes them aware of its power through its persistent influence on their mind and emotions in relation to the specific sins in which it primarily
exercises control. When sin has absolute dominion, it continuously predisposes, inclines, and stirs up the mind towards those sins. It directs the entire soul towards such sins or their circumstances. There is no clearer indication of sin's rule in someone than when it habitually engages their mind and emotions in constant involvement with this or that particular sin or wicked way.
However, it must be added that despite these signs of sin's ruling power, only a few of those under its dominion are aware of their state and condition. Many are so deeply under the influence of darkness, apathetic laziness, and negligence that they have no sense of this rule of sin. They are the ones described by the apostle in Ephesians 4:1819. And even though they are the most wretched slaves on earth, they consider themselves the only ones who are free. They view others as being in bondage to foolish and superstitious fears, while they have the liberty to indulge in drinking, swearing, mocking religion, engaging in immorality, and defiling themselves without restraint.
This is their idea of freedom, which is just as good as having it in hell —a freedom to curse and blaspheme God and harbour vengeful thoughts towards themselves and all of creation. The light within such individuals is darkness itself, as they have nothing to rise up against the rule of sin, which is the only source of a sense of its power. Others, as we mentioned earlier, may live in partial compliance with their light and convictions, abstaining from many sins and performing many duties, yet they continue in some known sin, allowing themselves to persist in it, while refusing to admit that sin has dominion over them.
Therefore, there are two challenging aspects in this matter:
1. Convincing those individuals in whom sin clearly has dominion that such is indeed their state and condition. They will exert their utmost efforts to avoid this conviction. Some justify themselves, some make excuses, and some refuse to even investigate this matter. It is rare, especially in recent times, to