In Christ - I am crucified with Christ

I am crucified with Christ...
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Truth for Life - Alistair Begg/C.H. Spurgeon
May 30, 2012
The Deep Cost of Sin

"Christian, why would you play with sin? Has it not cost you enough already? Burnt child, will you play with the fire? What! When you have already been between the jaws of the lion, will you step a second time into his den? Have you not had enough of the old serpent? Did he not poison all your veins once, and will you play at the cobra's den and put your hand in the dragon's lair a second time?

"Do not be not so mad, so foolish! Did sin ever yield you real pleasure? Did you find solid satisfaction in it? If so, go back to your old drudgery, and wear the chain again, if it delights you. But inasmuch as sin never gave you what it promised to bestow but deluded you with lies, do not be snared by the old fowler: Be free, and let the memory of your enslavement prevent you from entering the net again!

"It is contrary to the designs of eternal love, which are all focused on your purity and holiness; therefore do not run counter to the purposes of your Lord.
Another thought should restrain you from sin. Christians can never sin cheaply; they pay a heavy price for iniquity. Transgression destroys peace of mind, obscures fellowship with Jesus, hinders prayer, brings darkness over the soul; therefore do not be the serf and slave of sin.

"There is still a higher argument: Each time you serve sin you are "crucifying once again the Son of God . . . and holding him up to contempt."1 Can you bear that thought? If you have fallen into any special sin during this day, it may be that my Master has sent this admonition to bring you back before you have wandered very far. Turn to Jesus afresh. He has not forgotten His love for you; His grace is still the same. With weeping and repentance, come to His footstool, and you shall be reunited in His love; you will be set upon a rock again, and your goings shall be established."
1Hebrews 6:6
One of the hardest things for me to watch are those who have come through our programs who either choose to go back to the lifestyle that ensnared them in the first place - and those who have never left in the first place.  I am always grateful that God gave me the strength - and will - to completely turn away from my old way of life - because it was headed nowhere.  GOD'S path has me headed somewhere - to a place of rest and peace without the drama and trauma of sin - and an eternity with Him.  Dear one - if you're ensnared - if you're trapped - it's never to late to fully reckon yourself "crucified with Christ" - dead to sin - alive "in Him!"  Turn away - and turn back - make Jesus your all in all - may His love for you be sufficient for all of your needs!