Asymptomatic Christian

This year many of us have learned a new word, asymptomatic. According to Merriam Webster the definition of asymptomatic is presenting no symptoms of disease. I want to say this again to make sure we are clear; you are not showing any outward symptoms of the illness. If there are no symptoms, then how did we know they had the illness? Test are created to determine if the illness or virus is living inside.  

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The debate about testing is loud and both sides have information to support their view. Some believe that all of us should be tested and some believe that with less testing we will have less of the virus out there. Why not test everyone or why not stop the testing? The answer to that debate depends greatly on the outcome you are looking to find. Test everyone and the number of cases will rise, stop testing and that number will drop. Does the testing increase or decrease are chances of death? “By no means!”

Romans 7: 12 – 13                            ESV

So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure.

Romans 7 has Paul explaining how the Old Testament Law is our sin test. The test is good and right when utilizing the data created, correctly. Paul continue to ask the question, “is it the Old Testament Law that brings about death to him, “by no means!” It is clearly sin that is causing death in our Body and Soul, not the testing.

How do you know if you are a Follower of God? In the Old Testament after the Israelites were released from the bonds of the Egyptians, God gave Moses the famous Ten Commandments. More laws or regulations were given to Moses from God that totaled a little over 600. When these laws are measured against the actions of our life, what will the results give us? Simply put, we are sinful people, we each carry the virus and are demonstrating symptoms.

The virus of Sin has been inside our blood stream since the time of our birth. The virus is carried from generation to generation. We have been able to trace it back to the first humans created on Earth. They are one of three humans to have tested negative for the Sin virus from birth. After a conversation with a known carrier of the sin virus, Adam and Eve became infected. That infection was so deeply rooted that it continues today. Below we see that Paul has taken the test and is now receiving his results.

Romans 7: 15-20                     ESV

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

Paul’s results came back, learning that he was positive for the sin virus. He wanted passionately to fix the symptoms that he was witnessing in his life. He attempted to just stop doing those terribly destructive actions under his own power and found no success. Something outside of himself was required. He needed treatment, but what treatment will work the best for this sin virus?

Romans 7: 24-25                                 ESV

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

In Romans 12 verse 2, Paul speaks about the renewing of the mind. In our current Covid-19 struggle there is a race underway for a vaccine to cure the virus. Paul understands that the sin virus will still reside in his flesh but by serving the law of God with his mind, he can find hope for life and no longer dwell on the death the virus brings.

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Romans 8: 1-3             ESV

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 

Jesus came to this Earth through the Virgin Mary, so He was not infected with the virus. Yet, on the cross He was injected with the sin virus, the sins of the entire World. When He defeated Death, Hell, and the Grave, He became that much needed vaccine.

Philippians 4: 7-9                    ESV

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me–practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you

Are we truly Asymptomatic Christians? If we understand the sin virus fully, then the answer is no. As we live and move in this World, we require the medication provided by the Cross. Can we overcome the risk of Death due to this sin virus, absolutely! Let your heart be at peace, accept the Holy Spirit into your life and allow him to transform your thinking and the God of peace will be with you.