The Enemy's Doorway: Sin Is An Access Point
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Many believers struggle with the balance between grace and obedience. On one hand, Scripture is clear that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Yet, on the other, we are also called to turn away from sin and walk in righteousness.
Why? Because sin is not just about morality—it’s about access.
The Meaning of Sin and Repentance
The word sin in Greek is hamartia, which means "to miss the mark." The mark is love—the essence of God’s nature and the greatest commandment we are given (Matthew 22:37-40). When we sin, we are not just breaking a rule; we are falling short of love—whether that be love for God, for others, or even for ourselves.
Repentance, in Greek, is metanoia, which means "a change of mind" or "to turn around." Repentance is not just feeling sorry—it is a deliberate redirection of our aim back toward love. Think of sin as an arrow that lands in the outer areas of a target. Repentance allows us to correct our aim, drawing our focus back to love so that we don’t keep missing the mark.
This is why repentance is not condemnation but an invitation—an opportunity to realign with God’s heart and to walk in the fullness of His love and protection.
Sin as a Doorway for the Enemy
When we engage in sin, we are not necessarily condemning ourselves to hell, but we are giving the enemy legal access to attack us. This is not about whether you are a good person or a bad person—it is about spiritual protection and authority.
Jesus has already secured victory for us, but when we choose sin, we step outside the covering of that victory. It’s like leaving the doors and windows of your house wide open in the middle of the night—don’t be surprised if thieves come in.
Sin creates an opening for:
- Torment – Spiritual oppression and emotional distress
- Deception – Lies that keep you from seeing clearly
- Weakened Protection – Less sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance
Sin and Intimacy with Evil
Sin is not merely an act; it is a doorway that allows the enemy access to our lives. This concept is first illustrated in Genesis when Adam and Eve partook of the fruit. The word "knowledge" in Scripture often signifies intimacy, not just intellectual understanding. When Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, they became intimate with both good and evil—allowing evil to dwell within them.
Because of this, the human experience became one of emptying out evil (sin) to make room for good (the Holy Spirit). Repentance is not about punishment but about clearing out what corrupts us so that we can be filled with holiness.
Recognizing Sin: Anything Outside of Love
Sin is anything that takes us outside of love. Jesus embodied perfect love and demonstrated it in many ways—
- Through compassion for the brokenhearted (John 8:10-11)
- Through healing and restoration (Matthew 9:35)
- Through truth-telling, even when it was difficult (John 4:17-18)
- Through righteous anger when protecting what is holy (Matthew 21:12-13)
Jesus' righteous anger was never about harming people—it was about protecting holiness. Many misunderstand anger as sin, but Jesus' example shows that anger rooted in love and righteousness is different from anger rooted in malice or vengeance.
Righteous anger is not about destruction but about protection. Unlike wrath rooted in personal offense, pride, or revenge, righteous anger aligns with God's justice—it seeks to uphold truth, defend the innocent, and correct wrongdoing without malice. It is not impulsive or reckless but guided by wisdom and love. Jesus displayed righteous anger when He overturned the tables in the temple, not to harm people but to cleanse God's house of corruption (Matthew 21:12-13). Righteous anger does not lash out in uncontrolled fury but takes a stand with measured action, aiming to restore rather than destroy. It does not seek vengeance but calls for justice, motivated by love for God and others. When handled correctly, righteous anger does not wound but shields, ensuring that the vulnerable are defended while the oppressor is confronted with truth.
Understanding sin means recognizing when we step outside the love of God and others. This is why repentance is crucial—it realigns our aim toward love and away from the darkness that tries to take root in us.
| Sin (Hamartia) | Repentance (Metanoia) | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Missing the mark (Love) | Realigning focus on Love | Restored relationship with God and others |
| Opening doors to the enemy | Closing those doors through obedience | Spiritual protection and authority |
| Separation from God’s presence | Returning to God’s presence | Filling of the Holy Spirit |
| Walking in the flesh | Walking in the Spirit | Strength to resist temptation |
Filling Our Lamps with Oil
The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) warns us to keep our lamps filled ith oil, meaning we must stay full of the Holy Spirit. When we are not actively seeking God, immersing ourselves in His presence, and strengthening our faith, we are leaving ourselves and those around us spiritually vulnerable.
This isn’t about removing joy from our lives—it’s about finding joy in the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10). And why? Because joy is our strength. When we walk in joy, fully connected to the Holy Spirit, we are stronger against the enemy’s schemes. The more we are filled with His presence, the less room we leave for darkness to operate in our lives.
Advancing the Kingdom of God
To advance God’s kingdom is to bring heaven to earth (Matthew 6:10). This is not accomplished through religious striving, but through love—first for God, and then for our neighbors (Matthew 22:37-39). These two commandments fulfill the entire law because they bring us into alignment with the nature of heaven.
The laws of Moses were established because man, like Adam, feared drawing near to God. Adam hid because, after sin, evil could now dwell in him (Genesis 3:10). The same fear lingers in people today—they hesitate to approach God because of what He might say. But God has already spoken. He has already made a way for those who believe in Jesus Christ—not just with faith, but with full belief.
Believing in the Fullness of Christ
To receive the fullness of Jesus’ benefits, we must believe that:
- Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16).
- He is God in the flesh (John 1:14).
- His sacrifice has completely redeemed us (Colossians 1:13-14).
- We have been given all things through Him (Romans 8:32).
To believe in Christ is to live in the fullness of His love, mercy, forgiveness, strength, and kindness. This is not about following rules for the sake of morality—it is about living in the freedom and power of His Kingdom.
Sin may be a doorway for attack, but belief in Christ is a fortress of protection. Live in that truth, and walk in the fullness of what He has already given you.