Why You Don’t Need to ‘Clean Up’ to Come to Christ

 

"Tear Off the Strings: Why You Don’t Need to ‘Clean Up’ to Come to Christ"

Key Scripture:
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
— Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

The Officer’s Dilemma

A pastor once shared the Gospel with a high-ranking army officer bound by Hindu temple strings—symbols of vows to idols. The man trembled: “I’m too unclean. My life is pledged elsewhere.”

The pastor replied:
“If rotten food lies on the ground, flies swarm it. You could waste hours swatting them—or simply remove the food. The flies vanish. Your sins are like those flies. Christ doesn’t ask you to chase them; He cleanses you.”

When the officer asked, “What do I do with these strings?” the answer was radical:
“If Jesus is your Lord, you’re now God’s child. Tear them off—you’re free.”

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1. The Lie: “I Must Clean Myself First”

We often think God accepts us only when we’re “good enough.” But Scripture demolishes this:

• "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, NKJV)
• "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us." (Titus 3:5, NKJV)

The Gospel: Christ doesn’t reform you—He resurrects you (Ephesians 2:5).

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2. The Truth: Grace Cleans the Root

Like the officer’s strings, our efforts to fix ourselves are powerless. But Christ:

• Broke the chains: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free." (Galatians 5:1, NKJV)
• Washed us clean: "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7, NKJV)

No more bargaining with God. The price was paid; the strings are cut.

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3. The Invitation: “Come As You Are”

Jesus calls the weary, not the worthy:

• "The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out." (John 6:37, NKJV)
• "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink." (John 7:37, NKJV)

Your part? Surrender. His part? Everything else.

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4. The Freedom: Living as God’s Child

Those temple strings symbolized fear. But in Christ:

• You’re adopted: "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1, NKJV)
• You’re secure: "Nothing shall separate us from the love of God." (Romans 8:39, NKJV)

Practical Step:
Is there a “string” you’re clinging to—guilt, religion, self-effort? Pray this:
“Jesus, I trade my vows for Your victory. I receive Your cleansing now.”

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Closing Appeal

The officer left that day with cut strings and a new heart. Grace didn’t make him perfect—it made him alive.

You don’t need a moral resume to approach God. You just need empty hands.

Prayer:
“Lord, I stop trying to ‘fix’ myself. I come to You as I am. Tear off every lie, every chain. I receive Your rest today in Jesus' name. Amen.”

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Discussion Questions

1. What “strings” (old vows, guilt, or rules) am I still trusting in?
2. How does Romans 5:8 change my view of God’s love?