Born Free From Sin

In Born Free from Sin, Michael E.B. Maher argues that believers are not destined to remain in sin but have been freed by Christ to walk righteously. He explains that sin is disobedience to God’s laws, and that while the born-again spirit is incorruptible and cannot sin, the flesh (body and carnal mind) remains contaminated by the sin virus inherited from Adam. This creates a tension, but through Christ, sin in the flesh has been condemned, enabling believers to overcome it.

Maher distinguishes between known sins (which must be confessed for forgiveness) and unknown sins (which are automatically cleansed by Christ’s blood when the believer walks in the light). He emphasizes that grace is not a license to sin but an empowerment to live holy lives. Water baptism, walking in the Spirit, exercising self-control, and living by faith are key to walking free from sin.

The book warns that unrepentant sin leads to chastening (sickness, weakness, even early death), breaks fellowship with God, gives place to the devil, wounds the conscience, and hinders spiritual growth. Yet confession restores fellowship. Maher cites biblical examples (Jesus, Paul, Peter) of those who overcame sin and urges believers to imitate them. He concludes that while no one is sinless, believers can and should walk free from known sin through God’s enabling grace.