Do I have to Call Myself an Addict if I’m Saved?

Christian Recovery and the New Creation Reality!

The question, “Do I have to call myself an addict if I’m saved” is often asked by new Christians. And the answer is “No.” But not everyone agrees. In fact, a lot of Christians believe the secular philosophy of “Once an addict, always an addict.” But if this is true, then the Bible is telling lies. And we all know that God’s word is Truth. God is very clear when it comes to the New Creation Reality. Take 2 Corinthians 5:17 for example: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 

With this Scripture in mind, it becomes clear that the secular philosophy is actually the lie. Of course, this is not the only Scripture that backs up the New Creation Reality. There are too many to number and the whole concept of being born again and having the continual ability to repent and turn things around is rampant in the pages of the Bible. The bottom line is that Jesus died so we could die to our old life and be resurrected into a new life.

It’s true that we are all born with a sin nature, and many of us have a propensity for addictions. Others can be more prone to gossiping, or to negativity, or to pride or lust. These propensities must be overcome with the blood of Jesus. We do not have to accept these character flaw, but instead need to walk in faith and believe that we are who God says we are. 

It is with this New Creation Reality that we find our true identity in Christ. It is in this realm that we discover our gifts and the purpose for which God created us in the first place.

The Word of God declares us whole. It declares us to be more than conquerors. It declares that we are overcomers and says that we have the authority to stomp on snakes and scorpions. The Bible explains that we have the essence of God living in us, and that our God nature overtakes our sin nature – if and when we let it.

Should you call yourself an addict? Only if you are in your addiction and have yet to turn your life over to God. Otherwise, call yourself SET FREE! 

Jamee Pineda is the co-director of The Solid Rock Road Chrsitian Recovery ministry, which was founded in 2002. She is also the co-author of "Follow The Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery" and the training manual that teaches pastors and recovery ministry leaders how to use the book for group recovery.