Let's Talk About Sin

    This is a topic no one in our culture, even "church" culture, wants to touch. We will skirt around it for the sake of being politically correct or not wanting to offend. The issue is that in this process we offend the true and living God. Sin at its very core is destructive. It takes us away from God in this life and ultimately in eternity. Isaiah 59:2 literally says that our iniquities separate us from God. Sin isn't relative to how someone feels. It's based on what the Bible says.

    What is sin? According to the encyclopedia Britannica sin is, "moral evil as considered from a religious standpoint. Sin is regarded in Judaism and Christianity as the deliberate and purposeful violation of the will of God." Then Wikipedia says, "it's an immoral act considered to be a transgression of divine law." After reading these 2 secular descriptions of sin I had to look at the Word of God for its true interpretation. In all fairness there were over 100 scriptures that touched on the topic of sin. This means sin is a big deal to God. My question to anyone who is reading this, "Is sin a BIG deal to you?"

    The Bible basically describes sin as man's way over God's way. It starts as an internal deliberate decision to go against what God tells us. This consequently leads us to act in kind. So at what point do we choose the way that God wants us to go versus our own way? When will we see that His path far outweighs the path we may perceive is best? Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. That means that sin bears the consequence of death. It is only when we accept the gift of Jesus Christ that we can have eternal life. 

    To be fair, sin does feel good for a reason. We were born into sin and shaped in iniquity. (Psalm 51:5) That means we inherited so appetite to sin from Adam. Sin feels good because it satisfies the lusts we have in the moment. 1 John 2:16 breaks it down this way. It says in the New King James Version "For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world." This was the original temptation and resulting sin of Adam. The most important thing is that Jesus was tempted in the same manner. He did not sin. He paid for all of our sins on the cross. Finally, he rose again on the 3rd day with all power in His hands (Romans 10:9). Jesus’ act of sacrifice made the road for us to accept Him and live for Him by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. The fact is that sin IS an issue. It's the conflict of what God wants you to be versus what your flesh wants you to do. Jesus came to give life and that to the full (John 10:10). You don't have to live in accordance with your flesh. 

    This is my encouragement to anyone who is reading this, make the choice to come to the Lord and stay there. We've all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) That point empathizes the desperate need for a Savior. Knowing that we all need Jesus opens up the door to show that there's another option other than living in sin. Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life and no man comes to the father except by Him. (John 14:6) You don't have to live in a place that keeps you from God. You can invite Jesus Christ into your life. All you have to do is say yes to salvation. You can make the steps to receive His everlasting love and know the best life you've ever had. 

If you are reading this and have never accepted Jesus as Your Lord and Savior this is the time. If you have once walked with God, but you have strayed away, here is your moment. There will never be a more ideal time than now to surrender your life to the One who loves you most. He wants to call you out of darkness into His marvelous light. No strings attached. No hidden motives. He just wants a relationship with you. If this is you please say the prayer below. 

Sinner’s Prayer: Lord, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. He died on the cross just for me. I also confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that He rose again on the 3rd day, paying my sin debt in full. He is now seated at the right hand of power, interceding for me to the Father. I thank You, Jesus, that as I pray this prayer and believe with my heart that You have saved me. I receive Your love and commit my life to You. You are now the Lord of my life. Thank You for all that You have done and will do for me in the future. In Jesus name, Amen.

Scripture references: Isaiah 59:2, Romans 6:23, Psalm 51:5, 1 John 2:16, Romans 10:9, John 10:10, Romans 3:23, John 14:6 - all references in KJV unless otherwise specified.

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