Tuesday, October 19, 2010
I know what you are thinking. Who doesn't know what sin is? Well, in our present evil world, the lines between what is sin and what is not sin have become muddy.
God's Word is our guide. God's Word is always right. "For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth." (Ps. 33:4) The Word of God has the answer to EVERY problem. The Word of God is never out of date or not applicable to our needs. We can trust God's Word to never fail.
Having said all of that, let's take a glance at what the Word tells us about sin... An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. Prov. 21:4 We all know what pride and arrogance will do to a soul, but what about "the plowing of the wicked"? When you plow, you are going to plant something. What are you planting? What will be produced? JUST A THOUGHT!
The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men. Prov. 24:9 Wow! That is pretty powerful and I think we all have fallen into this category at some time or another. Another verse that comes to mind is Psalm 73:3. "For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." How many times have you seen someone doing wrong, yet prospering? How many times have you been envious of their gains? Here's another thing to consider..."For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (I Cor. 1:18) JUST A THOUGHT!
...whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Rom 14:23 Yeah, we all fall into this category too! "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom. 10:17) JUST A THOUGHT!
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. I Cor. 15:56 I will just tell you that I do not understand this one, but apparently even the sting of death is sin.
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17 This is really not hard to understand. The Word of God is FULL of "Good works" for us to do and when we fail to do them, we sin. They do not save us, but they separate us. JUST A THOUGHT!
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. I John 3:4 "God offered the law, not to save Israel for the had already been saved. The law was offered so they might know how to live for Him and be a peculiar treasure. The law was never given to any nation but the nation of Israel. Israel was not forced under this law. They voluntarily accepted it. They did not have to be placed under this strict code of conduct. They chose it." (Knox 2006:49) The law is not for us, but it does show us that we could never attain righteousness, and therefore, we are sinners. JUST A THOUGHT!
All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. I John 5:17 Well, there you have it! We are ALL guilty of sin because we are ALL unrighteous. "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Rom. 3:10) JUST A THOUGHT!
Sin brings reproach. (Proverbs 14:34) Sin brings death. (Josh. 1:18, Gen. 2:17, Ez 18:4, Rom. 3:24, James 1:15) Sin cannot be in Heaven. (Eph. 5:5, Rev. 21:27) The Bible says, "Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction. Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?" (Hab. 1:12-13) God cannot even look at sin!
So what is man to do? Well, the bad news is that there is NOTHING you can do. The Good News is "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" (I Cor. 15:3b-4) ONLY Christ's blood can redeem man from sin. (Eph. 1:7, I Jn. 1:7)
The blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse you from sin if you will only believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:32) Men have many different doctrines, philosophies, and plans on how to get to Heaven. There is ONLY one way! (John 14:6) You must choose to either believe man or believe God. I pray you will make the right choice and receive Him today.
If you are already His, then when God the Father looks at you, He sees you as righteous. You have His righteousness. You still live in the flesh, which is not saved, if you haven't noticed. Every day you must choose to walk in the flesh or to walk in the Spirit, being fully controlled by Him. He will lead you and guide you into all truth. (Eph. 5:9) Is your life pleasing to Him? Can others find Him by your example? Are you being fruitful? Are you living a holy life for Him? I strongly urge you to get alone with Him and seek Him with all your heart. Live today as if it were your last. Tell someone about Him and His GREAT LOVE! JUST A THOUGHT!