The Problem of Sin

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned - Romans 5:12

It was sin, producing death in me . . . in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure - Romans 7:13

Paul addresses two issues, concerning sin, in these verses.  First, sin is much worse than we could ever imagine.  Secondly, we all are infected with sin, resulting in certain death.  Let me address the first issue.  Man has always wanted to minimize the impact and offense of sin.  It is common to hear phrase like these:

     It was just a little white lie.

     Boys will be boys.

     (Insert sin) is not a big deal.

     I'm not hurting anyone.

     Its my body.

All of these indicate a deeper problem - we do not understand, or sometimes care, how big a deal sin is to God.  Its such a big deal that in Romans 7:13, the worst word Paul can use to describe sin is "sin."  The truth of the matter is that sin is the worst thing in the world.  God hates sin.  So while we like to brush over the sin in our lives, God is highly offended.  He created us and we have rebelled, refusing to acknowledge Him as creator and submitting to His will.

Many years ago I was working in a chemistry lab, when a woman broke a sealed tube with a very dangerous and deadly substance inside.  She brought me the tube with no concern as to the danger she was in.  Repeatedly I questioned her, "Did any of this touch your hand?"  She just did not see the big deal until I told her the danger she was in - "You could lose your hand if this came chemical came in contact with it."  Suddenly she was much more diligent in making sure she was not exposed.  This is the issue with sin.  Its deadly.  Upon exposure, even just one time, it results in an eternal death sentence.  My prayer is that you understand how serious this thing called sin really is.

Secondly, we all have been infected.  Scripture tells us, because of our sinful nature, we all are sinners (ALL OF US). We are liars, adulterers and murderers at heart, thieves, dishonorable to God and our parents, and covetous.  Remember even the smallest sin leads to death.  God must punish sin.  I know that this offensive (the truth often is) but you are not a good person.  I am not a good person.  There is no such thing as a good person.  If you are honest with yourself, you know this to be true.

In light of these terrifying truths, Jesus offers the cure.  The cure - the blood of Jesus Christ.  He cleanses us from sin with His own blood.  God's only son has made away to be forgiven and receive eternal life, avoiding the just punishment we deserve. But the question is how and this is where I want to pick up next week.

Next week - how do we biblically respond to the gospel?

The Gospel - Who Is God?

A couple weeks behind (VBS and a mission trip to Haiti), so its time to catch up . . . 

Who is like, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?  You stretched out your right hand; the earth swallowed them.  You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed;  you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode. - Exodus 15:11-13 

Background

Moses penned these verses after the Israelites were saved and the Egyptian army was destroyed, all by the hand of God.  The Israelites walked through dry ground, as the Red sea split and the Egyptian army was destroyed when the waters came crashing back down.  In this passage we get a glimpse of the nature of God.  God loves and rescues His redeemed while absolutely wiping the Egyptians off of the face of the earth.  How can these two attributes be reconciled?  Keep reading . . . 

His love, mercy, and grace 

No words can express the love of God.  His mercy and grace abounds beyond any human comprehension.  We are His creation, fearfully and wonderfully made.  We see this exemplified in the blessings and the good things He has given us.  Most importantly, a way of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  Most of us hear often of this love in sermons, and books, even on TV.  "God loves you," is found on bumper stickers across the world.  Understand that God is love . . .  but understand that the character of God is not defined by love only . . .

His holiness, justice, and wrath

God is also Holy.  Be careful not to dismiss this to quickly.  God's holiness is also something that is beyond our comprehension.  Because He is holy - HE MUST JUDGE AND PUNISH SIN. God is moral perfection.  Since He is the creator and sustainer of the universe, He is the judge of His creation, requiring Him to pour out His wrath against sinners.  Now you might be thinking, "yea, but God is love so He will not punish man." But lets stop and think about this with this illustration:

             

        You have a  dear family member that was kidnapped and brutally murdered.  They police quickly          apprehend the suspect, who is tried and convicted.  His guilt is obvious to all.  At the sentencing, the vicious murderer appeals to the judge's goodness and says, "won't you just please forgive me and let me go?  Your a good judge, right?" 

What would you think of the judge that would free the man the killed your loved one.  You would think - this is a very bad judge.  He did not carry out justice.  Anger and frustration would fill your heart.  You would be justified in saying that this was grossly evil and unfair.  No sensible man believes that it is justice to overlook murder. This is the point - a good judge carries out justice.  But here is the issue - GOD IS FAR GREATER THAN A GOOD JUDGE.  HE IS A PERFECT AND HOLY JUDGE.  He will judge murder.  But also, because He is a holy and good judge, He will judge stealing, lying, dishonoring of parents, lust, and even the very thoughts of our mind.  God judges all sin, even the sin that we think is not a big deal.

So here is the dilemma.  God does love you but God must judge sin (spoiler alert: we are all sinners).  God must make a way that He can satisfy His wrath and judgment against sin and still safe the sinner from it.  The answer - JESUS.  God wrapped Himself in human flesh, lived a perfect life, and then laid down that life to be crucified, taking upon Himself the sin of you and me.  His name is Jesus.  So that no man might dispute what happened on the cross and so that believers may know that God has been victorious, JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD.  This is the gospel.

Next week - To fully understand the Gospel we must now understand the character of man and the seriousness of sin.