Sin is not something we think about, much less talk about very much these days. There was a time several years ago when our pulpits and publications were filled with discussions about sin. We were taught that sin is serious and needed to be dealt with as soon as possible. But the urgency regarding sin began to fade in favor of a more enlightened, pluralistic age, and as it did “hell fire and brimstone” preaching became something to sneer at. The seriousness of sin was relaxed along with a more tolerant, less urgent view of what to do about it.
However, the New Testament still portrays the gravity of sin, especially in light of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Sin is as serious as it ever was.
Sin is the reason Jesus was crucified. The severity of sin is seen most clearly at the cross. It was prophesied by Isaiah, “He was pierced for our transgressions” (Isaian 53.5). “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us” (1 Corinthians 5.21). Sin is so catastrophic that Jesus left heaven to suffer death for us!
Sin is rebellion against God’s holiness and glory. We all do it (Romans 3.23).
Sin deserves eternal separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1.9). “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6.23). The real tragedy of sin is not just physical death, but eternal condemnation … unless forgiven.
Sin cannot be hidden from God, nor excused. The first sinners, Adam and Eve, tried to hide from God, but that is impossible (Genesis 3.8ff). They also tried to blame someone else for their sin, but that too failed. Jesus said, “Nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear …” (Luke 8.17-18).
Sin is so serious that Jesus said, “If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away … If you eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown in to the hell of fire” (Matthew 18.8-9). The danger of sin is real and must not be ignored.
Ongoing sin can bring condemnation even for believers. To Christians it was said, “For if we go on sinning deliberately … there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment” (Hebrews 10.26-27). Willful sin shows a hard heart and can lead to apostasy.
Repentance is urgent and necessary. “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13.3). “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2.38).
Sin is still serious. The good news is that Jesus offers a way to be forgiven.
Joe Chesser