"Therefore, if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17)
So, what is sin, according to the scriptures? This question came up this evening in discussion, and although I predominantly focus on helping new believers become grounded in the Word, there may be those who would prefer a more comprehensive understanding of sin -- particularly if leading people to Jesus also requires answering questions.
Certainly, the scriptures tell us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) And that "all unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not unto death." (I John 5:17) We are also aware from His Word that if we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves -- and the truth is not in us. (I John 1:8) That "the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) And, that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9-10)
Indeed, "we know that whosoever is born of God sins not, but he that is begotten of God keeps himself and that wicked one touches him not. And we know that we are of God and the whole world lies in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, [even] in His Son Jesus Christ -- this is the true God and eternal life." (I John 5:18-20)
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)
But the scriptures also offer clear guidance instruction regarding sin. For example:
"Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." (I John 3:4)
"Therefore to him that knows to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin." (James 4:17)
"Little children, keep yourselves from idols." (I John 5:21)
"Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death." (James 1:15)
But I say unto you, "That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:28)
And further to this last point -- "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21)
Thankfully, when we accept the Lord Jesus into our heart, He gives us hope, and we don't need to focus anymore on the things of this world, or on sin and death. In fact, when we walk in the Spirit, the scriptures state that "ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) Why?
Do you remember the example Jesus gave in Luke 7?
Jesus answering Simon said, "There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?" Simon answered and said, "I suppose that he to whom he forgave most." Jesus said unto him, "Thou hast rightly judged."
Then Jesus turned to the woman in the city "which was a sinner" and had anointed His feet with her tears and the alabaster box of ointment, and said, "Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house, thou gave Me no water for My feet, but she hath washed My feet with her tears, and wiped [them] with the hairs of her head. Thou gave Me no kiss; but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss My feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed My feet with ointment. Wherefore, I say unto thee, "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." And Jesus then said to the woman, "Thy sins are forgiven ... Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." (Luke 7:36-50)
Ass a consequence of God's abundant love for His beloved creation, He willingly decided to become the plan of salvation before the world was formed. He who knew no sin would become the perfect sacrifice. He would come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:13) "Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." (Acts 5:31)
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins ... God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
Thus, and without further ado, "repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord ..." (Acts 3:19) Be water baptized in His precious name so that you too shall receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47)
And know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that in your faith journey going forward -- "if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17)
Stand in the offering plate.
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