More On Sin

This morning I read back over my journal entries from last Monday and Tuesday where I was contemplating the topic of sin.  This subject really is complex, and not so simple to define or analyse.  The idea of missing the mark is definitely part of the equation, and probably good in some ways, describing the effort to do good, but failing.  However, it does not accurately describe the heart condition, for clearly sin can be rooted in rebellion and disobedience, and in those cases, there really isn't any desire to hit the bulls-eye.  We can freely choose to sin, despite knowing some of the consequences.  We can choose to rebel against the Lord, believing our perspective over His, all of which He allows in His unwillingness to take away our free will.  There are even those that embrace a life-style of sin, reveling in their wickedness and sinful excesses, and God allows them to continue on that path.  God's attitude towards us is so amazing, for He patiently waits for each of us to recognize our need for Him, and His love for us.

Another component to think on is the idea of the consequences of sin.  As I mentioned before, I think part of the reason why God hates sin is that He sees the consequences of sin, and how that affects our image of Him and understanding of His character.  The enemy is constantly accusing God of many things, in our minds and hearts, and blaming Him for the consequences of our actions.  If we think about the story of Adam and Eve, as our first example of sin, the Lord described some of the consequences to disobedience prior to their eating the apple.  He didn't describe them all, but the result of the actions are significant. Separation of relationship, relinquishing authority and rule, division between Adam and Eve, shame and guilt are all consequences of this initial disobedience and sin.

One of the problems with sin is that it starts us down a path of consequences, none of which we really want to experience.  We can choose to get back up and try to do better (repentance), or we can just continue down the path we have started upon.  The enemy would try to convince us that it is worthless to try and get back on the right path, and that our sin has lost for us the opportunity for experiencing God's best for us.  Yet, the Lord, through Jesus' sacrifice, has made exactly that possible.  It is forgiveness and the canceling of the debt of sin, that sets us free from the power of sin and enables us to start over.

Looking at a few well known situations from Scripture  - Peter did not lose his place as an apostle when he denied Christ.  He did not lose his place of primacy in the newborn church (John 21).  Paul, through his attacks on the church did not disqualify himself from becoming an Apostle (Acts 8 & 9).  Peter, in embracing the idea of requiring circumcision for believers, was clearly wrong (sin) and yet maintained his position and authority (Gal 2:11-13).  In all of these instances, the Lord's forgiveness and repentance provide a restorative path.  There were some consequences, that were experienced, but in the end, the plan and purpose of God were fulfilled in both Peter and Paul's lives.

Secondly, sin does not cancel God's love for us (John 3:16-17).  He continues to bless us and do good to us and for us in spite of our sinful state (Matt 5:45).  He is good and He does good (Ps 145:9).  He is the Father of Lights, and every good gift comes from Him (James 1:17).  Our sin does not affect His character.  He loves us because He is love (1John 4:8). God continues to bless and pour forth His love on us, despite our sin, and the consequences of our sins.

I find myself realizing that my study of sin really leads me to understand God's mercy, compassion and love in a deeper way.  Often times the impression I had received was that sin would only lead me to experience God's judgment, yet if one really looks at God's attitude towards sinners, as described in the New Testament, you cannot help but realize that God would rather extend mercy, compassion, forgiveness and love than judgment.  He loves us and wants us to be with Him, in relationship with Him, and He is willing to wait our entire life, regardless of how many sins and mistakes we make, that we might turn to Him and enter into relationship with Him.  He is an amazing God!