Three Things To Know About Sin

In the beginning God brought forth a good creation (Gen 1:31). In Eden, Adam was provided with work to do and rules to follow (Gen 2:15-17). By giving mankind free will and commands, God allowed for the potential of evil and sin. A being with the ability to choose can transgress the law of God (Rom 4:15; 1 John 3:4). In the garden, man chose not to walk in the good way which God gave him. Adam and Eve were no longer good because of their sin, and God expelled them from Paradise (Gen 3:22-24).

Since that time, men and women continue to disobey. Each one bears the burden of their iniquity (Ezek 18:20). We are drawn away by our desires and choose evil (Jam 1:14), but there are things we need to know about sin. Careful study of God’s word offers us perspective.

Sin is problematic, but not irresistible. When we sin, we are not experiencing a unique struggle. At times we may feel our burden is too great, or that we are facing tougher challenges than anyone else. This is not true. All of humanity deals with temptation and sin (Rom 3:23; 1 John 1:8). Spiritual babes in Christ and mature Christians share in this spiritual battle (Eph 6:12). Only one has ever walked this earth and avoided sin, the Lord Christ (Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 2:22). We have a beautiful promise from Him. Sin is common to man, but God gives strength and opportunity to resist and overcome (1 Cor 10:13; Jam 4:7).

Sin is attractive, but not satisfying. When we sin, we have gone for the bait and fallen for the trap. Sin is pleasurable. If it did not bring at least temporary enjoyment, then it would not have much lure or tempting power, would it?! The strength of sin is in its attraction (1 John 2:16). When we choose sin, we are appealing to our most selfish and shortsighted desires, focusing only on gratification. We would do well to remember that not everything that is pleasing to us is good for us! Any initial attraction quickly gives way to chaos, pain, and shame (Rom 6:21). Your eternal soul is too valuable to trade for the temporary enjoyment of fleeting pleasure (Mark 8:36-37; Heb 11:24-26).

Sin bring separation, but we can be reunited. When we sin, we distance ourselves from God, creating a divide through the rebellion of disobedience. By transgression we “opt-out” of fellowship with the Creator, and our God is never fooled by those calling Him “Lord” while not heeding His commands (Luke 6:46). Thankfully, God’s wise and longsuffering care for mankind provides a solution. We have a means of reacquiring the goodness which we tarnished by sin. This newly restored fellowship shows how the power of sin can be broken for each willing servant. Rather than sin’s separation and reward of death (Rom 6:23; 2 Cor 5:18), through baptism (Acts 22:16; Gal 3:27) we can have reconciliation in the atoning blood of Jesus!