An Ugly Churchy Word – Sin

Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

Ephesians 6:8 (NLT)

We’ve looked at some beautiful churchy words: grace, repentance, and justified. Today’s churchy word is an ugly one.
 
Sin.
 
We can name some sins, even some of our own. The word evokes feelings of guilt, shame, and darkness. It makes us unacceptable to be in the presence of our perfect God. Our scripture says sin leads to decay, yet we also know that a sacrifice of blood removes the sin.
 
This is all accurate information about the consequences of sin but can we define sin? Out come my research tools…
 
In a handful of cases, sin is used to mean moral evil, religious rebellion, or fault. But overwhelmingly, sin means to offend or miss the mark. So to understand what constitutes sin against God, we must know God’s standard and what displeases Him.
 
Fortunately, God clearly defines the mark in His own Words. Remember that it’s His standard, not ours. When we take it upon ourselves to define right and wrong we are claiming rights that belong to God.
 
And although we like to think some sins are worse than others, there is no hierarchy of sin. All sin separates us from God. One sin doesn’t remove us 2 paces while another puts us back 10. Sin is sin.
 
This could be depressing news until we remember all our churchy words! God loves us even though don’t deserve it (grace). When we turn away from sin and back to Him (repent), He makes us as pure as if we never sinned (justified).
 
What sin separates you from God? Will you repent?
 
#SeedsofScripture #justified #forgiven #sin

2 Comments

  1. CHERRILYNN BISBANO on March 1, 2016 at 10:11 AM

    Cathy, This is a great post. I love your statement "One sin doesn’t remove us 2 paces while another puts us back 10. Sin is sin." Many do not grasp that concept.
    I praise God that Jesus paid the full penalty for my sin. He reveals to me daily what He and I need to work on but He loves me in spite of it. Nothing can separate me from His love. What a great God we serve, my friend.

    • CathyChung on March 1, 2016 at 1:15 PM

      Love your comment that God reveals what you and He need to work on every day. So healthy! We're all a work in progress and so grateful for His grace.

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