…key truths about sin as taught in the Bible
Being a sinner
Being a sinner is actually quite humiliating, isn’t it? I did not want this. I did not plan this. I did not want to be in this. So what do you do about it? My ambition in life – is to please my God. So, this sinning is not what I want. And yet, I still sin! The thing is, though God saves us in an instant, maturity is a lifelong process that takes time. We have to learn to take it as it comes – and look to Christ moment by moment. We don’t accept the sinning, but we accept that we are weak and in need of the power of God in our life!
Keeping sin
The little verse of Psalm 66:18 teaches us a whole lot about God – and prayer. Just in this tiny verse we see: “If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear.” I am born again, and God has forgiven me of all my sins. However, on any given day or moment, if I come to Him in prayer AND am holding a sin, so to speak, or allowing a sin to have a place in my life — then, the Bible tells me: God will not give heed to what I say.
Practicing Sin – Not Following Christ
Are you practicing sin? Is there sin you constantly practice? Have you grown accustomed to accepting [“your” sin] as okay with God? (See: 1 John 1: verse 6) Are you okay with the practices of your life? Scripture teaches us very clearly what is obviously …NOT following Christ. In fact, we are warned that “that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” You are not following Christ if this is characteristic of you: Galatians 5:16-21.
My Heinous Heinous Ways
There is a tendency to think that – because I have sinned, therefore God does not like me, doesn’t want me, and, boy is He miffed at me! But that is not what the Bible teaches. That is not what Jesus practiced. So why are folks so condemning of people who fail!? At this time in God’s plan of the ages for us, God is not condemning sinners. THAT will come later! Currently God is trying to get our attention to get us to accept Him before it is too late!
About past sins and being forgiven now
The very clear message of Christ is that sinners can be changed when they repent in sincerity and truth, choosing to become God’s true followers. You can have all your sinful past forgiven by God, and be totally accepted into His Forever Family immediately, both here on earth now – and in heaven where we are declared forgiven in His Courts. Don’t be fooled into hell by thinking your sin is legitimate before God.
Pick a Sin – Any Sin
Scripture mentions “the sin which so easily entangles us” (- Hebrews 12:verse 1). What is yours? I do not want to be like drunk people, like a dog, like a pig… Isaiah 19:14; Proverbs 26:11; 2 Peter 2:22.
God takes care of sinners
We all sin. The allurements of the enemies of our soul entrap us with sin, saying, go that way. The message of Christ says, repent, turn this way. “I am the way, the truth, and the life….” We struggle not to sin. So, what kind of sinner are you?
God forgives sin by His Holy Holy Justice
What do you know about God, the most holy in the universe? Our Holy Holy Holy God was (and is) so opposed to anything not holy – that He volunteered to die in order to be able to save us all – you and me. THAT is truly the biggest Wonder of the Universe. God came to earth as a man, Jesus! His holy system of justice demanded holy justice. So He Himself went to the cross.
Playing With Sin
Sinners who accept sin, who conform themselves to their flesh – in whatever form, remain under condemnation still. If you struggle with sin, that means you are not accepting of it. You are rejecting sin but finding your flesh overwhelming. Born-again followers do that. There is a difference between being a sinner – versus living in sin. All born-again believers are sinners, but they have rejected sin by turning to Christ. They have been freed by God – from condemnation.
Sin Defined
Sin is an awful thing. The word for sin in the Greek is Harmatia and means “to miss the mark”. It was taken from a military expression of trying to hit the bull’s eye but missing it. Because it is so powerful, we can become a slave to it (John 8:34). It will control us (Romans 5:12). Sin can be defined as something that is contrary to God’s nature and character. It is his opposite.
Unrestrained sinful, sinful humans
Even with the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in us as born again believers, we humans sin and sin, and sin again. Imagine the scene after the Rapture, when un-redeemed humans will be sinning wantonly, without restraint. (2 Thessalonians 2: verses 7-8; 2 Thessalonians 2: verses 9-10)
Sinners versus “living in sin”
For as long as we are in this body of flesh, beset with its weaknesses and predilections, we believers struggle with sinning. But we will not live in a lifestyle of sin. We are all “sinners”. All of us are failing God in many ways – disobedient, time and time again. However, the born again believer does not accept sin in their life. They fight it!
Being 100% given over to Jesus
Being faithful to Jesus – that is what we want, right? Being faithful – when the Rapture happens? (I really want to go on that ride!) I live for Jesus, and that is why I live with confidence. How ’bout you? Accepting Jesus- plus some other is totally rejected by Jesus. That “other gospel” faith is the road that leads to the other place, not to God’s Home Heaven.
I look. I see. I feel.
I think. I choose. I choose You.
You are good. You are so wonderful.
You died and rose again – for me.
How can I not follow You
with all my heart,
with all my soul,
with all my mind,
with all my strength?
How can I not
strive to love my neighbors
as much as I love myself?
I will.
Source: I Look Oh My God
FOR MORE:
The Bible is the standard for Christian thought and practice. Not me. Not you.
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