This is devotional thought number 10 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is “The Sinner’s (My) Need for Christ.”
Listen to “Thoughts in Worship 07.02.2017” on Spreaker.
Here’s the question for consideration: What is sin?
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4).
Sin is a three letter word! It leads us down the slippery slope to eternal separation from God. Although we love it so much, sin does not love us. It drives a wedge between us and God.
Do the Commandments Still Apply?
There’s so much controversy in Christian circles surrounding the validity of God’s law in our days. Although God emblazoned the ten commandments on tablets of sapphire stone with His own finger, and promised under the new covenant to write them in our minds, many theologians and their followers believe God amended His law.
Yes, the old testament Mosaic law regarding the sanctuary and its ceremonies and sacrifices were fulfilled in Christ, and thus put to an end at His death, having been fulfilled, but the law God thundered from Horeb is immutable.
Why is this important? I will just scratch the surface.
Have you ever heard of decriminalizing anything in society? Maybe you can recall that the production, sale, transportation, and importation of alcoholic beverages was once illegal in the United State of America. Eventually, this all was decriminalized. Whatever the alcohol ban was attempting to protect the public against went out of the window when the ban was lifted. No law; no crime.
There are posted speed limits in most jurisdictions in the world that are intended to keep drivers and pedestrians safe. If you drive above the limit, you can expect to receive a citation at some point. It is illegal to exceed the limit. What if the limit is removed? No law; no crime.
Life Without God’s Laws
What if God removed His law, as some purport? Let’s not guess here. Just as you could logically follow the reasoning with my first two examples, you can with regard to God’s holy law of liberty. If God’s law were no longer in place, we would be free to murder at will without penalty, steal, rape, serve idols, have no holy time on the seventh day, disrespect our parents, and lie.
If you think society is out of control now, just imagine if all laws of the land, many of which have the commandments as their foundation, were abolished. God’s law indicates His expectations of our thoughts and actions in everyday life. He gives the Holy Spirit to all who are willing to live righteously because only those will inherit eternal life.
What is sin? Sin is disagreement with our Creator. Sin is breaking the ten commandments. Unconfessed sin is the precursor to eternal death. Don’t tamper with it.
