The Harsh Reality And Unavoidable Issue Of Sin

Modern society more and more makes very little of or does not even bother to think about sin as a serious and destructive fact of life. There are varying attitudes towards the subject of sin. Some view the idea as an illusion, the construction of ancient religious fanatics, or fantasy. Many deny its existence and tend to scoff and mock at such a concept. Far too many people give little thought as to the tragedy, consequences, and penalties that sinful behavior produces, and foolishly believe that they are not accountable for what they say and do in their lives. God Almighty has an attitude towards sin, and that it is an affront and abomination in His sight and an insult towards His Holy nature and being, and hates those who abound in sin (Deuteronomy 25:16; Psalm 5:5; Proverbs 6:16-19). In this life we cannot have sinful behavior totally purged from our fallible bodies and fallen nature, but it can be overcome by the power and direction of God. Only in the new heaven and earth will we be finally free from sin and its effects (Revelation 21:1-17).

Sin's origins, according to Scripture, came from the mind of Lucifer, a mighty angel of God who was one of the major figures of authority in the hierarchy of heaven. He was the most beautiful and magnificent of all the angelic host (Ezekiel 28:11-19) and had been created as good, for God cannot do anything that is evil or wicked in nature (James 1:13,17; 1 John 1:5). He gave to every angelic being and us the ability to make choices, whether for good or bad and the consequences to follow. This concept is referred to as "free will". God does not want worship from beings who cannot make a free decision as whether to serve Him or not. Because He is Sovereign and does have all things under His control, our choices do not surprise Him nor catch Him off guard. He has given us freedom to follow or reject Him fully knowing the consequences for our actions as a result. Free will shows us, if anything, that making a decision to walk away from HIS perfect will brings about situations that are perilous to our lives both here and in the life to come.

At some point in the development of the universe, Lucifer, in an attitude of narcissistic pride, believed that his status and power were not suited merely to serve God, but as a means of usurping God' authority and become the ruler of heaven and the creation. His decision to openly rebel against God sealed his fate and started him down the path of evil and all malevolence that would become his complete and unchangeable nature (Isaiah 14:12-17). Lucifer's arrogance drove him to recruit a third of the angels to join him in what would be a futile rebellion in the portals of heaven. They were all thrown out and eternally condemned by the LORD (Revelation 12:7-9). Lucifer is now known as "Satan", the adversary and still masquerades as an "angel of light" to deceive people into his self-induced belief that he, his demonic host, and those who follow him can still find a way to overthrow and even destroy God (Job 2:4-5; Mark 4:15; Luke 4:4-8; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:2-4).

We might want to make light of the issue, but the Scriptures tell us of God's definition of sin, and it goes against the grain of our modern thinking and ideology. Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4) and is also defined as falling short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). It is rebellion against God (Isaiah 1:2), and rank unbelief, calling God a liar (1 John 5:10). It is deciding that your way is best and you will not heed the guidance and warnings of God (Isaiah 53:6) and describes all acts and thoughts of unrighteousness (1 John 5:17). That is clear and to the point and we go against God's decrees at our own risk. Sin is a folly to deceive you; a force to destroy you; a fact to condemn you, and is a volitional act against the will of God. Sin is rank disobedience and nothing less. This all began with the first couple, Adam and Eve, real, literal, historical beings who were our first parents and from whom the entirety of the human race descended. His decision to go against God's direction in Eden brought the curse of sin upon all of us who are his descendants (Genesis 3:1-24; John 3:18; Romans 5:12, 18; 1 Peter 1:23). Your own actions and words verify this fact and you cannot deny it.

Our "choices", "free will", and "decisions" to go against the standards and decrees of the Sovereign LORD have resulted in death for us as the penalty for our disobedience and rebellion from the start of civilization (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1). We have brought upon ourselves spiritual death, that is, separation from God (Isaiah 59:1,2), and the ONLY way back to God is through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross as a final and complete sacrifice for our sins (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:6-11; Hebrews 7:25). We are to confess our sins to God and forsake them in order that our relationship and fellowship with Him can be fully restored (Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:28-30; 1John 1:9-10). Our sins have brought upon us the curse of physical death as well, something that we did not have happen until the day that Adam and all of us who followed fell into sin and rebellion.