The Separating Power Of Sin And How Jesus' Sacrifice Reconciles Us To God Series

The Bible teaches that sin separates us from God, and that God hates sin. However, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we can be reconciled to God and turn away from sin. In this sermon, we'll explore the separating power of sin and the reconciling power of Jesus' sacrifice.

Sin separates us from God: According to the Bible, sin creates a barrier between humans and God (Isaiah 59:2, Romans 3:23).

God hates sin: The Bible teaches that God is holy and just, and therefore, He hates sin (Psalm 45:7, Proverbs 6:16-19).

Jesus' sacrifice: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins (Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:3). This act of love and sacrifice allows us to be reconciled with God.

Turning away from sin: Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are called to repent and turn away from sin, seeking forgiveness and a new life in Christ (Acts 2:38, 1 John 1:9).

1. Adam and Eve's Disobedience (Genesis 3:1-24)

The first humans, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God's command not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This act of sin separated them from God, and they were expelled from the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:23-24)

2. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

In Jesus' parable of the prodigal son, the younger son's sinful behavior separates him from his father. However, when he repents and returns to his father, he is welcomed back with open arms, illustrating God's desire to reconcile with us. (Luke 15:20-24)

3. David's Adultery (2 Samuel 11:1-27, Psalm 51:1-19)

King David's adultery with Bathsheba and subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah, separated him from God. However, through repentance and prayer, David was restored to a right relationship with God. (Psalm 51:12)

4. The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11)

A woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus, and the Pharisees demanded that she be stoned. However, Jesus' response, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone," highlighted the sinfulness of the accusers, and the woman was spared. This story illustrates Jesus' desire to forgive and reconcile rather than condemn. (John 8:11)

5. The Paralytic Man (Mark 2:1-12)

A paralytic man was brought to Jesus, and Jesus forgave his sins before healing his physical condition. This story illustrates that sin is a greater problem than physical suffering and that Jesus' sacrifice can forgive our sins and restore us to a right relationship with God. (Mark 2:5)

6. The Tax Collector's Prayer (Luke 18:9-14)

A tax collector, recognizing his sinfulness, prayed, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Jesus commented that this man, rather than the self-righteous Pharisee, went home justified before God. This story highlights the importance of recognizing our sinfulness and seeking God's mercy. (Luke 18:14)

7. Paul's Testimony (1 Timothy 1:12-17)

The Apostle Paul, formerly a persecutor of Christians, testified to the power of Jesus' sacrifice to forgive even the most egregious sins. Paul's experience illustrates that no one is beyond the reach of God's forgiveness and reconciliation. (1 Timothy 1:15)

8. The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39-43)

As Jesus hung on the cross, a thief crucified beside Him asked for forgiveness. Jesus responded, "Today you will be with me in paradise." This story demonstrates that even in the final moments of life, it's possible to turn to Jesus and receive forgiveness and reconciliation. (Luke 23:43)

In conclusion, these examples illustrate the separating power of sin and the reconciling power of Jesus' sacrifice. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven, reconciled to God, and empowered to turn away from sin and live a new life in Christ.This is the core message of Christianity, and it's a powerful reminder of God's love and mercy towards us.