SIN: A BARRIER BETWEEN MAN AND GOD
The Bible, in its profound wisdom, paints a stark picture of sin as a formidable barrier between humanity and its Creator. This barrier, erected by our own choices, necessitates divine intervention for reconciliation. Let us delve into the nature of sin and God's provision for its removal, drawing upon the Holy Scriptures for divine wisdom.
What is Sin?
The Scriptures offer a multifaceted definition of sin, revealing its pervasive nature:
• Transgression of the Law: 1 John 3:4 states, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." This highlights sin as a violation of God's established moral order. It is not merely breaking rules but rebelling against the very source of those rules.
• Unrighteousness: 1 John 5:17 proclaims, "All unrighteousness is sin." This broadens the scope, encompassing any deviation from God's righteous standard, including outward acts and internal dispositions.
• Neglect of Good: James 4:17 asserts, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." This emphasizes the sin of omission, where failure to act rightly is also considered sin.
• Lack of Faith: Romans 14:23 declares, "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Even neutral actions become sinful when they stem from doubt or unbelief.
• Foolish Thoughts: Proverbs 24:9 warns, "The thought of foolishness is sin." Sin originates in the heart and mind, making even our thoughts offensive to God.
• Origin in the Devil: 1 John 3:8 clarifies, "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning." This connects sin to the influence of Satan, showing its spiritual source.
The Nature of Sin:
• Sin is a deliberate and purposeful violation of God's will, often involving conscious choice.
• It is an act of rebellion against God's authority and sovereignty.
• It encompasses actions, feelings, and thoughts that contradict God's standards.
• It can be traced to attitude, behavior, intention, and neglect.
• "Sin means Satan-Inspired Nature," accurately summing up its origin.
The Barrier of Sin: Sin creates a chasm between a holy God and fallen humanity. Isaiah 59:2 states, "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." This separation is spiritual and relational, hindering our communion with God and preventing us from experiencing His presence and blessings. The truth revealed in Scripture is that sin, like an insurmountable chasm, cleaves humanity from the divine presence of a holy God. Hence, the separation is not merely a philosophical concept, but a deeply spiritual and relational reality, profoundly impacting our connection with our Creator.
The Divine Nature and Human Fall:
God, as revealed in the Bible, is a being of absolute holiness, purity, and righteousness. He is utterly distinct from the fallen state of humanity. In contrast, humanity, created in God's image, fell from grace through disobedience, inheriting a nature inclined toward sin. This inherent disparity forms the basis of the separation.
Isaiah's Testimony: The Visible Divide:
The prophet Isaiah, in chapter 59, verse 2 of the King James Version, provides a stark and undeniable declaration: "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." This verse illuminates the following:
• "Your iniquities have separated...": The word "iniquities" signifies moral wickedness and perversity. This emphasizes that the separation is not arbitrary but directly caused by human sin.
• "...between you and your God...": This highlights the relational aspect of the separation. Sin severs the intimate connection between God and humanity, disrupting the intended communion.
• "...and your sins have hid his face from you...":
This speaks to the loss of God's manifest presence. Sin obscures God's favor and prevents us from experiencing His direct fellowship.
• "...that he will not hear.": This underscores the impact on communication. Sin hinders our prayers and prevents them from reaching God's ears. It creates a barrier to divine response.
The Spiritual and Relational Ramifications:
This separation is not merely a physical distance, but a profound spiritual and relational alienation.
• Spiritual Separation: Sin creates a spiritual void, a disconnect from the life-giving presence of God. It darkens the soul and hinders spiritual growth. It prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God's Spirit.
• Relational Separation: The intended intimacy between God and humanity is broken. Sin disrupts the fellowship, causing a sense of estrangement and alienation. It prevents us from experiencing the love, joy, and peace that come from a close relationship with God.
• Hindrance to Communion: True communion with God, involving intimate fellowship and shared life, is impossible in the presence of unconfessed and unforsaken sin.
• Loss of Blessings: God's blessings, which flow from His presence and favor, are withheld when sin creates a barrier. This includes blessings of provision, protection, guidance, and spiritual growth.
The Depth of the Chasm:
The chasm created by sin is deep and wide, impossible for humanity to bridge on its own. It represents a fundamental incompatibility between God's holiness and human sinfulness. This reality highlights the desperate need for divine intervention.
A Call to Reconciliation:
The Bible, however, does not leave us in despair. It reveals God's plan of reconciliation through Jesus Christ, who bridged the chasm of sin through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Through faith in Christ, we can be forgiven, cleansed, and restored to fellowship with God. This restoration is the heart of the Gospel message.
The Way Out: God's Provision:
Despite the devastating consequences of sin, God, in His infinite love and mercy, has provided a way of reconciliation through Jesus Christ:
• Substitutionary Sacrifice: Romans 3:23-26 explains that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, but justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for our sins. 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
• Jesus, the Sinless Savior: 1 John 3:5 states, "And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin." Jesus, being without sin, became the perfect sacrifice for us.
• Repentance and Confession of Sin: Acts 3:19 declares, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." Confessing our sins and forsaking them are essentials for receiving God's forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 assures us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
• Cleansing with the Blood of Jesus: Hebrews 9:14 states, "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" After repenting and confessing of sins, ask the Lord to cleanse you with His blood. The blood of Jesus purifies us and reconciles us to God.
• Accepting Jesus as Lord and Personal Savior: Romans 10:9 affirms, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Salvation is found in personally accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
• Grace and Faith: Romans 6:23 reminds us, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Promise God that you won’t return to your vomit again and he should give you sufficient grace to follow him to the end.
The Ongoing Reality: In essence, sin will always be a barrier until it is confessed and forsaken. God's pardon is available to all who sincerely seek it. By accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior, we can experience forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life. Imagine a beautiful, clear river flowing between two lands. One land represents God's holiness, and the other represents humanity. Sin is like a dam, built by our own hands, blocking the flow of the river. The river represents God's presence and blessings. Jesus Christ is the powerful force that breaks down the dam, restoring the flow and allowing us to cross over into God's presence. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the barrier of sin is removed, and we are reconciled to God. Amen.
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