Gospel

NEVER SINNED?

by Morris Inch
06/07/16
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NEVER SINNED?

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Some years ago my mother confided in me, "I can’t remember that you ever did anything wrong." Conversely, I could remember numerous occasions. Given her apparent sincerity, I decided that love must have a short memory.

More recently, I came across a person who he inquired, "Will God fault me for failing to confess sins I have not committed?" Was he serious? Seemingly so.

In any case, these instances call for a reality check. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:23-24). Initially, there are no exceptions. Those who think otherwise are mistaken.

Secondly, sin is diversely expressed. In this regard, there are sins of commission and omission. As I am reminded when with the attempt at humor, "I am too busy to sin." In this instance, the person is focusing on sins of commission. Although not accurate in his assessment.

Thirdly, not all sins are equally grievous. Some are of relatively trivial nature, while others can result in the loss of life. This brings to mind the Jewish observation, "When one dies, it is as if all have died with him." Since we are bonded together, whether for the better or the worse.

Fourthly, God sets the standard by which we are judged. However, it is not what perhaps appears as the severity of divine justice that should be our prime concern, but its impartiality. Only he can take all things into consideration, and render a proper verdict.

Fifthly, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 9). Accordingly, C. S. Lewis observed: "Only God knows when additional time will serve no constructive purpose."

Sixthly, God’s resolution of the human dilemma is grace. That is, unmerited favor. This amounts to a costly gift, associated with Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. In accepting the gift, it is with the intent of being reconciled to God. Conversely, by rejecting it, we demonstrate an utter lack of appreciation.

Finally, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Jesus inquired. "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye" (Matt. 7:3, 5). Thus are we alerted to the disparity between our appraisal of ourselves and others, attributing good or bad intentions selectively. Whereas intentions are characteristically mixed, and consequently misleading.

This extends to related problems. Such as associated with a moral pecking order. In which we attempt to further our self esteem and/or reputation at the expense of another. This surfaces in some unexpected contexts, as with adverse book reviews or favorable reviews calculated to commend the reviewer.

All things considered, the Satanic strategy appears to be two-fold. As a rule, sin is better kept at a subtle level. In this regard, a lesser good is more likely to keep us from the prime good than blatant evil. The prime good being to glorify God, and enjoy his eternal blessing.

If not by subtle means then by way of intimidation. As with the deplorable attack of terrorists on the civilian populace. As a case in point, a friend visited an outdoor market in Jerusalem, and was injured as a bomb exploded. They rushed her to the hospital, and she made a full recovery. Needless to say, not all were so fortunate.

Those who carried out the attack were not apprehended. But they will eventually be held accountable before the throne of God. Meanwhile, God offers forgiveness by way of repentance and faith. Here we take leave of this critical and timely issue.