Articles
Word Of The Week: Sin
Sin is a word that has almost disappeared from public conversation. It is considered negative and judgmental. The apostle John says, “Whoever commits sin also commits lawless-ness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). While the New Testament includes various synonyms for sin, the basic concept is to violate God’s standards of what is right.
Few people enjoy being confronted with their failures. It makes us feel bad (guilt); it dents our pride (humility); it highlights our accountability (responsibility). But it is for these very reasons that we should confront our shortcomings, for these are the qualities that lead to right thinking about God.
To acknowledge our sins is not to suggest worthlessness. God sent His Son to die for us so our sins could be forgiven (Heb. 10:11-12). This priceless sacrifice He would only give for creatures of great value. But this gift does us no good so long as we remain in denial or apathy toward our sins.
We must confess our sins (1 John 1:9) and repent of them (Acts 2:38) and otherwise obey God’s conditions to receive forgiveness. The Christian life is a never-ending battle against sin, but God has given us the power to overcome.
