From the days of Adam and Eve to this present day, sin has been one thing that we have all been exposed to. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, sin came into the world. And ever since then, we all inherited that nature, right from birth. But Jesus came and conquered sin, gave us the victory and the advantage of being adopted into the family of God –that our nature may be changed from sin to righteousness. (Genesis 3; Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:18-21).
Nevertheless, man is still being tempted daily. And unfortunately, many are ignorant about what our disposition, as believers, should be toward sin. Today’s blog post centers on revealing the truth about sin.
God hates sin and the scripture is clear on that. Sin is repulsive to God so much that He wouldn’t even give ears to the prayers of a sinner, because it is an abomination to Him. But what God hates more than sin, is being comfortable in that sin (the act) -which translates to rebellion. To rebel against God is to constantly give oneself to sin. “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4)
Just like Jerusalem in Jeremiah’s time, the people of God got comfortable in their sins. God was already upset by their sins but the whole situation was made worse because they weren’t even ashamed or ready to change their ways (Jeremiah chapters 6 &8). The seriousness in this is, that they began to say that God’s punishment cannot come upon them because the Temple was in Jerusalem. How self-conceited! This is the same today for those who sin and continue in sin, using bible verses or grace to cover their wrongdoing.
First, we know that it is false that grace is a license to sin. Grace was birthed from the conquering of sin! How then can it be a license to sin? Apostle Paul also made it clear that we cannot continue in sin and say grace is abounding. (Romans 6:2)
I have heard people quote the scripture that says, “nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:38-39) to sort of comfort themselves that they are still in God even when they make sin a habit. This is very much false. The truth is sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2).
The scripture says, “the love of God”, not “God”. God has never hated us. I mean, He certainly wouldn’t take such great risks and make huge sacrifices for people He despises. What God hates, is sin. And sin can separate us from Him. Sin is a reason why people go to hell (a place of separation from God). Even if you continue to sin, it truly doesn’t separate you from God’s love, but it will surely separate you from God.
Sin is enslavement. As enjoyable as sin may seem, it is well-packaged slavery. Jesus, Himself says it in John 8:34. People who sin are not in control of their actions, their flesh controls them. Judas was not transformed by the words of Christ which he heard, and he remained a slave to sin. That is why he could have betrayed Jesus for what is today’s equivalent of 25 dollars. Whatever overcomes a person is what they are enslaved to. But the hope for every believer is found in Romans 8:15, paraphrased: We have not received a spirit of slavery but that of adoption (into God’s family). 2 Peter 2:19; Romans 6:6
“For freedom, Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1
It has been established earlier that continuous and purposeful sinning is rebellion (1 John 3:4). Rebellion is also what the devil is guilty of. He rebelled against God and was cast down from heaven. Those who choose to share in his rebellion should also be prepared to share in his punishment. However, if you decide to share in Christ’s suffering by subduing the flesh daily, then you can also be assured of sharing in His glory. (Romans 8:17)
As stated at the beginning, we all received sinful nature from birth. Therefore, our default is to sin. Nevertheless, sin is conquered. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 makes us understand that Jesus Christ has conquered sin on our behalf and given us the ability to exercise this victory. This ability is in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God given to every believer upon salvation. He helps us through our weaknesses and excesses, convicts us of our righteousness, and helps us to do and desire to do all the things that please God. (Revelations 12:11, 1 Peter 2:24)
Again, in Romans 12:2 scripture tells us to subject our minds to a daily renewal. This is how we can avoid conforming to worldly standards. Sin is subdued by the word of God. The Psalmist said in Psalm 119:11 “thy word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against you”. When the devil was tempting Jesus to sin, Jesus used the scriptures to combat him. Prayer is great but staying “worded up” is even more efficient in overcoming sin. The more you fill yourself with the things of the Lord, the less space you have in you to entertain the things of the devil.
Prayer is great but staying “worded up” is even more efficient in overcoming sin.
FAITH + BLOG
Summarily, the truth about sin is that God hates it, and it separates us from Him. Sinning continually is slavery, rebellion, and a sure path to eternal punishment. But the good news is that it is already conquered, and we can only exercise this victory by renewing our minds through the Word of God.
“So, I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” Gal 5:16
Faith+blog 