We Can't Save Ourselves from Sin

"We have a strange illusion that mere time cancels sin. But mere time does nothing either to the fact or to the guilt of a sin."  -C.S. Lewis

Years ago a newspaper ran this headline: "To hell with sin when being good is enough." I can't help but stop and reflect on this. Might this be the wave of preaching today in a lot of churches? Is this telling us that people know what sin is; they just don't believe in it anymore? Do we mix up happiness and holiness, and that God is no longer the reference point?

Are we to seriously believe that if you can solve your problems or sins yourself, what difference does it make that Christ was crucified? If this is the case, then we must be in some pretty deep waters as Christians. What's even more terrifying is that following this line of reasoning means that God wasted His time sending His only Son to save us from sin (John 3:16).

That's why I belieive that in order for "sin" to make an impression, people have to see themselves as "sinners" — ultimately alienated from God and unable to save themselves — for Christ's sacrifice to be essential.

We all have an innate sense of what is "right" and "wrong." This is true even if we never set foot inside a church or crack open a Bible. Does one have to be "religious" or "church-going" to be free from sin? No. Everyone knows that we can sit in church all day on Sunday, but it won't make us any less sinful.

So, "What is sin?" Sin is described in the Bible as transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18). The truth be told; We are all born sinners! There's no escaping this fact.

Can we ever not be sinners? No. But, as believers we have been given a reprieve from the penalty of death and eternal damnation. How is this possible? God imputed the sin of believers to the account of Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for that sin—death—on the cross. Imputing our sin to Jesus, God treated Him as if He were a sinner, though He was not, and had Him die for the sins of the entire world (1 John 2:2).

Pope Benedict summed it up very nicely when he said, "People who trust in themselves and in their own merits are, as it were, blinded by their own 'I,' and their hearts harden in sin. On the other hand, those who recognize themselves as weak and sinful entrust themselves to God, and from him obtain grace and forgiveness."

Look, we're not perfect and we're going to slip-up now and then. We can't help it. But, there's no sense in beating yourself over the head about it. God knows this already. Does this mean that we can go out there and do whatever we want without any fear of punishment? No.

However, If you truly believe in Him, and that Jesus died for your salvation; ask for forgiveness and it shall be given. But you say that you've sinned too much for forgiveness? It doesn't matter to Him (Matthew 18:21-22)!

Scripture: Romans 6:11; Jeremiah 10:23; Psalm 51:10; Psalm 51:2; 1 Corinthians 1:30

Prayer: Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner and I pray for forgiveness. Please cleanse me of my sins and make my heart worthy of your love and mercy. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Sheila