The Crushing Weight of Sin

"For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me."  - Psalm 38:4 (ESV)

The highly influential 19th century preacher, Charles Spurgeon, once quoted: "If there be a man before me who says that the wrath of God is too heavy a punishment for his little sin, I ask him, if the sin be little, why does he not give it up?"

The "weight of sin" affects all of humanity, no one is immune. We know that sin can be any action, thought, or belief that fails to satisfy God's holiness and commands. It can separate us from God and cause eternal death.

A true believer cannot commit sin without experiencing an awareness of their sin and God's rectification or remedy of it. Thus, the overwhelming feeling of low-worth and remorse that accompanies sinning (Psalm 38:18).

This "burden of sin" is demonstrated very clearly in the Old Testament by way of the Law and sacrificial system provided to Israel. It was mandatory that the Israelites offer sacrifices to make amends for their sins. 

This represented the significant price of sin and the call for purification (Leviticus 5:17). The verse given here emphasizes the certainty of sin and the obligation of facing its repercussions.

Moving over to the New Testament, we are enlightened about the weight of sin through the gospel of Jesus Christ. He came to provide freedom from the burden of sin, thereby, satisfying the Law and opening the door to appeasing God (Matthew 11:28-30).

Biblically speaking, the burden of sin is regarded as an an overarching infirmity, common to all men. Each of us carries the load of his/her own sin, however, the whole world together partakes in the original sin passed down from Adam (Romans 5:12).

The crushing weight of sin, therefore, demands a powerful countermeasure to do away with it. This calls for divine intervention (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation from our transgressions is an undeserved, unmerited gift from Jesus Christ, received only by faith in him.

We are called to recognize the serious burden of our sin, repent of it, and embrace the forgiveness that gracefully furnishes hope and comfort from sin's crippling load; apportioned to us through Christ (John 1:9). Hence, inspiring a life of devotion and obedience to God.

Scripture: Psalm 51:5; John 8:34; Romans 3:23; Galatians 5:19-21; James 1:15

Prayer: "Holy Father, send your Holy Spirit so that I may be strengthened against the temptations of the enemy, and enable me to resist sin, in Your Name I pray. Amen."

May God richly bless you,

~Eve