01/10/2018
Jesus suffered and died to redeem us from sin, but what is sin really? Is it a rule that we break or more than that? Certainly it is bad that a rule is broken, but at its core we are rebelling against God in so doing; we are separating ourselves from His will. Sometimes we sin knowingly, but often we do so without really understanding what we are doing, and occasionally by simply turning away from doing what is right. So is there a way to “sin no more?”
The Greek word for sin is “hamartia”, and it comes from the root word “hamartano”, which is an archery term meaning to miss the mark. In theological circles there are arguments about properly associating sin with archery, so if it makes you feel better you can simply view it as meaning that we have not accomplished the desire of God... we are not within His will for us. Let’s look at scripture for some help:
“Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.”1 John 3:4 ESV
The law defines for us what is right, and in so doing allows us to determine for ourselves what is wrong. By not abiding by the commandments of Jesus and the law that God has set before us we are outside the will of God for us... we are living in hamartia, or sin. Jesus tells us how broad the road of sin is when he speaks these words...
“"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.”Matthew 5:21-22 ESV
If sin is so easily committed, and the road that leads to it is so broad, how then can we ever sin no more? How can we become and remain righteous? I look at righteousness like a city in the distance. It appears so small against the horizon, but as I get closer and closer to it the buildings seem to grow in size until at last I am in the midst of them and they are all I see. If I step in any direction I am still in the city... surrounded by it.
God’s grace has built a city around us. When we obtain righteousness through Jesus Christ we are standing in His midst, and no matter which way we step we are still within Him; we are still covered by His righteousness. We are redeemed, and what once seemed so far away, so small, so unobtainable, is at once all encompassing.
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,”Romans 3:21-24 ESV
When we travel the road to redemption it invariably takes us to Jesus, and the wonderful thing about this journey is that we don’t have to be righteous before we set out on it. Our journey of faith is like a Pilgrimage Way that is travelled by many sick and desperate people, all seeking healing in the process. The sick, lost, and sinful begin the journey, but the righteous they pass along the way tell of the beautiful redemption of Christ that awaits them ahead. Jesus allows us to step into God’s will, and as we do, He becomes all we see.
“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”Romans 5:8 ESV
No traveler, no sinner, no one carrying the disease of the world, is prohibited from traveling this way, and none are turned away from the city gates when they reach them. Are you standing at its gate today? Do you see redemption and righteousness rising in the form of Jesus Christ before you and debate whether you should step into it? Do you look back at the road behind you and fear the unknown of your next stride forward? Well be encouraged and fear not, because the peace, joy, and healing of God is at hand, and with the next small step it will be all you see. You will be redeemed, washed clean of whatever you have been seeking relief from, and covered by grace.
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,”Romans 3:23-24 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the grace which covers me; thank you for the redemptive blood of your Son Jesus Christ that washes the sin continuously from me. I once was lost, but now I see, and all that I see is you Father, and my Savior Jesus. Thank you for the journey I have made, and for taking the enormity of the world’s sin that once overpowered me, and replacing it with the righteous view from within your magnificent city. You shield me Lord from temptation, sin, and evil, and although I know that they exist because I once walked in their midst, and thought myself at home there, I am now separated from them as I kneel before you. Your grace and mercy are my spectacles and I thank you for the clarity they provide me. No longer are you far away, and no longer do I fear that I might fail you. Jesus has lifted me up, and has walked me through the eye of the camel. Now before you I praise your name, and find myself free from the sin and suffering that once dominated me. Praised be your Holy name Father, for gracious are you, and greatly to be praised.
Rich Forbes