Matthew 1:21 “She
will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
As far as the world and the
post-modern church is concerned, sin is an obsolete word. Decades ago, people
understood that sin was something more than just a mere mistake or a foolish
choice – it was a deliberate defiant act against God’s Word, which had eternal
consequences. To sin was to put yourself under God’s judgment and expect His
wrath. It was a word that people feared because it revealed to them the terrifying
prospect of being damned forever. Sin severed people’s souls from God.
These days, sin doesn’t appear to
have any fearful aspect for us. We either take Christ’s saving ability for
granted or we disregard the whole concept of sin. Most folks opt for the latter
because it’s far easier to live life without being burdened by a religious standard
or a faith morality. It’s much more convenient to excuse our sinful ways as
being deeply personal and no one else’s business. In fact, some folks say, didn't
Jesus tell us ‘not to judge others lest we be judged ourselves?’ In other
words, they believe that what Jesus was expressing was a moralistic
free-for-all where every individual was free to choose to do whatever they
wanted and that no one else could condemn them for it.
If Jesus actually meant that, then He
didn't have to go to the Cross to die for our sins. If Jesus truly believed
that everyone could make their own choices and no one else could judge them,
then He didn't have to be crucified for our calamities. You see, Jesus went to
Calvary because He was absolutely certain that sins have dire eternal
consequences if they are left unconfessed, unrepented, and unredeemed.
The world and the post-modern church
may like to do away with the word sin, but they cannot deny that this has
become a sinful world or even a sinful church. Sin still separates people from God
and it needs to be forgiven through Jesus Christ. As it states in today’s
verse, He was born to save His people from their sins. Without Jesus, we cannot
get back to God. Without Christ in our hearts and lives, we cannot be restored
to His Kingdom. Just because we don’t like a word or feel that it is
antiquated, archaic, or irrelevant, does not mean that it does not exist. Sin Separates us from God, Isolates us from His grace, and Nullifies our consciences into a
misguided denial that could ultimately cast us away from God forever. As C.S. Lewis
once gravely remarked, “There is not one person in Hell who did not
choose to be there.”
Questions for personal reflection
What are the
major sins in my life? Do I take Christ’s grace for granted or do I truly
repent of them?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You died for our sins
for that was the only way in which we could ever be forgiven. We know that the
world hates the word sin and that Your Church is often accused of being
judgmental, narrow-minded, or even bigoted when confronting sin. Forgive us for
our own failings, faithlessness, and fearful ways. Grant us Your grace and give
us the courage to change our lives by living according to God’s Word. In Your
Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like
to comment on today’s message or have questions, please contact him by email at
Traqair@aol.com.
Today’s
image is one of John’s Good Friday drawings called “Sin Bearer.” If you would
like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Sin Bearer.
