WHY SIN IS UNREASONABLE

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" (Romans 6:1-2)

Devotion 3 of 23

WHAT IS "SIN"?, #1

Because it is multifaceted, having many different sides, sin is malignant. It is more than simply doing wrong, or violating a divine mandate--although that is most assuredly involved. Sin entails, but is bigger than, a word or deed. It has an animating spirit or principle that comes from the devil himself. The NATURE of sin is what makes it repugnant to God. The character of sin demands condemnation from the God it opposes. Unless there is forgiveness for sin, it most assuredly leads to death--ultimate and complete separation from the God of glory.

The Spirit employs a number of different words when speaking of sin. Each one of them shows a particular aspect of sin that is recognizable to those who have been forgiven of it.

"Sin"

"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin" (John 8:34). This most common term is derived from the word ham-ar'-tee'-ah (translated offence, or sin). The word means "to miss, to miss the mark; generally, to fail of doing, fail of one's purpose, go wrong."

Sin involves becoming vain and pointless--missing the purpose for which God created mankind. Those who give themselves to sin have bungled their lives. They have thrust themselves into a path that cannot be blessed! Such are decidedly out of God's will, rushing down the broad road that leads to destruction. The "mark" that is "missed" is one established by God. He "made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times, and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:26,27, NASB).

Seeking and finding the Lord is the appointed objective for every individual. Sin is missing that objective; i.e., not seeking the Lord, and, consequently, not finding Him. All such individuals, regardless of culture or acumen, are living vainly. They have, in every sense of the word, missed the mark! In living for themselves they have, in a sense, ceased to live.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask for grace to point my life in the right direction, and to maintain a focus on the goal You has established.

-- TOMORROW: ENDURANCE IS NEEDED! --