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 4 of 23

"TRANSGRESSION" OR "INIQUITY"

"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). The very word "transgression" has a harsh sound to it. It is derived from a word meaning violation of the law, or wickedness. The word means "to act lawlessly." Sin, from this perspective, is going beyond Divinely established boundaries, living just as though the Living God had said nothing to us at all.

To think or act in contradiction of the Word of God is serious beyond imagination! Transgression occurs when men force their way into forbidden territory. It is barging past the warning sign--insisting, as it were, on eating and drinking the poison against which we have been warned.

The Law is "spiritual" (Rom 7:14), expressing the mind of the Lord. Its prohibitions are not mere legal jargon. They alert us to condemning influences that will result in the experience of the wrath of God. Those who sin ignore those warnings and plunge themselves into darkness. Suffice it to say, such expressions are always unreasonable.

"Iniquity"

"But He shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me, all ye workers of iniquity" (Luke 13:27). Here is a word identifying the basic wrongness of sin. Iniquity comes from a word meaning injustice, wrongfulness of character, life or act. The word means "doing wrong, unrighteous, unjust."

While transgression addresses the doing of sin, iniquity describes its character. Those that commit iniquity have acted in pure self-interest. Life is thus conducted in competition against God. The gratification of the "flesh" becomes preeminent to the exclusion of the consideration of the Living God. That is what makes sin "wrong."

Those who commit iniquity have only considered themselves, without regard to the Person or will of God. Satan, of course, tempts people to live in this manner. This is how he lured Eve into sin. He provoked her to think only of herself. When she began thinking in this manner, she sinned. Iniquity shows us this side of sin.

It is always unreasonable to live as though our personal preferences were the main preferences. Self gratification may be approved by men, but it is condemned by God. Through Christ Jesus, real and lasting gratification is to be sought from the Lord. That is the only reasonable way to live.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace to subdue any inclinations to live as though I am the primary person.

-- TOMORROW: "OFFENSE" --