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 20 of 23

THE AFFECT OF SIN UPON SINNERS

Sin IS unreasonable! It can never be justified. There is no acceptable explanation for involvement in iniquity and transgression. This is also seen in the affect sin has upon those choosing to live in it. With unanimous voice believers acknowledge their regret for personal sin. It brought disadvantages that sometimes extend into their new life in Christ. Many carry in their persons bitter memories of a former life of sin. They are painfully aware of the truth of Romans 6:21. "What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death." Transgression never leaves a wake of advantage!

Makes Our Way "hard"

Satan attempts to convince us that sin will make our way better. However, the truth is that it makes our way more difficult. "Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard" (Prov 13:15). Life is complicated for the sinner-- sin has made it that way. Life is difficult for every person, but it is more difficult for the transgressor. Sin puts righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit beyond our reach. That makes life difficult! It makes God's truth appear inconsequential, thus confining men to the vain wisdom of this world. The way of the transgressor IS truly exacting, even though he thinks it is not. Sin is unreasonable.

Yields the Wages of Death

Sin pays dividends, but they are not good, nor are they paid immediately. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom 6:23). Like a ruthless tyrant, death has dominated our race. Every continent is cluttered with graves, and the sea itself has become a giant graveyard. When sin entered the world, death also entered. As it is written, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Rom 5:12). Because of sin, "it is appointed unto men once to die" (Heb 9:27).

But sin's wages are even broader than this. Sin induces spiritual death also, i.e., it drives a wedge between men and God. So dominant is this death that men lose their sensitivity to God. They become unaware of Him, unable to hear Him, and He is blotted from their conscience. A terrible wage, indeed, for the fleeting delusions offered in sin. Every time a person sins, death's grip gets tighter. Sin is truly unreasonable.

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I thank You for delivering me from the delusion that sin has advantages.

-- TOMORROW: SIN DEFILES THE MIND AND THE CONSCIENCE --