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In the Christmas season, we all heard the songs and the verses that reveal the reason for the season. But Matthew 1:21 gives an encouraging yet haunting purpose, as given by the angel to Mary, “you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Yes, we sin; yes, we need saving. Let’s explore this, because I’ve found that I, and perhaps many more, have an incomplete concept of sin, which can retard our spiritual journey.
Let’s start by defining sin. The original word was an archery term meaning to “to miss the mark.” Likely, that’s not new to you, but have you thought in depth what our mark is? Ponder these marks; I’ll mention them and please do a deep dive on your own.
First, the mark is to know God, personally and intimately, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ.” If we don’t have a relationship with Him, we miss it.
Second, we strive to be godly, “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue…godliness” (1 Timothy 6:11).
Third, we do what Jesus commanded, “"If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15).
Fourth, we follow our conscience and our personal issues, “everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).
Fifth, we consistently act in the best interest of God and all people, which Jesus said were the two most important commands, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength…The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31).
I dunno know how you’re doing so far, but I suck at doing these as consistently as I should. I suspect we all need a Savior. But why is sin is bad? Once more, some starting points for you to explore. Sin is horrendous because…
First, sin violates the very nature of the holy God we love. How can we act in opposite ways to what He is all about? “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Do we truly want light to fill our lives?
Second, I’m most amazed not just that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, but that involved becoming sin himself, “God made him who had no sin (Jesus)to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Third, sin pulls us away from intimacy with God, “your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).
Fourth, sin decreases our spiritual impact on others, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
Fifth, sin is serious enough that we should graciously confront one another, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently” (Galatians 6:1).
This may be one of the most difficult posts I’ve ever written, because it touches my life. As you ponder all this, realize that God loves you and wants your best. Sin is our worst. May we all gain a better sense of the damage sin brings, and while on this earth we’ll never be sinless, may we sin less. God is good. All the time.
Kick Starting the Application
In thinking about the mark we shoot for, and realizing the damage of sin, are there some that you minimize to justify continuing? How do both parts of the post impact that? What one positive step can you take this week?