Sobering Facts About Sin

Author Unknown

 

Clarence Macartney called it the “saddest word in the Bible and in human speech.” He was talking about the little word “sin.” Sin is the fountain of woe, the mother of sorrows, as universal as human nature and as eternal as human history. It can be labeled as “the cause of all war and violence and hatred and sorrow and pain.” Sin alienates from God, establishes fellowship with the devil, brings moral perversion, sears the conscience, and ultimately issues in death (Romans 6:23). There are some things that we all need to know about sin.

First, sin is made to look attractive. When Eve beheld the “forbidden fruit” she saw that it was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and desired to make one wise (Genesis 3:6). What she did not see was sin’s true nature. It brought pain, suffering, death, and separation from God. Sins true colors are seldom seen until it is too late.

Second, sin is fun. The writer of Hebrews commended Moses because he turned his back on the “pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25). Anyone who would suggest that sin is not enjoyable simply does not understand how Satan works. Sin is not only made to look good, but brings some pleasure when pursued.

Third, sin never produces everything it promises. It is enjoyable, but the pleasure is always short-lived. In the words of the Hebrews writer, the pleasure lasts only for a “season.” A few minutes of “euphoria” may result in a lifetime of misery and pain.

Fourth, sin is destructive. Its destructive effects may be experienced now and throughout eternity. Solomon observed that “the way of the transgressor is hard” (Proverbs 13:15). Life is made more difficult because of sin in our lives. If it is not dealt with, it will lead to eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23).

Fifth, there is forgiveness in Christ, but the scars still remain. Jesus died to save men from the eternal consequences of sin. We never want to downplay the importance of His role. He is the giver of life. Through Him forgiveness is available to every man. But, though forgiven in Christ, the ghosts of a former life of sin often linger to haunt us. The best advice for life was offered by the apostle Paul when he wrote: “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Have you experienced forgiveness through Jesus Christ?