SIN: THE GREAT DESTROYER

The greatest problem facing humanity is sin. Sin is that which separates us from God. Notice what Isaiah, the great Messianic prophet, wrote over 700 years before Christ was born, "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear" (v.59:2 KJV). If we are separated from God, it is by no means His fault; the blame rests squarely on us. Remember, God is always available, ready and willing to forgive, but sometimes we choose the other course - living a life of willful, deliberate and ongoing sin. Yes, we all sin, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), but when we continually live in them without seeking His forgiveness, we sever ourselves from the Christian's lifeline: The blood of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God.

Now that we've made note of what should be obvious to us - that continual and "on-purpose sin" separates us from God - we must also take note of the devastating consequences for the child of God, who, for whatever reason, "slips up" and commits sin. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that we can be forgiven of all sin. However, these "slip-ups" often produce unintended consequences, which can be devastating. Of course the great example of this is David, who suffered immensely because of one fateful night when he could not control his lustful thinking. This is why the Bible tell us to be vigilant in regard to Satan's attack. He's ruthless. Be aware.

Steve Harris