Understanding Sin

A Paradox

In life perhaps there is nothing man understands paradoxically both better and less than sin. Man is familiar with what sin offers in the form of temporal pleasure, seemingly positive temporal benefits, etc. in a legion of ways, going so far as to actually create new and evermore depraved ways to engage in sin. Man knows sin intimately by encouraging its practice and showing wholehearted approval to its furtherance (Rom. 1:32).

However, in all the ways that actually matter, man seems less than aware of what real danger sin actually presents to man’s own future. Although God has made such truth plain, and His warning of wrath (Rom. 1:18), and the penalty of death (Rom. 6:23), man chooses to ignore such warning and to deceive himself into believing that sin holds no true harm. Christians know the horrible truth about sin, know sin’s great cost, and what God did to save us from it.

Christian Misunderstanding

Unfortunately, through, sometimes even Christians can become confused about the nature of sin; being taken in by misunderstanding concerning sin such as:

Two wrongs make a right

Such a philosophy is not only logically incorrect, it is offensive to God. There is no circumstance in which the committing of a sin (be it even a simple lie) is ethically correct in order to overcome or avoid another sin.

A “sliding scale” morality

The world in various incarnations throughout history has suggested this form of morality. Any pattern of law (including God’s authored Law of Moses) prescribe varied penalties for varied offenses, the more severe reserved for the worst kinds of infractions (murder, rape, etc.). Such a morality is necessary in a temporal sense, but before God, each sin is equally offensive (including the “little white lie”).

Sins in secret do not count

This could also be stated as “as long as you do not get caught”. There a many things people do in the “darkness” or privacy of their own homes that they would not do in public. It is possible no other living human being or earthly authority will ever know about a particular act, but all will be laid before God one day (Heb. 4:12, 13).

Overcoming Sin

The greatest power that sin has over man is convincing man that it is harmless, without consequence, and/or worth it in the end. The first step in overcoming sin is to understand it. The last step is to let Jesus take those sins away. But is it possible even for the Christian to forget from time to time?