“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).
Some of the messages I write are highly unpopular. In short, not too many want to hear about God’s wrath and man’s spiritual failure. We are fond of euphemisms, positive only communications and non-offensive approaches. Unfortunately, much popular preaching and all too many preachers are leading many astray!
But let’s face the facts: most of us are experts in suppressing ultimate truths. Deep within us is that inerasable consciousness of that which corresponds with reality, better known as truth. For example, we all know that sooner or later we must die. We’ll do anything we can to avoid the implications of what happens then!
Let me ask you a very simple question: What if it is indeed true that the Bible is the Word of the only and eternal God (as it proclaims)? If so, then millions of people are in trouble – – with God! (because they refuse to believe His Word)! I, for one, do not want to be on the receiving end when God dishes out His fury on unbelieving man. The question then remains, how can I avoid His anger and be accepted by Him? Two quick responses:
1. Get real! Do some soul-searching! Are you avoiding reading and heeding the Bible? Are you really ready to face death?
2. Receive God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the one who forgives your sins, gives new meaning to your being and provides eternal life to be lived in His presence forever
Analyzing Sin
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
(Romans 3:23).
If you will look at the third chapter of the first book of the Bible, you will find some major concepts that provide the anatomy of sin:
- Sin questions God’s Word (Genesis 3:1).
- Sin invites dialogue with evil (Genesis 3:2).
- Sin submits to temptation (Genesis 3:6a).
- Sin draws accomplices (Genesis 3:6b).
- Sin hides from God (Genesis 3:8).
- Sin will find you out (Genesis 3:9 with Numbers 32:23).
- Sin shifts the blame (Genesis 3:12, 13).
- Sin brings God’s judgment (Genesis 3:14, 16, 17).
But, before we “sign off,” “…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).
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