The Price Paid for Sin 8/26/2013

"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world." 1 John 2:1-2

Though things like cancer, war, famine and socio-economic injustice may be thought of as such, it is actually sin that is the scourge of humanity. Even a casual reading of the Genesis account before the Fall shows how idyllic life was designed by God to be. It was not until sin was introduced that the problems of man and the distance in his relationship with God began. Unfortunately, what began then persists to this day.

God, however, is to be praised for His unsurpassed love for all of us. Though it was we who condemned ourselves, it was He that made a way for reconciliation. Most are familiar with the fact that God loves us so much that He gave his only son (John 3:16), but we may not be clear about some of the mechanics of this dazzling fact. Jesus, having taken on flesh, taught the good news, healed, fed and ultimately sacrificed his life, is now at the right hand of the Father. From this position, he, as the greatest defense attorney ever known, argues our case against the accusations of the great prosecutor, Satan, before the judgment seat of God. What equips and qualifies him to do so is that he, as our sinless propitiation (atoning sacrifice) has already been convicted and served the deserved sentence of death due to sin in our place!

Beloved, what an amazing Father we serve. Because we know the sin error that was made in the Garden, we should endeavor to not make the same mistake. Because we see sin and its effects all around us, we should strive to be as sinless as possible. Because we are aware of the great love God has for us, we should do all we can to live lives that are pleasing to Him. When we have a momentary lapse or unknowingly commit a trespass against the Father, it is good to know that our Savior has already paid the price. Should we then go on sinning because we have an "out?" God forbid! We should strive all the more for righteousness because of the great love that was displayed and the price paid so dear.

Committed,

Lee