Resources/Articles
Sin
One of the smallest words in the English language - when mixed with the heart and actions of man - can do the greatest amount of damage. Sin is mentioned 447 times in 338 verses in the Bible. The Bible rests its case of the hopelessness of sin on the hopeful solution in Christ. If not for that, the holy writings would be nothing but mere fiction and legend without truth or meaning.
Whether you are for it or against it, you cannot doubt its powerful effect on mankind. From generation to generation, it has left its mark upon society. Sin is not to be considered a violation of civil law for which we should be arrested or fined. It is a treacherous act against the God of heaven. It is of the devil. It is a selfish preference of what I want over what God desires I should do.
Sin is a universal plague, but a transgression few are willing to admit (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10). It neither has boundaries nor preference toward race, country, or nationality. Its target is worldwide. Its objective is destruction. Its destination is hell. Nothing has brought more misery, fear, frustration, depression, and anxiety than sin.
Sin is defined as transgression, unrighteousness, iniquity, ungodliness, and wickedness. No matter the term used, sin is missing the mark God has set for us to reach. That tells you sin does not originate with God (James 1:13). It is brought into the world by people yielding to lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). It must be overcome before further damage is done. Paul wrote, “Do not allow sin to reign in your mortal body” (Romans 6:12). He simply tells us sin is not designed to live within us. It was not God’s purpose for sin to dwell and dictate how you should live. We must be adamant in refusing to allow the members of our bodies to be used as instruments of unrighteousness.
Overcoming sin does not come from strength within me. I have no cure. Therefore, I must consider another way to eliminate this problem. Jesus said, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Christ is our answer. He is “the lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). By our faith in the promises of forgiveness and being washed in the blood of that Lamb, we can be cleansed from the filth of sin (1 Peter 1:18,19).
The remedy for sin is not a complicated formula only a scientist of physics teacher can understand or properly apply. It is a process of washing - an immersion. Blood is applied in baptism by the Great Physician. His remedy is the cure for the malignancy of sin. Why do you tarry? Arise. Be baptized and have your sins washed away (Acts 22:16).
