Resources/Articles
Why Is Sin Such a Big Deal?
Sin is not a popular topic in our society. It is definitely not politically correct to call anyone a sinner or say their actions are sinful. Preachers have preached against sin and identify various attitudes, words, and deeds as “sinful” (i.e., homosexuality, greed, hate, adultery, etc.). Some have been offended by such dogmatic accusations. They believe a quote from the Bible which describes an attitude or action as sin should be a crime - a hate crime. It is almost as if it is a sin to talk about sin. Why is sin such a big deal?
Without reading scripture, you would never know sin existed. The scriptures show sin is a big deal. Reading objectively from Genesis to Revelation, honesty will say sin is a real, big deal. Sin entered the world as a result of disobeying God (Genesis 3). It was obvious the disaster sin caused. Cain killed Abel (Genesis 4). The world was destroyed by the flood because of sin (Genesis 6). Lot moved to Sodom, a city where men “were wicked and sinners against Jehovah exceedingly” (Genesis 13:13). You do not even leave the first book of the Bible before you see how well-documented the magnitude of sin is.
Sin is such a small word, yet it is mentioned in the Bible more than 500 times. A lot is packed into its meaning. It is described as the breaking or transgression of God’s law. Synonyms for the word sin found in scripture are iniquity, lawlessness, unrighteousness, wickedness, trespass, disobedience, and rebellion. Yes, sin is a big deal, especially when you consider the present consequences.
Through sin, innocent people are made to suffer. Luke 13:1-3 speaks of Galileans who were innocent victims of the irrational wrath of Pilate. You do not have to look far to understand when people sin, innocent people can be made to suffer. When a man walks away from his wife and children to pursue a worldly lifestyle dictated by his lusts, the innocent suffer. When people lie, steal, or gossip, the innocent suffer. When a baby is aborted, the innocent suffer. Many people who commit sin have no idea how their choices are affecting others.
The personal effect of sin is the most damaging. Proverbs 13:15 says, “But the way of the transgressor is hard.” It is terrible the number of people who presently suffer the shame and guilt of their own sin. Its effect is sometimes never removed.Driving drunk and having a head-on collision killing two innocent people is an event which cannot be taken back. Every morning people wake up to the pain of sin they engaged in yesterday. These are consequences no one should have to face. Some of the present consequences of sin could be avoided if we would turn away and flee every form of evil.
Jesus Christ knew how big a deal sin was, is, and will be. “Christ died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15:3). That profound statement makes sin a very big deal. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “Him who knew no sin He made to be sin on our behalf.”
Jesus’ death was not just another death. This death was for something someone else, not the person who died for it. Why should there be a dying for sins? There have been and are people dying for a “cause” every day.
This “cause” is different. “Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God...” (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus took upon Himself the sins and errors of men and women and suffered the punishment all mankind should have suffered (Hebrews 2:9). Jesus allowed His blood to be shed as a ransom price to redeem us back to God (1 Peter 1:18-19).
Without blood, there is no life. Without Jesus giving His blood, there is no spiritual life for anyone. Sin is a big deal, but what is of greater significance is for Jesus to provide a way for sin to be forgiven. As Ephesians 1:7 says, “In (Him) we have our redemption through HIs blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses...” The cross not only stands as evidence of how bad sin really is, it makes Jesus the answer to the problem of sin.
Read Isaiah 59:1-2. IT tells you better than I can how big a deal sin is. It describes sin as a spiritual suicide. Sin separates you from God and His goodness. The hope is those who learn how bad sin is will make a bold decision to repent of their sins and live in them no more.
If you choose not to have righteousness and fellowship with God while you live, “these shall go away into everlasting punishment...” (Matthew 25:46). FOREVER without God is what makes sin a big deal. Truth is, life does not have to end this way when there is hope in Christ.
