The Nature of Sin.

The Truth About Grace (Part 2)

Sin is the common state of all human children. It is akin to a genetic defect that afflicts every person born to the human family. It shows itself in our willful disobedience to our parents as children, our reckless disregard for authority as teens and simply matures with us as we grow older and potentially wiser. Yet at its core, Sin is one thing and one thing only. It is the disruption of healthy, life-giving, loving relationship.

Anywhere that trust is breached; Sin is at the center. God created us for relationship and therefore His highest aspiration for His creation is that we trust Him and live in the freedom that trust brings. Yet, we have chosen to trust no one, save ourselves only to find that we cannot even trust ourselves. Why can’t we even trust ourselves?

The answer is simple, Sin. Romans 7:1ff clarifies for us the challenge we have with discipled living in the face of our rampant Sinfulness. We are slaves to sin. Yet there is hope in Jesus Christ, because of God’s Grace demonstrated through Jesus. Romans 5:21 tell us;

“So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful kindness (Grace) rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” NLT

Grace redeems us because Jesus paid our debt, and is given to all who hear the Master’s voice. There is no good in us that is so good that it might redeem us from our lawlessness. So apart from God’s Grace we are hopelessly adrift in sin floating wherever its currents drive us. God’s Grace ALONE is our hope through Jesus Christ.

The Truth About Grace

Grace cannot be earned, it must be given. As recipients of this wonderful, undeserved Grace we are called to be Grace Men and Women. The Truth about Grace is that it is a DEMAND upon the life of those who receive it. Ephesians 2:8-10. We have no basis for judging others because we are guilty of sin as well, Romans 2:1-4. We are commissioned through the Grace of God in Jesus Christ extended to us to be messengers of Grace to the people who are still enslaved to Sin. Jesus Christ is the only judge; we are to be emissaries of Grace, Forgiveness and Restoration. Grace compels us to compassion when we see others caught in their alien state cut off from the God who loves them and living below His promises.

Next Week: The Power of Trusting God