So now that I have your attention and before you start picking up stones to throw at me. Please take the time to read through this entire message. 

In this post, I would like to discuss two issues related to sin. Firstly, does sin lead us to eternal damnation? Secondly, should Churches make sin its central focus?

After being a Christian for most of my life, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of several churches and it seems that the central theme in most churches is this issue of sin. I can’t even count the number of altar calls and sermons I’ve been in and heard. My intentions are not to make light of sin, but I want us to consider this, Should sin be the central issue? Most of us know the original sin started with Adam and Eve which has completely wrecked the race of men, but now that Christ has come, what should be our stance with regard to sin and our eternity? 

Let’s start with Hebrews 9:28 – NLT

Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

Jesus only died once for our sins. Take a moment to reflect on this fact…. When we sin, it does not mean that Jesus has to die over and over again. If that were the case, it would make more sense for Jesus to simply stay on the cross.

Secondly, He was a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. 

1 Peter 3:18a

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.

The day He offered himself, He said “It is finished”. What a strange thing to say just as He was about to breathe His last. His death paid the price for everyone who had previously died, everyone currently alive, and everyone in the future which included us. Sin is no longer an issue with God because Jesus paid the price for ALL of mankind’s transgression. Notice it says (in Hebrews) “He will come again, not to deal with our sins” – Why? Because Jesus has already dealt with sin on the cross, but somehow churches continue to make sin the central issue.  

So the million-dollar question is, what determines a person’s fate when it comes to where you will spend eternity? 

Romans 10:9-10 – NLT

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

And 

John 3:16 – NLT

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

The day you believed and put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ is the day your sin was permanently removed. Past, present, and future! It’s really that simple. God is not trying to make this complicated. 

Where you spend eternity comes down to; Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Will you accept Him as your Lord and Savior? I believe the most agonizing and horrifying realization for those in Hell is knowing they are not there because of their sin, but knowing they had a chance, maybe many chances on earth to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

Now, let’s discuss what happens to us after we have accepted Jesus Christ but stumble and fall into sin. Romans 8 talks about how we have been freed from the law of sin and death. Knowing that Jesus has already paid the price frees us from the guilt, shame, and condemnation of sin. I’m not advocating we should continue in sin because sin has consequences. Sin hurt you and the people around you, but when we fall into sin, let’s not let it consume us. Repent, and say Thank you Jesus for paying the price for my sin. 

I’ve heard it said, “Do you clean up to take a shower or do you take a shower to get cleaned up?” We do not need to clean up before approaching God. Instead, we come to Him and he cleans us up through the work of the Holy Spirit. I have previously written about this, and if you are interested, a link can be found below. This is the part I believe most of Christianity misses it. Instead of focusing on sin through your good behavior and discipline life, teach people to depend on the work of the Holy Spirit. God is the one who started the good work in us and He will be the one to complete it (Philippians 1:6) by changing our desires and giving us the power to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13). 

From the Inside Out

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