More Than Moral Pollution

2014-01-12

We often think of sin as doing bad stuff... breaking God’s laws. We say that sin means missing the mark, referring to hamartia, and use illustrations as an archer missing the bull’s eye. The idea of sin does mean that. But if we stop there, we only go so far.

Ephesians 2:1-5: “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

Sin is more than moral pollution. Sin is total alienation and separation from God. It is to live in Satan’s kingdom. It is to be in a place of hopelessness, with no way of escape. But the crucified Christ delivered us from there. But his grace doesn’t stop there:

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10)