This is the beginning of a short series on sin and redemption that will take place over the next couple of weeks.
Intro
Regardless of belief system, worldview, or religious affiliation, we are all familiar with the concept of wrongdoing. It affects us personally directly or indirectly and whether we are transgressor or victim. To the religious this wrongdoing is labeled as ‘sin’, a transgression against a divine law. If there is no belief in a divine being, almost all would still agree with some sort of version of the golden rule – to do unto others as you would have done to you. Actions that bring harm to others should not be done and justice involves some sort of recompense or restitution to make these wrongs right.
For the Christian, sin and its consequences are clearly outlined. The knowledge of right and wrong exist because of a divine law giver and the creation exists to operate within these parameters. When there is transgression there is consequence, both earthly and spiritual.
The prophet Isaiah says:
“but your iniquities have made a separation
between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you
so that he does not hear.
Isaiah 59:2
What worse situation can be imagined? This is not simply a karmic imbalance that we must shift back in our favor- it is a creation being separated from its Creator, a spiritual state of destitution and darkness. Whether one believes in a divine lawgiver or not, scripture teaches us that all experience the consequences of sin the same. Some sin blindly, in a state of spiritual darkness; others sin willfully, knowing what they ought to do but doing it naught. (Romans 15:7-20). Regardless, sin results in the creation acting against the divine order and suffers accordingly.
“But you, you are to be feared!
Who can stand before you
When once your anger is roused?
From the heavens you uttered judgement; the earth feared and was still,
When God arose to establish judgement,
To save all the humble of the earth.
Selah
Psalms 76:7-9
What hope then do we have? Is there a hope for reconciliation between creation and Creator? Thankfully, God in His divine love and mercy has provided a path for spiritual reconciliation through the death and resurrection of His Son. His perfect sacrifice allows us to be justified and to be reunited with the Creator spiritually.
This does not mean we are free from the consequences of sin however. There is inevitably disappointment and frustration that comes along with sin because we are experiencing actions in contrary motion to what the Creator has designed and desired. Sin, even when forgiven, is still something that must be dealt with appropriately. Although all sin is defined as a transgression against the Divine law, not all sin is the same and we are given specific instruction on handling it. As believers, how we respond to these things will allow us to continue living with the fellowship and blessing of the Lord and the people around us; and will help us maintain our joy in the Lord in the midst of it all.
In the following segments we will take a look at how we are to handle sin, repentance, and reconciliation and the hope it gives to the believer and the world around us.
