Seeing our need for grace: sin
Why did the multitudes of poor, sick, and sin-sick people flock to Jesus? Why do we see poor people in other countries lining up to be baptized into Christ, but not here? Why do evangelists have better success with people in prisons (or jails) than with people on the outside? Ever wonder why that is?
My answer is in question form: Why is it easier to sell parkas to people in Alaska than in Florida? ANSWER: Because folks in Alaska recognize their need and Floridians do not see a need.
Why does anybody buy anything? Because we are convinced we need it. Any good salesman knows his best customer is someone in need of what he is selling. Sadly, I do not need many things I think I need, while many things I need go by the wayside because I do not realize my need. Why will a man who refuses to exercise and eat good food suddenly start doing so after a heart attack? Does he suddenly need exercise and good food? No, but the medical emergency made him aware of the need. The same can be true of spiritual needs.
We need God’s grace because of sin. Sadly, far too few people realize they need God’s grace. Why is that? ANSWER: Because they do not realize their own sinfulness. Or they do not understand just how awful their sins are before God. Those who do not will simply sit in their sins.
Our story begins in Genesis, which means “beginning.” It is appropriate for the book because Genesis tells of many beginnings, like the beginning of the world, mankind, the family, God’s promises, His nation, and His plan. But it also tells us of another beginning – the beginning of sin.
Can you imagine what it must have been like to live in the Garden of Eden? Think of the beauty, the leisure, the peace, the joy, the happiness, etc. Adam and Eve walked and talked directly with God. Work was easy. Relationships were happy. Even the law was pretty limited: Tend the garden. Be fruitful and multiply. Do not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. There was no hurt, pain, sickness, sadness, or loneliness. The world was good. Life was good.
Why do we not live in that world? What changed? Sin changed everything (Genesis 3:1-6). The serpent convinced Eve that God’s laws were holding her back from the greatest blessings. He pointed her to the forbidden tree and convinced her to take a bite. Eve turned to her husband and convinced him.
In that moment, everything changed. Sin entered our world. Death reigned, through sin (Romans 5:12).
Genesis goes on to show the consequences of sin. Pain in childbearing and hardship in marriage entered the world because of sin (Genesis 3:16). Struggle with work entered because of sin (Genesis 3:17-19). Sin destroys relationships like those of siblings and murder happened among brothers (Genesis 4). The world was destroyed by a flood because of sin (Genesis 6-8). But even in the new world, sin reared its ugly head which impacted not nations (Genesis 9:20-27). And so on. Sin has been passed from father to son and mother to daughter since the beginning, not by birth or inheritance, but by example and pattern.
All have sinned (Romans 3:23). You have sinned. I have sinned. We all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Genesis wants us to understand the nature of sin. Over and over again sin caused every problem mankind faced throughout the book.
Do you think it is different today?
What are we to grasp from this? Sin is what causes our problems. Foremost, sin has separated us from our Creator (Isaiah 59:2) (and it may do so eternally without God’s grace) and, as a result, sin created every struggle we face. Sin does nothing but cause pain and problems.
Certainly, there is some pleasure, otherwise, there would be no temptation. But is it worth it? How sweet and juicy was the fruit that Adam and Eve ate? Was it worth the consequences and all we see in the world today? How sweet were the sins you have committed in your life? Were they worth all the pain, broken relationships, wounded friends, estranged family, loneliness, and isolation?
Would you like to overcome that? Would you like to be set free from that? Then do something about your sin. You need God’s grace. Turn to Him. Repent of your sins and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38). Then live in His grace (Romans 6:1-4).
Visitors are welcome and valued. We meet at 15530 Herriman Blvd., Noblesville. Our phone number is (317) 219-5852. We meet for Sunday morning Bible Study at 10 a.m. and have classes for all ages. Worship begins at 11 a.m. and we have a Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m. A warm welcome awaits!