CASUAL SIN
Romans 6:1-7
Romans 6:1: “What shall we do then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?”
“Just a little bad. Not a big deal.” ten year old Scotty assured his classmate, Brian. He smiled, printing a note that said,
“Leave the money here.”
The boys snickered as they tucked the note inside a book, leaving the edge exposed. Scotty put the book under a rock by the flag pole.
This was supposed to be a prank on a third grader named Keith. (Someone has to teach lower-grade kids the ropes—paying one’s way up the ladder to sixth-grade respect). Keith already had his instructions: “Do what the note says.” Scotty and Brian scampered to class, eagerly awaiting recess.
Everybody recognizes sin by a twinge of guilt. Conscience is the gift that calls us out—IF it hasn’t already been programmed to ignore sin by persistent wrong-doing.
God cares little what the sin is—His Son died for them all. It is people who grade sin on a sliding scale from little to big. Not-so-bad to worse. But there is no such thing as a little sin, or casual sin.
Christians know that when we confess sin, God is faithful to forgive (1John 1:9). So, is it okay to sin, so God’s grace can increase, like the opening Scripture asks? Apostle Paul sets the record on sin straight. “By no means!“ he exclaims in Romans 6:2.
Any sin is rebellion against God. Although different sins damage and chain people in varying ways to bondage, the same sacrifice paid the penalty for all sin. Whether it is a lie or murder, Jesus had to die for us to be forgiven.
Remember, we died to sin when we accepted Jesus as Lord. Our old self was crucified with him. So, how can we sin (with clear conscience) today? Those who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death. And just as Christ was raised from the dead, in baptism, we too were raised into new life. New life comes from unity with Jesus through faith.
Sin is a product of one man’s sin (Adam). Life is the product of one man’s obedience (Jesus). While all die from sin—(Trespass, condemnation)—how many more receive grace through Christ the gift of righteousness? Sin reigned in death. Grace reigns in righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Take Home Nugget
Scotty and Brian retrieved Keith’s two dollar bills from the book at recess. They high-fived each other. But their smiles soon turned to frowns. A sixth grader named Labron saw them, and relieved them of the two dollar bills.
Suddenly, their little sin didn’t feel casual.
Remember what Jesus paid for your eternal life.
J.D. Griffith
Written for http://www.Biblestudyforkids.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment