Sin. That word which sets men on edge. That word evokes an immediate response, in so many.
But what exactly is it? What is sin?
My personal instinct is to go straight into the bible (scriptures) to say what it says from YHWH'S perspective, but herein lies the issue: the concept of sin only matters if there is the concept of an overarching righteous law and therefore, a righteous court and Judge.
Sin is the breaking of a law. Righteous laws exist as standards to protect (by maintaining order) and ensure liberty for all people. A law is potent only if enforceable hence the presence of consequences. The Judge is required to ensure the consequences.
So the question of sin is actually the question of the existence and sovereignty of a righteous ruler or Judge. If it is acknowledged that there is a Sovereign ruler over all, the anger the world directs at the church for holding some actions to be sin or no sin will not exist.
The concept of sin exists because a righteous standard or order exists. A righteous order exists because an overarching righteous Ruler and Judge exists. Till men submit to the existence of this Eternal Standard and the sovereignty of his eternal justice, the issue of their sin is not worth discussing.
Why? Because if to them there is no Judge (who holds all accountable to his laws), his law and therefore sin, is a non-issue. Therefore, the primary problem is not sin ( or no sin) the issue is the acceptance and submission to the eternal God and his sayings (word).
But why should anyone want One who only brings rules and judgement? Till people understand that He and his standard only protect and preserves the eternal best for all mankind, following him would be unnatural. So the job is to know and acquaint all with the real person, character and motive of the righteous Ruler (YHWH). When they know his heart, giving in to his righteous standards can follow.
"We love him, because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19NIV
"Or do you have no regard for the wealth of His kindness and tolerance and patience [in withholding His wrath]? Are you [actually] unaware or ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness leads you to repentance [that is, to change your inner self, your old way of thinking—seek His purpose for your life]?" Romans 2:4AMP
So, please realise that this battle of 'is this sin or no sin' is a battle sent to distract. Don’t fall into that trap of the devil. Preach Jesus then point all people to the scriptures which is able to make all whole again. When true knowledge of him fills the land, the purity(Holiness) of Jesus and YHWH are powerful enough to reset all hearts and lives by his word and spirit - independent of an overbearing human oversight or control.
In light of this, we know that a priest, prophet, pastor or any clergy is in service under the Sovereign One (YHWH) and his Son Jesus Christ, not vice versa. None of us, therefore, have the right to make up God's law, or to do away with his Sovereign ordinances. In Mark 7: 8-10, the Lord Jesus emphasises this very thing in his rebuke of the leaders of religion:
" You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!"
We are stewards only. And it required in stewards that a man be found faithful to his employer (Master) which in the church is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 4:2). Please don't assume a position that is not ours to take. Our stand is in Jesus as Lord and his word as Master and therefore the final authority for all - clergy and laity.
It is also vital to know that the difference between the judgement in the old covenant (yes, including that meted out to Sodom and Gomorrah) and the judgement under the new agreement (covenant) is the good news of the blood of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 10:14-16) This was God's solution: a sacrifice for all sin. That blood will never lose its power to cleanse the stain and consequence of sin, and the word of God will never lose his power to walk men out of any lifestyle of sin. Let us believe in its potency.
''Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Let us preach, teach, give and live the solution which is the good news of the blood of Jesus the Savior and point all to the scripture which is able to save every soul.
Shalom
''I am writing to tell you that you must not associate with those who call themselves ·believers in Christ [a brother or sister] but who sin sexually, or are greedy, or worship idols, or ·abuse others with words [slander], or get drunk, or ·cheat [swindle] people. Do not even eat with people like that.
It is not my business to judge those who are ·not part of the church [L outside]. God will judge them. But you must judge the people who are ·part of the church [L inside]. The Scripture says, “You must ·get rid of [expel; remove] the evil person among you [Deut. 17:7; 19:19; 22:21, 24; 24:7].” 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 EXB
Brothers and sisters, if ·someone in your group [L a person] ·does something wrong [or is overcome by some transgression/sin; or is discovered/caught in some transgression/sin], you who are spiritual should go to that person and ·gently help make him right again [restore him gently/with a gentle spirit]. But be careful, ·because you might [or so that you won’t] be tempted to sin, too.'' Galatians 6:1 EXB
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