Solutions to Sin
Originally scheduled for September 15
One of the most common characteristics of the
human race is our intense desire to solve problems. We certainly
have our share of problems to solve; but the fact is we enjoy
solving them and feel very good about ourselves when we do. One of
those problems to which we have produced a multitude of solutions is
the problem of sin.
Some of the solutions are ancient ones.
·
Perhaps the most common is this: “I’m
a better man than…” As long as we can find someone who is a more
miserable sinner than we are, we somehow feel justified.
·
Another ancient solution is legalism.
If we can only define a code of laws that sounds very strict we
think keeping that code makes us righteous. There are codes that
prevent you from drinking coffee; other codes prohibit eating meat
on certain days. We feel righteous when we can keep a detailed code
of laws.
·
There is always the method of Pontius
Pilate: “what is truth?” We can always pretend that we don’t know
whether or not what we just did really is sin or acceptable. There
is nothing like dishonest doubt to make us feel better.
You’ll notice one thing about all those ancient
solutions: they’re designed to help you with the feeling of guilt —
not the fact of sin. The modern world has come up with some new
solutions.
·
We can simply change the definition
of what we’re doing. Everyone approves of marriage; so you and your
dog can get married and we have to approve. This is somewhat like
renaming bank robbery to be “self-service income redistribution.” It
sounds good, doesn’t it?
·
There is the modern psychological
approach: guilt is just a feeling. Your problem is that you’re
feeling guilty, not that you’re a sinner. So let’s deal with the
guilt; take these pills.
·
What might be the most modern and
clever approach is simply this: let time pass. If you wait long
enough everyone will forget about it.
There’s only one thing wrong with each of these
solutions, ancient or modern: they don’t work. They make you feel
better, but they do not deal with the fact of sin. The only solution
to sin comes in repentance and asking forgiveness. If you’re going
to deal with your sin, you’re going to have to deal with God.
Fortunately, in his love he has provided a way
for us to do that. This is what Christ did on the cross for us; he
made the atonement price of our sins. Thus, by following God’s
prescription, we can be forgiven of our sins. It is precisely this
sacrifice that we celebrate and remember in keeping the Lord’s
Supper. As you take the cup, remember the blood which flowed from
your Savior’s side. As you take the bread remember his body hanging
on the cross. Your forgiveness, your salvation — both depend on what
he did at Calvary. Contemplate this, and then take in a manner
worthy of the sacrifice he made.
