What is sin?
Sin is rebellion against God.
In his book titled, “Peace With God, ” Billy Graham said, “Sin is the cause of all trouble, the root of all sorrow, the dread of every man lies in this one small word – sin. It has crippled the nature of man. It has caused man to be caught in the devil’s trap.”
Jesus Christ went to the cross for our transgressions – it’s that serious.
We must learn to take our transgressions seriously. Be on guard against sin and resist the tug and temptation that fights for our attention.
We have a helper
The Holy Spirit is our helper, our defender. We must learn to call on the Holy Spirit to help us overcome sin’s grip on our life. With his help, we can live in victory.
Romans 3:22-23, “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 4:7-8, “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”
Repent
What does repentance mean?
It means to change – “to change your mind, change the way you are living – and to determine that with God’s help, you will live for Christ.”
“Repentance is not merely a change of mind but a radical change in one’s life as a whole that especially involves forsaking sin and turning or returning to God.”
John the Baptist preached repentance when he started his ministry in A.D. 26. His ministry was foretold when he was born.
His father, Zechariah, prophesied that his son would be called a prophet of the Most High and that he would go on before Jesus and prepare the way for him, giving the people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins.
Mark 1:4, “And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”
Many people came from all around and confessed their sins and were baptized in the Jordan River. The Jordan River still exists today.
In A.D. 28/29 thereabouts, John the Baptist was beheaded. He didn’t make it past the age of 33. His ministry was short, but his message was powerful and life-changing.
My friend, the message is still applicable today. Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near. Do not delay.
“It would be the greatest tragedy if I didn’t tell you that unless you repent of your sins and receive Christ as your Savior, you are going to be lost.” Billy Graham
Bridge to Grace – a nonfiction novel
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