Man’s greatest problem is sin. Though fast-becoming an obsolete term in many segments of society, sin is directly or indirectly the cause of all human suffering. Sometimes, we suffer for the sins of others—even for the sins of previous generations. We are not responsible for their sins; but we may suffer consequences related to their transgressions.
Fill in the blank: “Where would we be without _____________.” The word selected will vary from person to person. Some will choose a spiritual direction: “Where would we be without God.” Others might take a more familial approach: “Where would we be without our mothers.” However, we will get a new slant on an important spiritual reality by asking: “Where would we be without sin?” Life before the Fall was marked by sweet fellowship and endless bliss (Gen. 1:26-2:25). But, sin interrupted God’s plan and brought death into the world with all of its accompanying miseries (Rm. 5:12; 6:23).
Sin destroys fellowship with God. While physical death is the separation of the body from the spirit (Jas. 2:26). Spiritual death is the separation of the soul from God (Isa. 59:1-2). Although a remedy has been provided through the substitutionary death of God’s dear Son (Rm. 5:9), failure to take advantage of such a remedy by obeying the gospel results in what the Bible calls “the second death” (2 Th. 1:8-9; Rev. 21:8). The greatest problem of man has been addressed in the pages of the Bible. The gospel is God’s plan for bringing us back to the “tree of life” (Rev. 22:1-2). Discover the richness of God’s love in sending His Son to die for your sins (Jn. 3:16). Accept His grace through obedient faith and receive the gift of salvation (Eph. 2:8-9). You will need to believe that the blood of Jesus has the power to wash away your sins (Rm. 5:9; Acts 22:16). You will need to die to sin in repentance (Acts 2:38). You will need to confess your faith in Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 8:37). You will need to be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Rm. 6:3-4). And, you will need to live the remainder of your life walking with Him in the light of His word (1 Jn. 1:7; Rev. 2:10). Ask the hard questions and do the right thing.
–Glen Elliott–