Pastor Larry Sundin, Rock Springs Church
When we look at all the problems in the world today, no one suggests that most of our conflict and pain are simply the result of rampant sin in our culture. One reason no one acknowledges this, is that people just don’t like to be called sinners. Rather, when we blow it, we just want to shuck it off as a mistake or excuse ourselves for being human.
But with the coming of Good Friday and Easter, sin takes center stage. For God knew there is no way for us to remove our sin or change our lives. In fact, on Good Friday, we remember that Jesus went to the cross to take away our sins and receive in His body the punishment our sins deserve. That’s the good news of the cross!
But what we need to know is why was this so necessary for Jesus to do for us? This is why: the Bible says that “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.” Titus 3:3 In this one verse, God’s Word describes for us how sin ruins everything.
Sin darkens our understanding. What this means is that whenever we sin, we harden our hearts to God. The Bible describes it this way: “They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” Ephesians 4:18 In other words, when we sin, we become callous to God and eventually treat Him as if He doesn’t exist.
Next, Sin deceives our hearts. If you treat God as if He doesn’t exist, you can be easily misled. Instead of listening to God, you will choose to follow your heart. But therein lies a big problem. For God’s Word says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9 That’s why so many people seem to believe in things that don’t make any sense today. Sin can subtly deceive us.
Next, Sin makes you disobey God. When you are left to follow your own ideas or feelings, the natural result is to rebel against God’s authority. Sin makes you your own authority. And what happens is that everyone does what is right in their own eyes. And with everyone going their own way, the result is often conflict, hatred and division.
Then, Sin dictates your desires. Your rebellion will lead you to pursue your own selfish desires. And these desires will eventually enslave you, so that you never find satisfaction. But then it gets worse, for soon you will be filled with malice and envy. And when that happens, Sin damages your relationships. For once you are totally self-absorbed, people become objects to be used or despised, and you just might end up hating those you were meant to love. So, God’s Word is clear: Sin doesn’t just ruin our relationships, Sin ruins everything.
That is why what Jesus did on Good Friday changes everything. For on that day, Jesus shed His blood to take away your sin. Then, three days later, He rose from the grave to free you from your sin and give you a new life. So don’t let Sin ruin your Easter. Instead, why don’t you join us on Good Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. in the Ballroom, and discover how Jesus changes everything. Then celebrate the Risen Savior with us at 9 a.m. Sunday as we worship the God who makes everything new!