The Nature Of Sin (III.)
This is the final part in a series of studies in which we have endeavored to gain an insight into the definition, nature and effects contained in the ruinous power of sin. We have seen that since the origin of sin in the Garden, such has been the universal nature of man; it has caused both physical and spiritual death to come upon mankind. It is hard to emphasize the depths of degradation into which this world has fallen. It has been suggested that if the prodigal son were living today (as if he were not), he wouldn't be considered a SINNER: a delinquent perhaps, but society, parental influence (or lack of it!), are to blame! A failure to take an absolute stand against ungodliness, regardless of where it's found, has caused our language and descriptions of such to be so watered down that such is merely "normal rebellion", "wild oats", or just a matter of "adjustment"! But as more and more of the human race enjoins the doctrine of evolution, that we are nothing more than a class of higher "Primates", what else could be expected?
For further example of this nation's debasement, TRUE Magazine, (Nov. 1964 issue) under the heading of Truly Yours', says they called for topless bathing suits back in September of 1962, two years before they actually came... now we hear rumors of the "topless evening gown"! Too, during the last of August, or maybe the first of September (1965), during a gas war in England, a service station featured Bikini girls at the pumps One of the saddest parts of these weaknesses in modern living, as was pointed out in another of this series, concerns our young people who are confronted daily with such activities. This sort of thing was pointed out rather disturbing in the October '64 READER'S DIGEST. An article titled "Wild Youth" explored the world wide problems in this respect. The question is asked, "Why is it that the nations with rapidly improving standards of living are now harvesting a tragic crop of violent, restless, antisocial children?" In conjunction with this question, alarming examples of hooliganism, recklessness and moral anarchy are described. In questioning those involved in senseless brutality, the only explanations given was "I did it for kicks," or "I was bored".
Even though the things we have talked about in this discussion are obvious on every hand, it seems we never learn the lesson. Past monuments to sin include the tower of Babel, Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot's wife, and a host of others. (Gen. 11 and 19) But the greatest of them all, without question, is the cruel cross of CALVARY. (Luke 23:33) In Acts two, verses 22 through 36, Peter told the Jews in no uncertain terms that they were guilty of murdering the Son of God.
These thoughts, then, lead us lucidly to the final points in consideration: What is the cure for these things? We read from I John 1:7, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." The cure, then, is found in all that's implied, inferred, and included in the phrase "walking in the Light". We sometimes sing the song, "Stepping in the Light"; Light is opposite of darkness and verse five of this text states that "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all". It took the blood of Christ to cover our sins, for "without shedding of blood is no remission," (Heb. 9:22) Christ was able to attain perfection in this life, a feat that none else has ever attained. He is to us, therefore, as the Scapegoat was to the Israelites (Lev. 16:20-26) "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (II Cor.5:21) The cure for sin is Christ crucified.
These things being true, I should like to consider one thing final: many of our brethren would do well to consider further the context of Romans six. To his own question concerning our remaining in sin that grace might abound, Paul says "God forbid!" Bill Wallace was quoted as being questioned by a lady not a member of the Lord's church. Stating that the members were worldly, she listed "scanty dress, mixed swimming, dancing, smoking, frivolous conversation, church parties, wearing of bright cosmetics, and gaudy, lavish or extravagant display in dress." Whether or not this lady be hypercritical might be the object of some discussion: However, Paul has said "Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God." (I Cor. 10:32) Christian friends, let us come out from among them and be a separate people. (II Cor. 6:17) Our final destiny depends on it.
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