G.K. Chesterton once wrote,
Certain new theologians dispute original sin, which is the only part of Christian theology which can really be prove.
Orthodoxy (Chicago: Moody Bible Institute, 2009), 28.
God’s Word says,
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23 (NIV)
I’ve always wondered how long Adam and Eve managed to enjoy the blessings of the Garden of Eden before they sinned. They had everything going for them—everything except access to one tree. That’s all it took. Now we’re all prone to the dark side.
I can do one of two things: I can blame Adam and Eve for getting me into this spot and continue to live as I please, or I can take responsibility for my own actions and seek God’s forgiveness. There is no third choice. We can’t pretend sin’s not with us. Evil is all around us, and it’s not God’s fault.
All the blame lies squarely on our shoulders. The God who created us with a free will never forces us to do either good or bad, but bad is so tempting. Sin loves company; so, the more the merrier, at least until the cops come or someone gets hurt.
Because sin is beyond dispute, maybe it’s time to recognize it in our own lives. If you’ve tried to ignore it lately, take some time in confession before God. Which sins have you allowed to fester and grow? It’s always a good day to get our slate clean before God; and the good news is we can, because of the price Jesus paid on our behalf. Sin is a reality, but so is forgiveness, for those who have laid down their sin at the feet of Jesus.
Grace and Peace
