Grow: First Steps with JesusSample

WHAT IS SIN?

Do you remember what we learned from Paul in Romans 5?

Romans 5:8: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Our question today is: Why are we referred to as sinners? Let us go back to the beginning. When God created Adam and Eve (in the first book of the Bible, Genesis 1 and 2), He gave them access and permission to enjoy every part of the Garden of Eden, excluding the one forbidden tree. Adam and Eve were unable to resist and succumbed to the temptation. This caused implications for them and the rest of mankind. We are all affected by this one mistake they made. 

Paul teaches us that this negative current of influence is so strong that all of humanity keeps on making the same mistakes. 

Ephesians 2:1-3: As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

Jesus also teaches us in Luke 15 that we are all similar to the prodigal son who wanted to do things his own way. This brings us to the basic idea of sin: It means we miss the intention of our Creator, namely to live in a quality relationship with Him.

Sin then actually is disobedience to God and it causes us to miss the target that God intended our lives to be. That is why all of us need grace. We need Jesus. We need a Saviour. Salvation brings us back into relationship with the Father and saves us from the current of sin that swept humanity away from where we originated. 

This is what Jesus dealt with as He died on our behalf. Our sins are forgiven!

Daily Affirmation: "I want to live in a restored relationship with Jesus."

Action Step for Today: Write down a simple sentence asking God to put your past behind you forever.