From Death to Life | 40 Days of Dying to Self and Living for ChristSample

One subject many people often try to avoid is the subject of sin. Sin is uncomfortable to talk about. We typically do not want to think about our sin, let alone talk about it. Because sin is uncomfortable, many people try to push down their sin or pretend it does not exist. For some, they can even compare themselves to others, making light of their sin by saying that they are a good person while others are much more sinful. But as the Bible tells us, there is no one truly “good” apart from Christ (Romans 3:10).

While many people ignore their sin and make light of it, others try to do something about their sin in their own power. They might try to do good works to “earn” salvation, believing that their good works will outweigh their bad. They might even try to do as many spiritual practices as possible, thinking that their church attendance or Scripture reading will earn them salvation and forgiveness. But there is nothing we can do about our sin on our own.

Our inability to erase our own sin would render us utterly hopeless without the gospel. The gospel tells us that even though we are sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Jesus took our place on the cross, allowing Himself to be punished for our sin. Only His sacrifice makes it possible for us to receive salvation, and when we place our faith in Jesus and turn from our sin, we are forgiven and given eternal life.

Because of Christ’s work on the cross, we do not have to ignore, make light of, or try to dissolve our sin in our own strength. Instead, we can acknowledge our sin while also remembering and resting in the grace that Jesus offers us. Our sin is serious, but thankfully, Jesus’s death and resurrection made a way for us to be forgiven and freed from our sin. Oh, what a Savior!

Reflect and Respond

How does the truth of the gospel bring hope to your sin? In what ways can you respond to the grace Jesus has given you?