Have I Sinned?

What a question, “Have I sinned?”  This is a question that causes each person to pause and to prayerfully search their heart.

As Bible believers, we know that the scripture say, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”  All need God’s salvation. 

After salvation, we know and understand we can grow cold, careless and we can sin by living back with the world.

The word of God is a powerful force for good in our lives.  The Bible can instruct us, encourage us, and remind us that, “…the wages of sin is death.”

I John 1:8 is a great reminder, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

This whole discussion about truth and sin begins with the BIG, little word…IF.

“If” we say that we have no sin, then we are not being honest with ourselves.  The Bible actually says we are deceiving ourselves, or tricking or lying to our own intellect.

It is not the BIG sin inventory that takes our tender tears or robs our prayers for revival.  It is often the gossip, envy, or strife. 

What is sin?

Sin, in the Greek (HAMARTIA) = defined as “To act contrary to the will of God.”  To Have in the Greek (ECHO)= means to hold, to wear, or be linked to something, like being married or wearing a garment. 

Psalm 51:5 reports that…   “Behold I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.”

We were not trained to sin, we never attended “sin” High School or “sin” University.  We were born with sinful natures and practiced a life of sin, by nature.  Our nature, our fallen character, it is just us!

Therefore, we need a Saviour!  We need someone to pay our sin debt.  Jesus is our Lord and Saviour and our Kinsmen Redeemer.  He paid my debt of sin with His Holy Life and sinless blood.

We need the abiding work of the Holy Spirit each day to control our flesh.   The Bible teaches us that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

Romans 10:9 reminds us to confess, to pray to the Lord, for there is to be no unconfessed sin in our lives.

We need a spiritual awakening and it must begin at church!                                                    

You are loved,   

Pastor Ralph