Facing the Facts About Sin

THE Bible is straightforward about the ultimate cause behind suffering and evil. It gives a sobering account of how we human beings, who were created as pure and noble creatures, have become wicked and hurtful toward each other. The Book of Romans speaks candidly about our condition, which it calls sin (Romans 3:23). This separation from God has resulted in our thoughts becoming futile and our foolish hearts being darkened (Romans 1:21). God has given us up to the full outworking of our rebellion against Him (Romans 1:24). This has produced:

• Sexual immorality, wherein we dishonor the bodies that God gave us (Romans 1:24).
• Idolatry, wherein we turn away from our Creator and exalt the works of our own hands (Romans 1:25).
• Vile passions, wherein we become irrational pleasure seekers, often dominated by a perverted sensuality, rather than thoughtful servants of each other and responsible stewards of God’s good gifts (Romans 1:26-27).
• A debased mind, wherein we come under terrible spiritual bondage that makes us incapable of doing good; we become slaves to sin (Romans 1:28).

Paul concludes this severe but enlightening assessment with a list of ugly consequences, including approval of each other’s sins (Romans 1:29-32). The candor of this list is painful, but honest. Any resistance to sin seems to be overridden by a compulsive search for freedom from all restraints to fulfill unbridled pleasure. Rules, laws, values, traditions, or any other restraints are steadily removed.

Thus, like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, we are traveling the road to disaster. God declares that because of our sin, we are deserving of death (Romans 1:32), inexcusable (Romans 2:1), and treasuring up wrath and judgment for ourselves (Romans 2:5). This is true of every human being (Romans 3:10-12; compare Psalm 51:4).

The Book of Romans carefully spells out the eternal implications of this sinful rebellion. It warns us that sin is real. It is not just bad feelings or an overly sensitive conscience. We have alienated ourselves from a righteous and holy God, and there is a penalty to pay—the penalty of eternal death, of everlasting separation from Him.

However, Romans does not stop there. It tells of God’s wonderful provision for us in Jesus Christ, who brought the opportunity for peace with God, access by faith to His grace, and hope of returning to His glory (Romans 5:1-5). To demonstrate His love, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins on the Cross (Romans 5:8). Thus with Paul we can say, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.