Are you a sinner?
It’s a simple and straightforward question, yet many people don’t like answering it. It makes them uncomfortable, and many of those who identify as Christians may have more trouble with it than others. In fact, according to a recent Barna report, 40 percent of professed Christians do not consider themselves sinners.
Really?
One of the most diligent and self-sacrificing apostles who ever lived stated, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15, emphasis added). If faithful Paul was the chief of sinners, what does that make the rest of us?
Furthermore, the same report reveals an even more shocking fact—that 70 percent of believers think humans are basically “good at heart.” This is the stark opposite of what the Bible teaches.
Better Than Thou
Jesus told His followers a parable about a religious leader and a tax collector who both went to the temple to pray. The religious leader, utterly pleased with himself, said, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.” Puffed up with pride in himself, he then bragged about how devoted he was. In contrast, the tax collector, recognizing his guilt, beat his breast with head bowed and cried out, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” Jesus, emphasizing the necessity of seeing one’s true condition, explained that only the tax collector was forgiven.
One of the reasons for confusion about sin is that many people are misled by Christian leaders who teach that confessing sins after one has been accepted by Christ is somehow insulting to God. Yet, Scripture teaches that believers should confess their sins to each other and to God. And, in the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught that we should regularly pray for forgiveness.
Another reason so many Christians have muddled thinking about sin is that they don’t really know their Bibles. God’s Word presents a clear definition of what sin is—and it’s the only definition that counts. Do a topical study on sin, and only one conclusion can be reached: Our hearts are corrupt by nature, and we are all sinners in need of a Savior.
Influenced by Culture
Additionally, though we may be offended and disgusted by much of our culture, we are all influenced by it. Consider for a moment how our culture views sin. It’s plain that much that was likely to be defined by most Americans as sin half a century ago is now viewed as acceptable by most.
Furthermore, the concept of moral relativism has exploded in popularity. Moral relativism says there is no absolute right or wrong. It proposes that what may be wrong for one person may not be wrong for another, and that people should do what feels right for them. Astonishingly, this form of distorted
thinking, though it contradicts biblical principles, has been adopted by many professed Christians. It’s a way for people to rationalize their faults and failures and avoid the term “sin.”
Opposite Extremes
As might be expected, there are extremes on either end of the sin question. The religious leaders in Jesus’ day accused Christ of sinning because He didn’t observe their manmade traditions or bend to their warped interpretation of the law. In our day, too, there are Christians who label good things as “sin.”
While it’s true that some have weaponized cries for empathy regarding the marginalized, many others have pulled too far in the opposite direction. It’s a highly controversial topic that can enable an unkind world to embrace even greater unkindness on both sides.
Jesus regularly empathized with the marginalized sinners of His day, people who were looked on by religious leaders as the rubbish of society. No, He never condoned or excused their sins, but He saw their need, empathetically kept company with them, and offered them forgiveness and a better way. They were drawn to His acceptance and love, and many committed their lives to Him.
We are all sinners, whether we admit it or not. Every one of us put Jesus on the cross.
We are all sinners, whether we admit it or not. Every one of us put Jesus on the cross. Therefore, although we should be able to identify sin and recognize its wrongness, we have no right to condemn others. Only God can see the circumstances and heart of another person. He wants everyone to come to repentance and have eternal life, and His followers should mirror the same attitude while realizing their own need.
Finding Balance
While it’s essential to be able to recognize sin for what it is—not to point fingers but to avoid participating in or condoning it—we need to avoid the other extreme. So, what’s the answer?
Balance comes from knowing the Word of God. But don’t depend on another person to tell you. Look for yourself and find out what it really says. A good place to start is the Ten Commandments as given in Exodus 20. Read the gospels as well and notice what Jesus taught and how He treated others. As you search, ask God for wisdom. He is ready and willing to help you.
An interesting phenomenon occurs when we seek God. The closer we get to Him, the more likely we are to see our own flaws and sinfulness. But that is a good thing. Seeing our true condition shouldn’t lead us to despair. That’s why we have a Savior. He yearns to have us come to Him so He can pardon us and give us peace, as well as the power to overcome temptation.
Want to learn more about forgiveness and acceptance in Christ? Read our Study Guide Saved From Certain Death.
The post Are We Sanitizing Sin? appeared first on Amazing Facts.
