by STEVE DUNN
“By the cross we know the gravity of sin and the greatness of God’s love toward us. “
John Chrysostom, 4th century
John Chrysostom, 4th century
“This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions.” – Colossians 1:21, New Living Translation
One of the things that keeps us from honest
confession and true repentance is that we think of ourselves simply as
good people gone bad, or decent folk damaged by the sin of the world
(not necessarily a sin of our own commission). We think in terms of
what Dallas Willard has called “sin management” instead of salvation
from our sin. We live in God’s general neighborhood and own the
property upon which we rest.
The Bible is very clear on this one. Sin
separates us from God. Paul makes it very clear in his words to the
Colossians. Sin makes us God’s enemies. Our mind is not conformed to
Christ and as a result our actions do not, cannot please God.
Until God in his relentless love intervenes for us.
Question for prayerful reflection: Are
you taking your personal sin seriously? What is there that needs to be
confessed to God and repented from? This is a question for seasoned
saints and newly aware sinners.
