Equally mind-numbing is sin itself. Charnock’s book of the attributes of God have a long section on His holiness, and also gives me a deeper understanding why Jesus had to die. The blood of bulls and goats and lambs appeased the wrath of God against sin for a time, but the death of a sinless man must happen for that sin to be fully covered and for sinners to be set free from its power.
Sin is defined as going our own way, ignoring or abandoning God’s way. We all fall short. Some “Christian” groups say some sins deserve eternal death, but some sins are lighter and should only receive temporal punishment. This is contrary to Scripture. The Word of God says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) and also “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” (Galatians 3:10)
There is no such thing as big sins and little sins in the mind of God. Sin is sin and violates the holiness of God. Charnock says, “To charge the law with rigidness, either in language or practice, is the highest contempt of God’s holiness; for it is an implicit wish, that God were as defiled, polluted, disorderly, as our corrupted selves.”
The Bible is clear that all sins are transgressions of His eternal law, and in every one His infinite holiness is slighted and ignored. As the psalmist says, “For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.” (Psalm 5:4) For that reason, everyone is called to lament our fall into our sinful state and our distance from God.
While Christians have heard the call of God and delight in His redemption, it seems always a good idea to think often of who we were and what God has done. I need to always remember how much the holiness of God loathes sin, not only because it is against Him but because of what it does to us, and even more, what it did to our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Some say there are many ways to God. If that were the case, why then did God send His only Son, beloved and sinless, to die a horrid death? If God could have hated sin without punishing it, his Son might never experienced death on the cross. the fullness of his wrath. But could love for His Son make Him inflict a punishment according to its seriousness in our eyes rather than according to His hatred of sin and His holiness?
Sin, in every part of it, is an opposition to the holiness of God. It denies His nature and His glory, and consequently His power to punish sin. No wonder He says:
The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. (Psalm 11:5–7)
But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. (Joshua 24:19)However, grace and mercy are also true of this holy God. He sent Jesus to cover our sin, and give to all who believe a new life in Him that we might be His holy people. He invites all to:
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)
PRAY: I review the gospel good news as I also lament the sad truth that without Jesus, sin puts me in the guilty seat. Without You Jesus, I have no hope, but because of Your mercy, my eternal home is secure. I am horrified by the bloodshed, yet but because of Your grace, can rejoice in all that You have done to set me free from the power of sin and the wrath of my Holy God.
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