No one likes to admit it, but we are all sinners, born in sin and our human nature gravitates toward wrong things. We strain against authority and want our own way. Take toddlers for example - lovable as they are, God bless them. They quickly learn to use the word 'no'; stomping their feet to get attention or doing myriad other naughty things. Fortunately, toddlers outgrow that rebellious stage but adults never really slough off their rebellious nature. We mask it and hide it, trying to figure out ways to manipulate our way through life. Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins.
God hates sin and He is not deceived by overt or covert sin, sins of commission and omission; nothing is hidden from God who sees and judges the intent of the heart. God is so holy - who stands a chance before the absolute holiness of God? Fortunately, there is hope. " When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners..." Romans 5:6-8 NLT.
Every time I read these scriptures, I'm both humbled and amazed at the goodness of God. God's love for us is phenomenal; think about it - He arranged a permanent solution for sin, reconciling us to Him forever. He did this before any of us committed the first sin or felt the first pang of guilt or shame that accompanies sin! He knew that we would sin; He knew that we sometimes struggle with doing the right thing. God's holiness demands perfection, but not perfect performance. Instead, He sent Jesus to meet the requirements of His impossible standards.
God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us as our substitute. He came at just the right time and died for us, while we were yet sinners. Not when we stopped sinning, not when our behavior impressed Him, no, when we least deserved it. His provision sets us free from the fear of rejection. It sets us free from the shame of failing and the need to perform. Christ paid the price in full. Hallelujah! Who can benefit from this great and marvelous gift? Everyone, regardless of your sin. What a happy thought! All sinners welcome!
Will you pray and ask Jesus to come into your heart? He is waiting to forgive you of all sin. Humble yourself and acknowledge that you need His help to live the life you were created to live. Accept His love and forgiveness. If you have already asked Christ into your heart, extend the same grace and acceptance to others. Call on Him daily in prayer, listen to Him speak through the Bible and follow the leading of His Holy Spirit. God loves you dearly, sin and all, and so do we. Shalom!
Ecclesiastes 7: 20
Romans 3:10
1 Peter 1:16
John 3:16
Romans 10:13
John 1:9
Proverbs 28:13
Romans 3:23-25
