Avoid Being Caught Unprepared in Church (1) By Babatunde Olugboji
This week, we will begin a series examining the gravity of sin in the Bible, a book, or a collection of books that is both thrilling and unsettling.
On one side, the Bible contains exhilarating narratives of God’s grace, mercy, and healing abilities. We encounter the exodus from Egypt, the collapse of the walls of Jericho, David’s triumph over the giant Goliath, and Daniel’s victory in the lion’s den. Additionally, we learn about the Holy Spirit’s power in healing a crippled man at the Beautiful Gate of the temple in Acts 3. This is all remarkable and thrilling content.
However, there are also other narratives—what could be referred to as the more somber aspects of the Bible. There is a flood that wipes out all of humanity except for one family (Genesis 6–9). There is the fire from heaven that destroys the entire cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). There is the massacre of numerous indigenous people of Canaan during Joshua’s time. There is the stoning of Achan and his entire family simply for taking a few items from the spoils of Jericho (Joshua 7).
These accounts are not as wonderful or thrilling. They appear dark and troubling. What do they reveal about the nature of a God who would enact such actions, and about the followers of such a God?
A narrative of this nature presents itself in Acts 5. Let us examine the events that unfold: A couple makes a remarkably generous contribution to the church, incurring significant personal expense. Subsequently, a misunderstanding arises regarding whether their donation constitutes the entirety of the proceeds from the sale of their property. Before long, both individuals are dead, having been struck down by the hand of God. This is indeed a rather unsettling scenario. However, if we aspire to comprehend, love, and serve the God depicted in the Bible, we must confront such narratives.
Sin is Serious
It is essential to recognize the gravity of sin. There are numerous online discussions concerning these challenging biblical passages, and one observation that stands out is the struggle many individuals face in grasping the profound seriousness of sin. We often find it difficult to accept that sin is lethal, despite the Bible clearly articulating this reality.
Romans 6:23 informs us that the wages of sin is death. What sin merits, every sin, including both sins of omission and commission, from the most minor to the most egregious violation of God’s holiness, is an eternal separation from the God from whom all life emanates. Nevertheless, we frequently struggle to accept that this assessment of sin is genuinely accurate and just.
The challenge we face in accepting God’s perspective on sin is certainly not a recent phenomenon. In the garden of Eden, God instructed Adam, saying, “Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:17). However, Adam and Eve chose to believe the serpent instead of God, who claimed, “You will not surely die” (Genesis 3:4).
To be continued.
Have a great week!
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