Is Sin Still A Thing?

 

Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God….

This is a much needed study; an article laying out the various teachings about sin is long overdue. A simple survey of our friends and associates would quickly confirm the fact that people have lost their sense of right and wrong. These days matters like good and bad are difficult to distinguish and definitions of morality seem to be up to the individual. Furthermore, many post-modernist see no need for a moral framework. It is tragic…but the subject of sin is hardly dealt with from a theological perspective anymore. Certainly our society does not cherish any idea of clarity regarding sin, but it seems God’s people have little appreciation for the subject also. Perhaps this is why we do not value the cross of our Lord as we should. In this study my goal is to define and express these timeless Bible teachings with forthright clarity.

Though it is often difficult in this post-modern age to tackle the subject of sin, still we really need to understand this topic. So, “What is sin? Where did it come from? Do we inherit a sinful nature from Adam? Do we inherit guilt from Adam?” Grudem gives the following definition for sin, “Sin is any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature.”  Clearly sin includes acts of adultery, stealing, and lying. It also includes sinful attitudes like anger (Matt. 5:22) and lust (Matt. 5:28). Then sin involves the very nature of humanity—we are sinners according to God’s Word (Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:3). Some have erroneously concluded that sin is merely selfishness, but this is misleading because not all self-interests are wrong. It is better to define sin in terms of God’s Law and moral character (1Jn. 3:4; Rom. 2:15, 17-29).

To the question where did sin come from? It is vitally important to first affirm that God is in no way responsible for sin—He cannot be blamed for sin. He always does what is just and right (Deut. 32:4; Gen. 18:25; Job. 34:10). It is also correct to say that God permitted the entrance of sin through the voluntary choices of moral creatures. Was the origin of sin something “ordained” by God? Again I have great difficulty embracing this idea of God ordaining sin to come about. Again a better way of understanding this is that a sovereign God permitted sin (Gen. 50:20). As a holy God he cannot produce or promote sin (Hab. 1:13). He is absolutely perfect (Deut. 32:4; 2Sam. 22:31; Ps. 18:30). But it is true that God can produce greater good by allowing sin in the universe (Rom. 5:3-5; James 1:2-4). This fact alone demonstrates that sin is not His equal and refutes any idea of dualism. This is perhaps why He continues to tolerate sin in the universe.   

Before Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, sin had already invaded the angelic realm with the result of the fall of Satan and a third of the angelic host (Gen. 3:1-19). Satan introduced sin to the human race through the temptation in the Garden. In the fall of man sin struck at the basis for knowledge by questioning God’s Word (Gen. 3:4). Then sin struck at the very foundation of moral standards (Gen. 2:17). In addition, sin also loosed human identity from its God-provided moorings (Gen. 3:5). Lastly, sin proved to be completely irrational; it never makes sense to rebel against our Creator-God (Prov. 10:23; 12:15; 14:7).

We should also explore two realities regarding the doctrine of inherited sin. In these two observations we discover how Adam’s sin affected the rest of humanity. First is inherited guilt: we are counted guilty because of Adam’s sin. This truth is relayed to us in Romans 5:12-21. Even though there was no Law from Adam’s time to Moses’, people were still guilty of sin because they died. Physical, spiritual and eternal death are direct consequences of sin. By Adam’s disobedience we all were made sinners.

Some reject this idea believing it to be unfair. There are three things; however, that should always be remembered in this connection. First everyone has voluntarily committed many actual sins themselves and are indeed guilty (Rom. 2:6; Col. 3:25). Secondly, if we were in Adam’s place, we would have sinned also and our subsequent behavior demonstrates this. Then thirdly, if we think it is unfair to be represented by Adam in the Fall, then it is equally unfair to be represented by Christ in justification and righteousness (Rom. 5:19).

The second reality related to the doctrine of inherited sin is inherited corruption: we have a sinful nature because of Adam’s sin. The concept is freely expressed in numerous passages of the Bible (Ps. 51:1-5; Eph. 2:3).  A result of Adam’s sin is a disposition and a propensity to sin in him and all his descendants. Two particulars in this connection should be kept in mind. First, in our natures we totally lack good before God. Every part of our being is affected by sin—our intellect, emotions, desires, heart, goals, motives, and physical bodies (Titus 1:15; Rom. 7:18; Jer. 17:9).  Secondly, in our actions we are totally unable to do spiritual good before God. We lack the ability to do anything that will in itself be pleasing to God (Rom. 8:8). Without Jesus Christ we can do absolutely nothing to be fruitful (Jn. 15:5; Heb. 11:6). It is not that we cannot do things that are good and pleasing in the eyes of people. Certainly we all can, but people are not God.

At this juncture it is vital that we turn our attention to actual sins in our lives. There are about six areas where this is important to explore. First all people are sinful before God (Ps. 14:3; 143:2; 1Kings 8:46).  Secondly, we are responsible before God for each of our sins. Not according to our ability, but the absolute perfection of God’s moral law and His own holy character (Matt. 5:48). Thirdly, infants are guilty before they commit an act of sin because sin is welded to their nature. However, God in mercy and grace keeps them safe from wrath until they can exercise faith in Him (Ps. 51:5; 58:3; 1Sam 12:23). Fourthly, is the issue of degrees of sin. With regard to legal guilt before God, one single sin is worthy of eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire (Gen. 2:17; Gal. 3:10; James 2:10-11). With regards to the results in life and our relationship with God there are varying degrees of sin.  The consequences of some actions are weightier than others. The Bible even speaks of greater sins (John 19:11; Ezek. 8:6, 13, 15; Matt. 5:19; 23:23; Lev. 4:2, 13, 22; 5:17; James 3:1; Luke 12:48).

Now entertain the question “What happens when a Christian sins?” the answer is that our legal standing before God remains unchanged (Rom. 6:23; 8:1; 1Cor. 15:3; 1Jn. 1:8; 3:2).  It is true that our fellowship with God is disrupted and our Christian life is damaged (Eph. 4:30; Heb. 12:6, 9, 10; Prov. 3:11-12; Rev. 3:19). When we bring God displeasure because of our non-compliance with His will He will correct and chasten us because He loves us and desires that we share in His holiness.

Finally, it must be observed that God will deal with and punish sin. Those who refuse God and die in their sin can expect to be dealt with in severe wrath. This is not merely a deterrent to sinning, but the realization of the primary reason God punishes sin. His righteous nature demands punishment! God is righteous and just (Jer. 9:24), and Christ is the propitiation for all sin (Rom. 3:25). This means that the Lord Jesus was the Sacrifice that bore the wrath of God against sin and thereby turned God’s wrath away that He might deal with humanity in grace (Rom. 3:25, 26). However, if an individual refused that grace, God will confront them in the full force of His righteous wrath and eternal condemnation.

I realize that many people feel they are 'good people,' but the problem with that is we cannot do only good. We do not even live up to our own expectations on a daily basis. Can we manipulate ourselves into believing we have lived up to the PERFECT requirements of a holy God? We have a sin nature that is anti-God. It is not so much the individual sins that we commit, (though these are awful!) but the fact that we have a sinful orientation that drives us to indulge in the wrongs that so violently offend a holy God! 

In short we cannot embrace an eternal relationship with a righteous and perfect God in our natural fallen and sinful condition because our sin mars everything about us. Unless God undertakes to change us, we are condemned forever to the Lake of Fire without any other recourse or hope for all eternity. This is why the new birth through faith in Jesus Christ is so vital to our spiritual welfare. Again, the Lord Jesus insisted that we must be born again.

How may we experience the spiritual birth? The answer is by consciously opting to place our faith/trust in Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection as the full payment for our sins. We acknowledge that God indicated His acceptance of Christ’s redemptive work by raising Him from the dead. Therefore, we accept what God accepts as the fair and complete payment for our sins.

We must believe on Christ Jesus with a heart of repentance! This is exactly what Paul outlines in Romans 10:9-10, writing, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10, For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. We cannot simply believe anything about Jesus, we must believe that the Son of God, died for our sins, was buried, and God raise Him up again the third day for our justification before the Father. It is crucial that we understand that it is faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel that is the power of God that saves us (Rom. 1:14-17).

Christ’s suffering at Calvary was God providing payment for our sins. This is what Calvary was about—justice was served and sin was paid for in full. Now sinners can be saved—born again to enter a relationship with God. It is the Spirit who regenerates us and gives us new life when we trust Christ. We cannot save ourselves no matter how good, sincere, or diligent we are. Being born again means we become a part of a new family, God is our Father who shares with us His very own divine nature. All of this is realized the moment we humble ourselves before God acknowledging our sins while trusting Christ and His payment for them. We must accept this payment personally. Beloved, we must exercise faith in the Person and Work of Christ to experience the spiritual birth. What about you? Have you been born again?

Can We Justify Our Anger?

Ephesians 4:26-27

SUBJECT: ANGER

THEME: Recognize anger in its various forms and root it and its destructive power out of your life.

INTRODUCTION:  The Scriptures admonish us clearly, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: [27] Neither give place to the devil.” (Ephes. 4:26-27). Wrath is linked closely with the work of Satan in our lives.  Accordingly, we should speak truthfully, but free of wrath. Our anger should be restrained, short-lived, and used for righteous ends.

Distinguish Between Righteous Indignation and Ungodly Anger

Some people attempt to justify their anger under the banner of righteous indignation. They often point to the behavior of Jesus when He drove the money changers from the temple. They conclude, “I can be angry because Jesus was angry.”

A.  LOOK CAREFULLY AT THE EXAMPLES OF CHRIST.

  1.  It is True That Christ Expressed Anger on Occasions.

       A.  Christ’s Expressions of Anger Consistently Rejected Sinful Behavior in Others.

             — QUOTE:  “Jesus became angry with his disciples when they forbade children to be brought to him (Mark 10:14) and with the hardhearted member of the Capernaum synagogue (Mark 3:5). Similar expressions of anger were directed at the Saducees (Mark 12:24-27), the scribes and Pharisees (Matt 23:13-36), and Peter (Matt 16:23) and on each occasion represented his rejection of unrighteousness.”   — Evangelical Dictionary of Theology

       B.  Our Lord’s Actions in the Cleansing of the Temple on Two Different Occasions Were Expressions of Anger.  Let's look at that incident more closely.

             1.  Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called the house of prayer,’ but ye have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them (Matt. 21:12–14; see also Mark 11:15–17; Luke 19:45–46). 

             2.  Mark added in his account that Jesus would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple (Mark 11:16). Immediately upon the removal of those who were buying and selling, Jesus engaged in a healing service.

             3.  His righteous indignation was completely without sin and without any diminishing of His spiritual anointing.

   2.  It is True That Christ Used a Whip to Drive People Out of the Temple (Jn. 2:13-17).

Jesus was in the Temple with a whip whirling and eyes blazing as He cleanses the temple. Jesus is obviously angry. But is it justified?

John 2:13-17,  And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, [14] And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: [15] And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; [16] And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. [17] And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

       A.  Jesus did use a whip and his actions did overturn the tables of the money changers.

       B.  Throughout the incident, Jesus' actions were calculated and measured. No riot resulted. Nobody was out of control.

   3.  It is Not True that Jesus Actions Were Sinful.

Throughout the scene, Jesus' behavior was

      A.  Without Real Violence. We have no record of any person being hurt, but the Savior was forceful and assertive.

      B.  Without Resentment. For example, Jesus did not call upon His disciples to continue the behavior. Nor did He cite any past wrong done to Him as a reason for what He was doing.

      C.  Without Bitterness. Jesus had no heldover feelings against those who were cast from the temple. He never mentioned them again.

Jesus' action was vented not against the individuals themselves but against their actions, and against the system that allowed buying and selling in God's house of prayer. In every way, Jesus acted in accordance with righteous indignation–holy rejection of sin.  (See Eph. 4:26.)

   4.  Jesus Was Indignant or Angry in a Righteous Way.

He did not sin in what He did or the way He did it.

       A.  Righteous Indignation Is a Healthy Response to Evil.

It is an agitation in the spirit against something that is wrong in God's eyes, without any partiality toward or against the perpetrators of the wrong. The behavior or circumstance is wrong, apart from the personality of any person.

       B.  Righteous Indignation Is Expressed in a Measured and Calculated Way. It does not bring physical or emotional harm to another human being. It is thought through in a rational way, and it is behavior that has been pre-approved by God through prayer.

Throughout the Scriptures, we are admonished to speak God's truth boldly and to do so in love. I believe that is what Jesus was doing in the temple those occasions. His words bore great conviction because they were a statement of truth. When we speak the truth boldly, we can expect results, too.

       C.  When You Take an Action or Speak the Truth with Righteous Indignation, you must be prepared to reap the consequences that may be associated with the act. Jesus certainly did. The chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people sought to destroy Jesus after He took this action in the temple. (See Luke 19:47–48.) God stayed their hand until Jesus' ministry among the people was complete, but very soon after, Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified. Jesus was prepared to die for the good that He had done, including this act of cleansing the temple.

If you truly act in righteous indignation against evil, then you must be prepared to put your life on the line for what you believe and do. The angry person doesn't do this. To the contrary, an angry person tends to act in hopes of destroying the enemy and then to live with a sense of smugness at the victory. The angry person isn't at all interested in suffering or dying for the very person who has done wrong in his eyes.

B.  THINK ABOUT HOW WE CAN BE ANGRY WITHOUT SINNING.

Ephes. 4:26, Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

   1.  Anger Can Be a Holy Response to Sin.

Mark 3:5, And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. 

         A.  Jesus was angry about the Pharisees' uncaring attitudes. Anger itself is not wrong. It depends on what makes us angry and what we do with our anger. Too often we express our anger in selfish and harmful ways.

         B.  By contrast, Jesus expressed his anger by correcting a problem -- healing the man's hand. Use your anger to find constructive solutions rather than tear people down.

         C.  We may react to sin in the way that Christ did-in holiness and without desire for personal vengeance (Rom 12:19-21).

   2.  Anger Does Not Have to Lead to Sin.

Mark 11:17, And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.  

        A.  Jesus became angry, but he did not sin. There is a place for righteous indignation.

        B.  Christians are right to be upset about sin and injustice and should take a stand against them.

        C.  Unfortunately, believers are often passive about these important issues and instead get angry over personal insults and petty irritations. Make sure your anger is directed toward the right issues.

   3.  Anger Is a Danger Signal Though.

Matthew 5:22, But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

        A.  Moses said, "Thou shalt not kill [murder]" (Ex 20:13), Jesus taught us to avoid anger because it is committing murder in your heart. The Pharisees read this law and, not having murdered, felt righteous. Yet they were angry enough with Jesus that they would soon plot his murder, though they would not do the dirty work themselves.

        B.  Killing Is a Terrible Sin, but Anger Is a Great Sin Too Because it Also Violates God's Command to Love. Anger in this case refers to a seething, brooding bitterness against someone. It is a dangerous emotion that always threatens to leap out of control, leading to violence, emotional hurt, increased mental stress, and spiritual damage.

        C.  Anger keeps us from developing a spirit pleasing to God. Have you ever been glad that you didn't strike out and say what was really on your mind? Self-control is good, but Christ wants us to practice thought-control as well. Jesus said we will be held accountable even for our attitudes.

Trust the Lord to Overcome Sinful Anger

Unchecked anger acts as acid on the soul—eating away at your spirit and eventually destroying all feelings of love toward others. You must neutralize anger as soon as you are aware that you are experiencing it. (Stanley)

A.  TURN TO YOUR PASTOR OR A GODLY FRIEND FOR HELP.

If you don't, you may very well

   1.  Restrain or repress it, which is dangerous to you internally, both physically and emotionally.

   2.  Restrict or suppress it, which is like burying anger alive. It will erupt eventually.

   3.  Reveal or express it, generally in a way that is hurtful to others.

The Lord has capable servants available to you who understand how to help you overcome the anger and learn to love again. It is vital for you to understand that you are not alone. Victory over anger is more than possible in Christ.

B.  TRUST GOD TO HELP YOU CHANGE.

The alternative to repeating failures is God; He provides grace, strength, power, and the very real hope of positive changes. First there are some things you need to do. 

   1.  Confess Your Anger.
We turn to God immediately upon learning we have failed Him in some way. 

      A.  Admit to God that you are angry. Ask for His forgiveness, help, power, and healing. Denying your anger will only make things worst! 

      B.  If you have manifested your anger to another person, go to that person and confess that you have acted in a way contrary to God's plan and desire for your life. Ask the person's forgiveness. Realize they have been hurt deeply by your actions. 

      C.  Make certain that your confession to the other person does not turn into another bout of confrontation. The potential for further conflict is very high because hurting people tend to hurt others--they will lash out because they feel disrespected and violated. They may have become defensive or self protective in the wake of you angry actions. They may have difficulty trusting you for quite some time. Do not permit these developments to anger you further.          
      D.  The point of your confession is not self-justification. Do not make excuses or minimize what you said or did. Once you have confessed your sin to the person, walk away. Thank God for His forgiveness!

  
  2.  Choose to Trust God Fully.

Anger is one evidence that you aren't trusting God fully.

       A.  Many people who are angry with others are really angry with God for something they think God has done to them or has failed to do for them. If you are angry with God, you cannot trust God. The cycle is deadly, and the consequences may be eternal; deep anger at God can keep a person out of heaven.

       B.  Don't let that happen! Confess your anger to God, and ask Him to forgive you for it. Make a new commitment in your heart and mind to trust God with your entire life, and in following through on that commitment, ask the Holy Spirit daily to lead you, guide you, and protect you from all evil.

       C.  Also, go to God's Word and read every verse you can find that promises God's sure and ready help to His children.

Deut. 32:35-36, To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. [36] For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.

Romans 12:19-21, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. [21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Proverbs 22:8-9, He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. [9] He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

No, we cannot use the Lord Jesus' example of righteous indignation as an excuse for our ungodly anger! Yes, there is a great difference between holy anger and unholy wrath. Jesus was burning hot with a high regard for the honor of His Father God. He moved intentionally and forcefully without losing control. He was entirely free of malice, resentment, and hatred.

Too often we get upset for entirely selfish or self-focused reasons. Our anger has nothing to do with righteousness, holy honor, or the injustices of  the helpless, weak, or oppressed. Many times we simply want to intimidate others or hide our insecurities. We have used our anger to manipulate and control people to get what we want. The alternative to trusting your ability to manipulate and control people is to trust God! Fully and deeply trust the Lord with your fears and anxieties. Trust Him with those issues that are really beyond your control. God says this is sinful behavior and we need to repent.

There is no excuse we can offer or reason we can present to justify ungodly wrath. No, God's solution is confession, repentance and making it right with those we have hurt. Get in the Word and allow the Spirit of God to change the way you think and behave. God will empower you to overcome wicked anger! Trust Him for victory.

Christ Came To Save The Lost

LUKE 19:10; ROMANS 3:10-12, 19, 23-26

SUBJECT: SALVATION

THEME: all of mankind is spiritually lost and severed from God because of our natural bent toward sinfulness. This lost condition will result in eternal damnation in Hell unless we repent receiving Christ as our personal Savior. Christ came to save you and me from the eternal consequences of our sin; trust him today to be rescued from an eternal nightmare in Hell.  

INTRODUCTION:

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10)

1.  We must Begin by Asking What We Mean by “Lost” and “Saved.”

By “lost” we mean that our relationship with God is broken by our sin, and when we die, we will go to Hell. By “saved,” we mean that our relationship with God has been restored through faith in Jesus Christ and we are forgiven for our sins, redeemed by Jesus Christ, adopted into God’s family, and we will go to Heaven.

For the last two thousand years, one of the foundation stones of the Christian faith is that there is a holy God, humanity is lost, and everyone needs to be saved. Because we are guilty before God we cannot save ourselves.

2.  We must Also Understand That Everyone is Guilty of Acting Sinful Before God.

If we do not trust Christ as our very own personal Savior, we will be cast into the Lake of fire forever. This is fair punishment for those who die guilty of practicing sin before a perfect God.

Romans 3:10-12, As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. [12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Romans 3:19, Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Rev. 21:8, But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Therefore, being lost is not a light or trivial matter; it is of great importance to everyone. If mankind was basically good and everyone will go to Heaven automatically, then Jesus Christ never would have come into this world seeking sinners. He would never have endeavored to die for our sin in order to save us through faith in Him as the God-Man Savior. 

3.  Consider Sin and the Cross of Christ to Understand the Importance of Being Saved. 

In Acts 4:12 we read, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Clearly, it is through, on the basis of, Jesus Christ and His cross, burial, and resurrection alone that God forgives and saves sinners.

In fact, the cross is proof of both the immense love of God and the profound wickedness of sin. Do you want to see God’s love at its highest and sin’s vileness at its worse?

     A.  Look at the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. See Him hanging on the cross—the sinless, spotless, Lamb of God, bearing the sins of the world (Jn. 1:29). Hear Him cry in agony, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani” —that is, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46). 

       B.  Realize That Nothing Short of the Shed Blood of the Eternal, Beloved Son of God Himself Could Have Atoned for our Sin. The weight of our guilt must have been infinitely heavy and the heinousness of our sin indescribably ugly to require such a sacrifice! And God’s love must have been inexpressibly rich to allow it!

The Following Are the Fundamental Reasons Why Mankind Is Spiritually Lost:

MESSAGE:

I.  Consider Solid Proof That Mankind Is Lost And Needs To Be Saved.

Man is unquestionably spiritually lost and desperately needs to be saved from his sin. God, motivated by His love and grace, exerted great effort and expense to convey to mankind our lost condition so that we can choose to be saved. Note the following reasons why humanity is lost:

A.  HUMANITY IS LOST BECAUSE THE BIBLE SAYS SO.

   1. What Does the Bible Say about Humanity's Lostness?

The Bible declares that all of us have committed sins, and every one of us comes short of the glorious perfection of God. In addition, the wages (what we have earned as a result of serving sinfulness) of our sin is eternal separation from God in the Lake of Fire.

        A.  We All Stand in Desperate Need of Salvation Because of Our Sinfulness.

Since we take the Bible at face value, we simply cannot avoid the fact that humanity is lost and in need of personal salvation. In Romans, two verses combine with particular force: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Rom. 3:23) and “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom.  6:23).

        B.  We All Presently Stand Before God Condemned Until We Believe On Christ for Salvation.

John 3:16-18, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.   [18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.     

B.  HUMANITY IS LOST BECAUSE WE CANNOT SAVE OURSELVES.

   1.  As Sinners, We Cannot Improve Our Own Condition in the Eyes of a Perfect God.

Jeremiah 13:23, Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. The obvious answer is NO!

        A. We Love Darkness Rather than Light (Jn. 3:19).

Sin is so much a part of our nature and we love it so much that we are unable to break away from its domination over our lives. We literally look forward to sin and actually make plans to sin!

        B.  We Are Naturally Hostile Toward God (Rom. 8:7–8).

The unregenerate mind/heart is naturally hostile toward God and it refuses to submit itself to the law of God.  In reality, it is not even able to do so; those who are still in the fallen fleshly lost condition cannot ever please God.  We are born in this condition and, therefore completely hopeless without God’s intervention.

        C.  We as Unredeemed Sinners Are Slaves of Our Sin (Jn. 8:34; Rom. 6:20).

As Job asked, “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. ” (Job 14:4).  Remember the corrupt and bad tree will bear bad fruit and such a tree cannot produce good fruit (Matt. 7:17–18).

   2.  As Sinners, Even Our Best Efforts Cannot Save Us from Hell.

Rom. 3:12, . . . there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

         A.  No Amount of Tears Can Atone for Sin.

         B.  No Number of Good Deeds. These cannot make amends for wrongs we have committed against God. While we can do good things, we cannot only do good acts.

         C.  No Quantity of Prayer or Personal Devotion. These cannot remove our guilt or cover it in any way either.

         D.  No Amount of Suffering in Hell. Even everlasting burning in Hell will not purify the soul from sin. In the human realm there is nothing in time or eternity that can free us from the guilt of our sin. Those who seek a do-it-yourself solution to the problem of sin only shackle themselves all the more securely to their guilt.

    3.  Even One Small Sin is Extremely Offensive to God.

Rom. 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Moreover, the smallest sin is so exceedingly vile that God—despite His infinite mercy, grace, and forgiveness—will not and cannot overlook even one sin without exacting its full penalty. 

Think of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and the size of their sin. They simply ate what was forbidden, but yet it was an act of disobedience and rebellion! They did not murder anyone nor did they lie, they disobeyed God. That is serious sin! God held them responsible for their actions.

C.  HUMANITY IS LOST BECAUSE WE DISOBEY OUR OWN CONSCIENCE.

    1.  We All Have Been Guilty of Ignoring Our Conscience.

Notice the clear biblical teaching about our guilty conscience. Romans 2:14-16,   For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: [15]  Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)  [16]  In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

    2.  How Does Our Conscience Show That We Are Lost?

Our conscience shows that we are lost since we are unable to live up to our own standards, let alone God's.

(Anders)

        A.  What Does Our Own Conscience Tell Us about Our Goodness?

Do you sometimes do things even though you know they are wrong? Do you sometimes fail to do things, even though you know they are right? Are you a perfect human being, even by your own standards, let alone God's?

The Christian teaching of the depravity of humanity does not hold that humanity is incapable of doing any good. Obviously, humanity is capable of doing great good. Look at the hospitals, look at the orphanages, and look at the disaster relief that do good for humanity all around the world. Yes, humanity is capable of doing well. But at the same time, we are incapable of not doing evil. It was Anders who observed,

The same person, who administrates an orphanage, doing good for hundreds of children, may go home and physically abuse his own child. The politician who is responsible for getting a hospital built for disadvantaged rural people may take a bribe from a construction company. Even the preacher who proclaims the gospel on Sunday morning may be hard and insensitive toward his wife. (Anders)

        B.  Have You Ever Tried to Be Perfect?

Have you ever tried to live up to your own standards, let alone God's standard of perfection? Have you ever said, “From this day on, I will do all the good I am able, and I will refrain from doing wrong.” (Anders)

If you have, then you know that you are incapable of living perfectly. If you have not tried it, try it. It will not be long before you go down in defeat.

I came to the conclusion, early in my Christian experience, as I tried to be perfect, that I could make myself do almost anything I wanted to except desire to do only good all the time. My “wanter” is basically flawed. And even if it were not, I still do not believe I could perform perfectly. It simply is not in me. It is not in anyone. (Anders)

        C. Do You Think Heaven Is a Perfect Place?

If you do, and if you are not perfect, how will you get there? How can the imperfect be joined to the perfect?

Either the imperfect cannot be joined to the perfect, or else the perfect becomes corrupted or contaminated by being united with the imperfect. Neither one can be true if Heaven is to be a perfect place where we can live with God forever (Rev. 21:22-27).

        D.  So What Is the Solution? There is only one. We must become spiritually perfect. We must admit that we are lost and in need of the salvation God offers, and ask Him to forgive our sins and makes us spiritually perfect. This is God’s solution.

II. Consider Solid Proof That Christ Is Willing And Able To Save Us.

There has to be a solution. There must be a way God can satisfy His perfect righteousness yet enable Him to display His rich mercy toward sinners. The cross of Christ provided the way by enabling the only Perfect Sacrifice to atone for human sin once for all.  (Rom. 3:24-26)

A.  JESUS CHRIST IS THE SINLESS SAVIOR.

    1.  He Was Perfect and Sinless.

The offering for sin had to be perfect, spotless, untainted by sin. Jesus lived a sinless, holy life in perfect obedience to God’s law.

Hebrews 4:15,  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 7:26,  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

    2.  He Was a Perfect Sacrifice.

Our Lord, the sinless One, was the Lamb of God to be offered up as the final sacrifice for our sin (Jn. 1:29).

        A.  That Is the Very Purpose for Which Jesus Came.

1 John 3:5, And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.   

        B.  As He Hung on the Cross, He Carried the Guilt of Our Sin.

Isaiah 53:4-5, Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. [5] But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Hebrews 9:14, How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?    

     3.  He is a Perfect Savior.

He paid the penalty to the fullest on our behalf. And in the same way that our sins were imputed to Him, so His righteousness is reckoned to us who believe: “For [God] he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Cor. 5:21). He rose from the dead to declare His victory over sin. “Who [Jesus] was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Rom. 4:25).

 

B.  JESUS CHRIST IS ABLE TO SAVE.

Hebrews 7:25, Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Jude 1:24, Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, (2 Tim 1:12)

                                                                      

C.  JESUS CHRIST IS WILLING TO SAVE.

1 Timothy 2:3-6, For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; [4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; [6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

2 Pet 3:9, The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for “by His stripes we are healed” (1 Pet. 2:24). That is the only possible remedy for our sin. It is the only way God can be both “just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26).

CONCLUSION:

Ezekiel 33:11, Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?                                                                                        

God makes an incredibly gracious appeal to humanity to turn to Him in faith. He assures us there is no hope or promise in a life or guilt-ridden death for our sins against Himself! Can you hear Him almost shouting to you asking, “Why will ye die?” Listen to His counsel to ‘turn from your wicked ways and live through the forgiveness He offers.’ God does not take any measure of pleasure in condemning the lost/unsaved person forever! Turn to Him for forgiveness today. Trust Christ and God will deal graciously with you because you accepted Christ’s complete payment for all sins. Come to Christ in faith now….

A LOST person can be SAVED when he/she acknowledges the fact that they are LOST. We must acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the ONLY ONE who can SAVE us or FIND us in our LOST condition/situation. To be Lost now and die without trusting the only one who can find you is to spend all eternity lost in Eternal Punishment in Hell. Why not trust Jesus Christ today and realize the forgiveness of sins God offers? Come to Christ Jesus in faith before it is eternally too late to do so.

Securing Wall To Wall Forgiveness

Psalm 51:1-19

SUBJECT: FORGIVENESS

THEME: We Want to Review the Process of Receiving Complete Forgiveness from God.  It is imperative that we understand the Lord Forgives Sin on the Conditions of Conviction and Confession.  Only then can we experience Cleansing (Forgiveness) Through the Blood of Jesus Christ.

RELEVANCE:    

Many needlessly struggle under the heavy weight of guilt: even Christians wrestle for months and years with a Heavy conscious–the sense of responsibility for an offensive or wrongful action.  Even though society tries to water–down sinfulness and holiness, there remains an acute and painful verdict in the heart of “guilt.” Though people still try to sneak through life while ignoring an absolute sense of right and wrong, there is still a persistent and sharp awareness of having done wrong in the heart of the average person (Lev. 4:3; Ezra 9:6, 13,15).  Terms like sinfulness, guilt complex, remorse, shame, suspicious conduct, guilty feelings, and guilty behavior are all used in our culture to pin down this event that take place in the heart when we have violated God’s view or our own view of right behavior. Clearly Scripture presents us with classic examples of guilt in the Bible such as: Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:7-8), Cain (Gen. 4:8-9), and yes, David (2 Sam. 11; Ps. 51).  In all of these instances the sinner felt they were “under justice,” or answerable to the judgment and condemnation of God.  Not merely accountable to society, or one’s own conscience, but to the Holy One Himself. Thus, we establish the need for the forgiveness and justice of God toward sinful mankind.

INTRODUCTION:

1.  Receiving Wall-to-wall Forgiveness Is Possible Through the Blood of Jesus Christ. 

1 John 1:7,  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.   (See also Rev. 1:5)

“Wall to Wall” is a phrase often employed to indicate that a room is completely carpeted or to indicate that a room is completely full of people.  Thus, the terms “wall-to-wall carpet” and “wall-to-wall people.”   Both phrases indicating total coverage, completeness, and full to capacity.  Presently i am using this phrase to indicate Complete, thorough, and Full Forgiveness of Sins for the person who meets God’s conditions.  It does not matter how ugly and hideous a person’s sinful practice may be, God is able and willing to forgive.

2.  The Fifty-first Psalm Is Often Called "The Penitent Psalm" and Also "The Sinner's Guide."

     A.  A review of 2 Samuel 11:1-12:25 will set the stage for today's message and help us understand why.

             1.  David was a man "after his [God's] own heart" (I Sam. 13:14).

1 Samuel 13:14,  But now thy kingdom [King Saul] shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.

             2.  However, David was guilty of adultery, conspiracy, and murder. Many months of misery had passed and David had not yet repented. He along with Bathsheba, Joab and several servants were all involved in the attempted cover up.

             3.  Psalm 32:3,4 explains part of the misery and suffering of David during those long, long months without repentance.

Ps 32:3-4,  When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. 4,  For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

I still contend that real believers will suffer likewise when they know they are not right with the Lord.

     B.  David's song (Ps 32:3-4) rings out with a strong message to those who believe sin can be hidden.

            1.   Verses 3 and 4 tell of his months of silence as he attempted to hide the iniquity in his heart.

                  A.  God's hand weighted David down more and more with each passing day.

                  B.  The weight of sin continues to grow until the guilty can no longer function in the Lord's service.

            2.  David was wasting away both spiritually and physically.

                   A.  He said, "My bones waxed old." Conviction had drained him of his spiritual strength with the Lord, as well as affecting him physically.

                          *  The sleepless nights came more often,

                          *  The worry grew more intense, and

                          *  The fretting became worse.

                          * “The way of transgressors is hard” (Prov. 13:15).

                   B.  David ends this verse of his song with selah. Those hearing and those singing along knew where to stop and meditate for a time on the wages of sin and to think of the consequences. Can you live with it? The answer comes in the next verse of the song.

            3.  David's song turns to one of confession in verse 5.

Psalm 32:5,  I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

                   A.  He is no longer silent. The sins he had tried and planned so hard to cover up were now an open book.

                   B.   'Thou art the man" (2 Sam. 12:7) was ringing in his ears and sounding off in his heart.

                   C.  Now the healing process could begin. Now the cleansing could take place.

                   D.  David acknowledged and fully confessed his sin.

Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

3.  It Is Important that We Understand That God Did Not and Does Not Overlook Sin, Even in a Child of God.  Nobody gets away with sin!  It is also important to understand the difference between the punishment of God and the chastening hand of God.

      A. The Punishment of God is for Sinners:    The Unrepentant, Unbelieving Sinner Receives Punishment as a Penalty.    Prov 21:11,  When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

                1.  This "punish" as used in Isaiah 13:11 means to visit with hostile intent.

Isaiah 13:11, And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

                2.  This "punishment" as used in (2 Peter 2:9)  means justice and its execution.

2 Peter 2:9,  The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

                3.  This "punishment" as in Hebrews 10:29  has to do with vindication by inflicting a penalty.

Hebrews 10:29,  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

               4.  This punishment  in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 speaks of paying the price for unbelief.

2 Thes. 1:7-9,  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, [8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

      B.  The Chastisement of God is for Saints:   The Repentant Believer, Such as David, Comes Under the Chastisement of God. The goal here is entirely different than with the unrepentant.

Prov 19:18,   Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

          1.  In Proverbs 19:18 the word "chasten" means to instruct, correct  or reform.

          2.  The word "chastisement" in Isaiah 53:5 has the meaning of correction and discipline.

          3.  Three times in the New Testament, forms of the word "chasten" are used (1 Cor. 11:32; Heb. 12:5-8; Rev. 3:19), and they mean to train or educate a child.

1 Cor. 11:32,  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Hebrews 12:5-8,  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: [6] For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. [7] If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? [8] But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Rev. 3:19-20,  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. [20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Obviously, then God is trying to instruct, correct, reform, discipline, train, and educate his sons when we fail to meet with His expectations. 

          4.  Thus, the Lord was instructing and training David. The sins of David were not overlooked by God, but neither was David under the same penalty as an unbeliever (Psalm 5l:3, 11).

4.  It must be Emphasized that the Lord forgives sin on the basis of conviction, confession and cleansing (forgiveness) through the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lesson:

I. DAVID'S WALL-TO-WALL CONFESSION.   (Psalm 51:1-6)  

One thing David did to make things right with the Lord was his refusal to minimize the severity of his actions before God.  David did not say, “Everybody does it,” “What’s the big deal anyway,” or merely “Lord forgive me of my sins.”  No! In absolute honesty he completely confessed to God.  These verses name five (5) things that David confessed to the Lord.

A. HE CONFESSED HIS TRANSGRESSIONS, in both verses 1 and 3.

The first step for repentance is contrition for sin.  The second step is confession of sin.  True confession is acknowledging our sin to God; it is admitting that we cannot effectively deal with them alone (1Jn. 1:9).

        1. Transgression Means More than Just Stepping over or Missing the Mark.

If this was all there were to the meaning of transgressions, it would only refer to mistakes based on ignorance of God’s requirements. 

ILLUSTRATION: a transgression in this way can be like driving too fast within the city limits.  You may not be aware of the speed limit but still it’s a transgression because you exceeded that limit.

        2.  Transgression Means to Revolt or to Rebel.

The concept of transgression appears in Isaiah 1:2 where God says, "They have rebelled against me."  This signifies a deliberate act of defiance against God.

ILLUSTRATION: This idea of deliberate rebellion lies at the heart of the Genesis account of the beginning of Adam’s sin (Gen. 3:1-7).  Eve was deceived in the Garden, but Adam sinned fully aware of his actions and choose to deliberately disobey God (see 1Tim. 2:14).

        3.  Transgression is Straying Away from the Guidance of the Word–Unfaithful.

Galatians 3:19, Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

              *   The word “transgression” has the idea of violation or not walking beside a given law (Gal. 3:19).

              *   The transgressor has violated God's law and no longer walks beside it but has violated it by straying away.  They have departed from, overstepped, and abandoned the Word.

              *   The Transgressor acts Deliberately and Arrogantly. 

Perhaps the most heinous sins are those done ‘with a high hand’ that is deliberately and arrogantly.

Numbers 15:30-31,  But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. [31] Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

ILLUSTRATION: This brings our attention to the sin of hypocrisy, especially among ‘religious’ people (Matt. 23; Acts 5:1-11). The hypocrite says one thing, but he practices another thing. Thus he or she deliberately strays away from the requirements of the Lord.  The hypocrite usually goes to great extent to hide or cover up their sinful behavior. 

APPLICATION:  The lesson we must learn is that there is no secret sin. Psalm 69:5, O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.   Moses in Exodus 2:11-14 clearly illustrated that there is no success in hiding ones sin.  Clearly Achan (Josh. 7:21-22) would testify to the truth that there is no profit in covering and hiding our sin because they will surely be discovered and found out.  Numbers 32:23, But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.

        4.  Thus David was confessing that he had strayed away from God and that he had Rebelled against God’s known standards.  David dared to ask God to erase his awful violations of God’s holy law and that he might be cleanse from the frightful ways in which he missed the mark of God’s standards.

           

B.  HE CONFESSED HIS INIQUITY, which he repeats in verses 2 and 5.

       1.  Iniquity Is the Inward Look at Sin.

           *   It is not just the wrong doing, but wrong being.

           *   It does not point to "an action,” but the “character of an action."

           *   It is not referring to the sinful activity, but the sinful attitude which justifies the sinful actions.

APPLICATION: Since we have a tendency to sin, we can just about talk ourselves into believing anything, including sinful behaviors are good, right, fair, and just. Just take one look at all the attention the issue of “Gay Marriage” and "Gay Rights" is receiving.  These misguided souls advocating these sinful behaviors truly believe the sodomite is doing something that is normal and healthy. They have allowed or wrongfully endorsed societies deviant morals. They are so perverted in their attitudes and thinking that they justify what God obviously condemns.  This is iniquity.

Deut. 32:4,  He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

       2.  The Word "Iniquity" Means to Be Perverted, Morally Evil, to be Crooked, Falsify or Distort (See Prov. 2:12-15).

APPLICATION:  The Christian life should stand parallel with the Word of God. It was said of Josiah, the child king, in 2 Chronicles 34:2, "He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left." God's children are not to be straying away, nor justifying sin.

        3.  David Declares He Was "Shapen in Iniquity."

              A.   This does not mean that motherhood is a sin, or that David's mother conceived in some illegitimate manner.

              B.  It does mean that sin is inherited, and man is totally depraved by nature (Psalm 58:3; Rom. 5:12).

Psalm 58:3,  The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

Romans 5:12,  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

C.  HE CONFESSED HIS SIN, In verses 3 and 4.

He used a word for sin which denotes offense and continual sin. David had sinned and continued doing so. This was a flaw in his godly character, and he knew it. The child of God does not continue or habitually practice sin (1 John 3:9). Here the apostle John makes it clear that those who are born-again do not practice sin.

David could no longer continue in his sin. Uriah's death and the death of the infant child haunted him day and night. David said, "My sin is ever before me." In the eyes of Bath-sheba and Joab, in the questioning glances of servants, soldiers and those of his own children, the ghost of Uriah and the infant were kept alive. In verse 5 David used a Hebrew word meaning to forfeit, to lack or come up short. (See also Romans 3:23.) Sin does not measure up to the standards of God's righteousness and the stature of Christ (Eph. 4:13).

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

D.  HE CONFESSED HIS OFFENSE, David confessed his sin was against God in verse 4.

    1.  Sin Culminates in Wrong Against the Being and Will of God.

The bottom line was he had sinned against God.

ILLUSTRATION:  Like the prodigal son in Luke 15:18, it was time to arise and go to the Father and say to him, "I have sinned against heaven, and before thee." The words "against" and "thee" cause all the others to fade.

    2.  There is No Such thing as Private Sin.

Yes, he had sinned against Uriah, Bath-sheba, Bath-sheba's grandfather, his counselor (Ahithophel), the nation of Israel, his family and the infant child.

    3.  God is Always Offended Most When We Sin.  This is true regardless of whomever else we hurt. David was keenly aware in his heart that God had seen him in full view as he committed this sinful act.

APPLICATION:  Sin is against God. Confession must be made from the heart and unto God (Rom. 10:8-13). Truly all great sin is against the Lord ultimately, though others our affected and influenced by our actions. Joseph and Paul would certainly agree with David in this respect (Gen. 39:9; Acts 9:4).

E.   HE CONFESSED HIS NATURE,   David confessed his nature in verses 5 and 6.

He, like all men, was a sinner twice over. Isaiah 1:18 uses the illustration of a dyed-in-the-wool sinner. The scarlet color was made and set in the wool by a double dipping of the fleece. We are double-dipped sinners.

     1.  First, We Are Sinners by Nature or by Birth.

Sin has left its crimson scarlet Stain. "In sin did my mother conceive me" (Psalm 51:5, see also Romans 5:12, Job 14:1-4).  He recognized that the source of his sin was as corrupt as the streams.  He, like any human beings had a natural bent toward sin.  When given the option, we choose wrong too often.  Our fruit is bad because our tree is bad.   This is not to be used as an excuse for our sin but a sincere acknowledgment of it.

     2.  Secondly, We Are Sinners by Choice and Deed.

This is the transgression (Rom. 3:l0-23). God is looking for inward purity, but the twice-dipped sinful heart of man is bound by deceit (Jer. 17:9). The sinful heart is not compatible with the righteousness of God. Therefore, all men need the cleansing power of Jesus' blood.

David’s Secured Wall-To-Wall Forgiveness Because of His Wall-to-Wall Confession!  When David “Came Clean”, He was Completely Cleansed By The Blood!

This article continues in a future post titled "Seeking Wall-to-Wall Forgiveness"; please remain alert for when it is posted or look it up in the archives.