July 6th, 2016

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Sin

Wednesday, July 6th, 2016

A bad word these days. I know. No one wants to hear sin called sin, especially if what they believe or how they act is diametrically opposed to the Bible. I am also aware there are some who have written off the Bible as a standard to live by. I’m not going to argue that point. Sunday in my sermon I brought out three words used for sin and then ultimately three things God has done for sin. They are found in Psalm 32.

First word used is in verse 1- “transgression.” That word literally means “a going away” or “departure.” In this case “a rebellion” against God and His authority.

Second word used is also in verse 1- “sin.” The Hebrew word is the equivalent to the Greek word which means “missing the mark. ” It was an archery term for “falling short of the target.’

Third word us is in verse 2- “iniquity.” It literally means “corrupt,” “twisted,” or “crooked.”

But here is the good part! Along with those words David also includes what God has done for each of them.

For “transgression” he says “forgiven.” Psalm 103:12 says “he removes our sin as far as the east is from the west.”

For “sin” he says it is “covered.” This hearkens back to the OT sacrifice  at the Mercy Seat (the covering of the Ark).

For “iniquity” he uses a negative. It describes what God not do. “He will not count your iniquity against you.” The word count is a bookkeeping term for keeping a ledger. God does not stand there with this huge ledger marking off the good and bad we do.

The best news of all? The slate is wiped clean. We are forgiven completely and immediately and it is never brought up again. I like that type of news. Do you?