I would not have known
what sin was, had it not been for the law. –Romans 7:7
Many
people have driven back and forth through this area on Hwy 64 speeding under
the assumption that there is little risk of them getting caught, only to find
themselves staring at blue lights flashing in their rear view mirror. Whether
we admit it or not, each and every one of us have been guilty of assuming that
our speed is no big deal, especially on a four lane highway.
We mistakenly
assume that since everyone else around us is driving fifteen mph over the speed
limit, our transgression of the law is no big deal. That is of course, until we
see blue lights flashing in our rear view mirror. All of a
sudden we really could care less if everyone else is speeding too. We have
become frightfully aware that we are guilty not anyone else. Our
transgression of the law is no longer what everyone else is doing, it has
become personal.
It
is the same when we apply God’s Law (The Ten Commandments) to our lives. At
first we think, who hasn’t told a fib here and there, looked at someone
lustfully, had sticky fingers, taken the Lord’s name in vain on occasion in a
weak moment? Everybody does it, and so long as we aren’t hurting anybody,
what’s the big deal? Then God’s Law enters the rear view mirror of our
conscience. That “little fib” becomes a lie or false witness. Our sticky
fingers make us a thief. Our lust becomes adultery. Taking God’s name in vain
becomes blasphemy.
All
of a sudden we realize the truth that we have become guilty of transgressing
God’s Holy Law by which He will hold us accountable to on Judgment Day. We
tremble as we remember how God in His righteous justice is so holy that He sees
lust as adultery and hatred as murder in our hearts. He has promised to not
only bring justice to the murderers, rapists, and terrorists, but also to
thieves, blasphemers, and even liars and hypocrites. Our behavior is no longer
“what everyone else is doing”, it has become personal sin against a holy God.
It seems like every time we turn around, we lose someone tragically to death.
What if you’re next? Are you ready?
Don’t
assume that your sin is innocent, of no harm, and no different than anyone
else’s. When death finally rips your soul from your body and you stand before
God with all your actions, words, and even thoughts exposed, there will be
nowhere to run and no one to blame. When the light of God’s Law reveals and
casts into the open even the things you thought you did in secret, you will
have to answer for your personal transgressions of God’s Law, not anyone
else’s. You personally are guilty.
When
that officer of that law hands you that ticket with that hefty fine, there is a
moment of finality as you sit on the side of the road. Can you imagine your reaction
if before the officer drove away, a stranger pulled beside the both of you and
paid your fine for you? Now you’re free to go! You would be overjoyed and
grateful. That is exactly what Jesus Christ did for you when He died on the
cross nearly 2,000 years ago.
He
took the punishment for your transgressions, the penalty for your crimes, He
paid your fine. Now, if you repent (turn from) of your sins and put your faith
in Jesus as your Savior, God will forgive your sins, commute your sentence, and
dismiss your case. You will be pardoned and granted Eternal Life. You will not
face judgment when you die, but an eternity in Heaven. Your sin is your own,
it’s personal. Repent and trust the Savior today while your heart still beats.
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