Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

To understand the Bible and God’s plan of salvation we must grasp the reality of sin. Is there any subject as important as sin since it is actually older than the existence of humankind?

The first sin we find in history occurred in the presence of God when Satan decided to become God, exalting himself above the “stars of God” and determining to “be like the most High” (Isaiah 14:13-14). My, what boldness it took to attempt to overthrow the power of God Almighty and become like Him?

Pride, self-will and rebelliousness are key attributes of sin, and Lucifer had them all. Sin must be identified to be defeated.

Words like sin, lost, hell-bound and even saved by the blood are no longer acceptable in many pulpits. There must be a strong renunciation of sin in order to expose it.

What is sin? It is an act of violating God’s Word. It is a state where there is an absence of righteousness and enmity toward God. Sin resists submission to God’s will and His right to control a life. Sin demands its own freedom, to live as desired by the lust of the flesh. Sin refuses to live up to God’s standard, thus restricting a man or woman to a life of emptiness and failure. In the place of accomplishment, of honor, of achievement, sin gives only despair, depression and nothingness.

Sin promises much but delivers nothing good. Therefore, sin is a lie, promising what it cannot and will not provide. As such, sin becomes a delusion. “…because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie” (II Thessalonians 2:10-11).

The delusion only came after God’s Word had been rejected.

Sin separates the sinner from God and His amazing love and grace by refusing to act upon the opportunity presented in the message of salvation.

You may have lived your life in sin, but you don’t have to die in your sin. Listen to the words of the Psalmist David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me” (Psalms 51:1011). Try praying these words and watch God work.