Gravity of Sin

"If the whole Israelite community sins unintentionally

and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD's commands,

even though the community is unaware of the matter,

when they realize their guilt

and the sin they committed becomes known,

the assembly must bring a young bull

as a sin offering and present it before the tent of the meeting.  The elders of the community are to lay their hands on the bull's head before the LORD, and the bull shall be slaughtered before the LORD. . .

In this way the priest will make atonement for the community, and they will be forgiven.

Then he shall take the bull outside the camp and burn it as he burned the first bull.  

This is a sin offering for the community."

Leviticus 4:13-15, 20-21

I could only imagine the flies that would buzz around the altar, drawn to the blood sprinkled and poured there.  The priests must have become quite proficient at slaughtering animals of all sizes, as often as they were called to do the job.  It took quite a bit of work in order for atonement to be made for the sins of God's people.

Looking at the Old Testament law, it is clear that sin is an affront to God.  Even though He is a merciful God, He is also just, so my sin is not easily forgiven.  In fact, there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood. (Hebrews 9:22)  

This necessity of a blood sacrifice in order for atonement to be made drove Jesus to the cross where He offered Himself as the final and perfect sacrifice.  Due to the shedding of His blood, I am made clean, a holy God's requirements having been satisfied, and a way for me to boldly approach His throne being completed.  Atonement has been made, once for all.

It is obvious by the lengths that must be taken that sin is a grave problem.  How does the gravity of sin influence the way I live?

Sensitivity

When I first laid eyes on the dirty sweater, I didn't want it to touch my skin.  As I examined its heaviness, though, and realized the warmth it would bring, I no longer minded the filth so much.  Instead of holding it at arm's length, I now snuggled within its depths as it protected me against the cold night air.

In the same way that I grew comfortable with the grime of an abandoned sweater I had found while on a camping trip, I can compromise with sin in my life.  Instead of keeping it at bay, I can make provisions for it, allowing what I know to be wrong into my life by justifying its presence.

When I know my language is to honor God, for instance, but I slip back into old habits, rationalizing that the words I say are not that big of a deal, I may soon find myself sinking deeper and deeper into a worldly way of using language. (James 3:10) Before I know it, I'm starting to think and speak the way I did before I knew Christ.

When I know that I must guard my heart against the ungodly influences I see on television but my favorite actress shows up in a questionable new sitcom,  I decide to watch just this once.  (Proverbs 4:23) Soon, I'm caught up viewing all sorts of programs that demean the values God holds dear.

When I know that bad company corrupts good character but I am attracted to the charismatic, raunchy personality of a new colleague, I may soon find myself imitating her ways. (1 Corinthians 15:33)

In order to realize the gravity of sin in my own life, I must guard against growing insensitive to it.

Pursuit of Holiness

We only used the heirloom china on holidays and special occasions.  In order to keep it looking nice and to protect it from wear and tear, we stored it up high in a separate cupboard.  When we washed the set after a meal, we took great care to not chip or scratch each piece.  This dinnerware was set apart for special use.

In a similar way, I am set apart for special use.  As His child who was bought at a price, I am called to hold holiness in the same high regard as does God.  This does not mean that I can be perfect in all I do, but that I am to see the importance of keeping myself pure for His purposes.  (1 Peter 1:16)

Therefore, I must be on guard against my own flesh, realizing my natural desires and inclinations run counter to God's ways. (Galatians 5:16-18) If I were to simply do what comes naturally, I would live in a way that dishonors God.  Instead, I am to intentionally seek a holy life, taking every thought captive and examining every action to make sure it lines up with God's ways. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

In order to realize the gravity of sin in my own life, holiness must be important to me.

Never Forget

The wall stands as a reminder of the great cost of freedom.  Hundreds of names engraved upon the smooth, granite surface draw forth from me a sorrow for the lives lost on a foreign battlefield.  The Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. helps the American people keep fresh upon their minds the sacrifices made in the name of liberty.

In the same way that it is important for me to remember how many men and women gave their lives so I could live freely, I must never forget what Jesus did for me in dying on the cross.  My very identity as a sinner saved by grace is tied up in that bloody sacrifice.  When I lose sight of the lengths God went through to make me right with Him, I am at risk of regarding my salvation lightly.

For this reason, I need to preach the gospel to myself often.  Jesus took my sin upon Himself, taking the punishment I justly deserve so that I could come into a right relationship with a holy God.  Even more amazing is the fact that Jesus suffered separation from His own Father at the hour of His greatest need so that I would never need experience such agony. 

When I keep this unspeakable sacrifice fresh upon my mind, it colors my life.  Prayer becomes a precious pursuit as I realize it's impossibility apart from Christ.  God's Word breathes new life into my bones as I understand the sacrifice that was made so I can experience it's power in my life.   Every breath I take becomes a gift given by a God who loved me enough to save me from certain death.

In order to realize the gravity of sin in my own life, I must never forget what Jesus did for me.

Looking at the Old Testament law, I realize how grave is my sin problem.  This gives me a different perspective on my sin, driving me to stay sensitive to the sin that so easily creeps into my life.  I also realize the importance of pursuing holiness and keeping the sacrifice Jesus made fresh upon my heart.  In these ways, the gravity of sin changes the way I live.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can be repulsed by sin.

When do I feel comfortable with certain sins?

How can I keep the sacrifice Jesus made for me fresh upon my heart?