Here it is. The final part in this series. What does all of this mean? Why is knowing all of this important? Let's just cut to the quick and dive right in.
If you have been around Christianity for any amount of time, you have probably heard "the 7 deadly sins." Yes? Yet, the Bible speaks of only 1 unforgivable sin. The unforgiveable sin truly is "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" yet it is not one of the 10 commandments. How can all of this be?
First, many think there is a list of "7 deadly sins" recorded in the Bible. This is false. No such list exists. The term "7 deadly sins" were originally based on a list of eight principal vices. In the sixth century, Pope Gregory I changed Cassian’s list of eight vices into the list of seven deadly, or cardinal, sins of Roman Catholic theology. It is often mistaken and confused with scripture found in Proverbs 6:16-19: (NKJV)
"These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren."
You can see how those verses could be morphed into "a list" of 7. There is also "a list" (for those of you who like lists) in Galatians 5:19-21.
We are quick to quote Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NKJV) So, we acknowledge that ALL sin deserves death, yes? But, do we believe it? Did we take the time to understand the scripture surrounding that verse? Romans 5:20: "God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant." (NLT)
LIGHTBULB MOMENT!
Some sins bear more earthly consequences than others. For instance, murder has more considerable consequences than sinful anger. Some of our sin has ripple consequences which we cannot "see" or imagine but God can. Some of our sin is directly against God. All sin has consequences - good, bad or indifferent, regardless of what we think or feel. All sin, whether we pursue it openly, willingly, knowingly, innocently, unknowingly, as a by-product of something else is still sin. No matter the sin, the eternal consequences are the same — separation from a holy God. We can lead others to sin, be led into sin, open ourselves up to sin, welcome sin, look for sin, seek sin and ultimately find shelter in sin. As Christians, we have died to sin AT A PRICE! We are no longer slaves to sin. Sin no longer controls the way we live life. The "10 commandments" and Jesus' words of what the greatest commandment(s) are have freed us from the law and are guide stones for our life. Don't you see?
The things the Lord dislikes (the 7 deadly sins) are the things we as Christians dislike because we are striving to be more Christ-like. We are "loving the Lord with all our heart and all our soul and all our mind" and we are "loving others." We are actively working to not lie, cheat, steal, murder or covet. We are not putting anything before God, we are not doing evil in God's name, we are not worshipping anything other than the one true God, we are ensuring a day of rest and proper worship and we are honoring our parents and elders. In so doing we are not allowing pride and ego - unbridled tongue - laziness - plotting/envy - anger - covetousness/lust - apathy/hate in deed, thought and words to lead us into temptation, sin and away from God; away from the freedom of sin; the freedom we find in Jesus Christ.
Do you see how these things truly work together? They are not rules and strict "You must do this or else?" Instead, they are God saying, "I love you so much I am giving you Mercy and Grace and here is how I am doing it." He sent His Son so that I did not have to face the punishment I deserved; He then gave me the Holy Spirit to ensure I remained comforted and guided. He loved me so much. I didn't earn it; I certainly didn't deserve it. I found sovereignty in a list and I didn't even know it at the time.
Do you see it? Do you believe it? Are you ready to receive it? You don't have to have it all together or understand every detail. All you have to do is know and understand is God wants you to have it to. Jesus died for you too. You have the same mercy, grace and understanding waiting for you. Haven't you been a slave to sin long enough? Isn't it time you tasted true freedom? Right now, right here, right this moment, you can have it. Just reach out to Him. Free yourself from the things that you are not meant to carry or burden yourself with. If you are already a Christian, are there things you need to leave at the feet of Jesus? Let the words of Christ resonate in your soul. It is a freedom you will find nowhere else.
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