Sin in the Last Days

Introduction

Connection: Hoarders. Do you know any? Have you seen the house of a Hoarder? What makes hoarding so wrong is not so much the collection of items; it’s that the collection of items pile up and don’t get used, which actually leaves other people in need And without resources. These other people who are in need could be helped by your large piles upon piles of items. Yet hoarders do not give—they continue to add and pile up and stack up all of their things. On top of this, hoarding is even worse toward the end of ones life. The items don’t do you any good when you’re so old that you can no longer sort through them! Rather, such items must be graciously given away to those who are in need. In the last days, such sin becomes even worse because of the context that it is in. It’s not that such sins are okay before you get to the last days, it’s that the last days intensify the sin. Thus, the title for my sermon this morning is:

Theme: Sin in the Last Days

Need: We need to know what sin is; what sin merits; how to be saved from sin; and how to fight against sin.

Purpose: To rebuke sinners in these last days; to warn sinners in these last days; to expose sin in these last days; to comfort saints in the Mercy and Justice of our Saviour during these last days; and to exhort the saints to be holy in these last days—can you tell that we’re going to be thinking about the last days? :)

Read Text: James 5:1-6 ESV

PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY

(1) It is Sinful to Lay up Treasure in the Last Days - v. 1-3

English Standard Version Chapter 5

5 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.

(1) It is Sinful to Lay up Treasure in the Last Days - v. 1-3

Last week we see James rebuking Christians in their lack of humility toward the future. Here James rebukes rich unbelievers in their laying up of treasure in the last days. Our text this morning is a rebuke to either unbelievers in the church (who are false-Christians and merely give lip-service to Christ), or to unbelievers outside of the church (who are persecuting the church and living in unrepentant sin). Regardless, this text has strong application to the true people of God because it shows us God’s justice against such sin, and his gracious protection of us even while under such persecution. Thus, we continue:

James says: “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.” (Jas. 5:1). In chapter 4 James calls believers to repentance and faith and to draw near to God, to humble ourselves before the Lord, because he “gives more grace” (Jas. 4:6). Here however, James does not extend this grace to the rich unbeliever, rather, he calls them to weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon them. Matthew Henry says:

Rich men are quick to say to themselves: Eat, drink, and be merry; but God says: Weep and howl.

Believers are called to mourn and weep over their sins but to rejoice in God’s sufficient grace; but these rich unbelievers are called to weep and howl for the miseries that are coming at the Day of Judgment when Jesus returns with his angels to inflict vengeance upon those who do not know God or obey his Gospel (2 Thess. 1:8). Paul says that they will “suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might” (2 Thess. 1:9). James is reminding us that those who have no refuge in Jesus from the wrath and judgment to come should be full of dreadful fear, anxiety, and agony. Jesus sweat blood when he approached this wrath of God; unbelievers should be in the same intense state of fear—yet there is one difference—Jesus was able to satisfy the wrath of God because he was truly God and truly man; unbelievers will never be able to satisfy the wrath of God because they are merely finite men. Thus these rich unbelievers are called to not just weep like believers over their sins; but to howl—an audible cry out in distress with no refuge and stronghold. Calvin adds:

Weep and howl, or, Lament and howling. Repentance [for believers] has indeed its weeping, but being mixed with consolation, it does not proceed to howling [like it does in unbelievers]. Then James [shows] that the heaviness of God’s vengeance will be so horrible and severe on the rich, that they will be constrained to break forth into howling, as though he had said briefly to them, “Woe to you!”

James is here reflecting the words of Jesus who calls woes upon rich unbelievers: “but woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation” (Luke 6:24). Those who are rich and dead in their sins have mighty woes and judgments coming upon them because they have failed to trust in Jesus and have failed to love God with their riches. Rather, they proceeded to “lay up treasure in the last days” (Jas. 5:3b).

This treasure, James says, was “rotting”, their clothing was “moth-eaten”, their gold and silver were “corroded”—basically saying that they were hoarders who were letting their goods sit in the attic without seeking to give them to those in need. James says: “all of this will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire” (Jas. 5:3a). On the Day of Judgment, when Jesus returns and calls us men before his throne to give an account of their lives, these rich unbelievers and their sinfully hoarded possessions will be evidence against them of their sinful state and lack of refuge in a Redeemer. They did not use their riches for good works, for love and charity, for helping the poor and needy, or for the glory of God—rather, they used their riches for selfish and sinful purposes—beyond moderate enjoyment.

And worse of all, James says, they have done this in the “last days” (Jas. 4b). The last days are present. They are the entire period of time between Christ’s resurrection and his return. The end times have dawned. The kingdom of God is near. The Spirit of Christ has been poured out. But all of these things are Already/Not Yet. The last days are already here, and partially fulfilled—but the last day of judgment will bring the fulfillment to completion, all that is not yet consummated. The last days dawned on humanity in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ who opened up a chasm between this age and the age to come, to bring partial fulfillment to some end-time OT promises before their total fulfillment (Acts 2:17; 2 Tim. 3:1; Heb. 1:2; James 5:3; 2 Peter 3:3). James mentions this in his rebuke to the rich unbelievers to remind them that they are in the last-days, the closing of history, the end of this present world as we know it—and yet you are still using your riches for your own kingdom and glory, rather than for the kingdom and glory of Christ Jesus our Lord.

Here are some questions for us all:

How full is your closet? How many clothes in your closet will never or very rarely get used? Do we throw away any extra clothing instead of giving them away to those who have none?

How full is your pantry? How much extra food do we have that will never or very rarely get used? Do we store up our food beyond measure and neglect those who barely have any daily bread? Do we throw away our expired food because it sat for so long while people starve on the streets?

How full is your bank account? Are we going beyond wise investments and just seeking to grow our riches and worth? Are we just seeking to get the bigger and better car or house? Do we seek to lavish ourselves beyond need and wise enjoyment into the realm of sinful luxury while thousands go without a home on the streets?

James is targeting this rebuke to these rich unbelievers, but we can still see sins in our lives that these rich unbelievers engage in. As Christians we can run to our gracious Father for forgiveness because of the blood of Jesus Christ, and we can find rest, peace, and salvation in Him. And now as his beloved children we are called to use our riches for his Kingdom and Glory!

How are we stewarding the money that Christ Jesus Himself has entrusted to us? Are we acting more like these rich unbelievers who will meet the judgment of God? Or are we acting more like Jesus Christ our Lord and Lawgiver? Will you be a hearer and doer of the Word, of the perfect law of liberty? Will you change the way that you steward your money? Will you obey the words of Christ Jesus your Saviour:

English Standard Version Chapter 6

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

James, echoing Jesus, is rebuking these rich unbelievers and showing them that the fact that their ultimate treasure is here on earth proves to them that their ultimate treasure is not Christ Jesus their Saviour and Lord. Why? For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Hoarding coupled with a heart that is not trusting in Jesus and repenting of sin is evidence against you that you are not a believer, but are still dead in your sins and in need of the grace of God! Paul says: “he who is self-indulgent is dead while he lives” (1 Tim. 5:6).

As James said before, it’s not planning that is sinful but a wrong perspective on planning; so too does he say here, it’s not riches that are sinful but a wrong use of riches. One commentator says:

Paul says Christians should use wealth in three ways: to meet basic needs for food and covering (1 Tim. 6:8), to enjoy (6:17), and to be generous to others (6:18). Saving is permissible, but hoarding contradicts all three points. Hoarders trust in wealth rather than in God (Matt. 6:19–21). They brood over possible future catastrophes, but ignore the certain catastrophe of facing God’s judgment without faith. On the last day, their useless metals will “eat [their] flesh like fire.”

Where is your treasure? Is your treasure in heaven? In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Is your ultimate hope set upon the blood and righteousness of Christ our Lord? Or is it set upon the fading riches of this life? James is rebuking those who are dead in their sin and prove it by their serving of money. As Christians we still do wrestle with this sin, but as Christians we seek to live by the Spirit, loving God our Father, and seeking the Kingdom of Christ—why?

Because Jesus has paid it all, He has brought us into the family of God, He has washed away all of our sins, He has promised us the eternal Kingdom of God, and He is growing us by His Word and Spirit. Out of gratitude, now we seek to love Him with our money. For Jesus Himself says: “no one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the other and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matt. 6:24).

So let’s continue to repent, rest in Jesus, draw near to God, and plead with the fruit of the Spirit, the Wisdom from above, that we would walk in ways that please our Heavenly Father.

(1) It is Sinful to Lay up Treasure in the Last Days - v. 1-3

This leads us to our second point:

(2) It is Sinful to Abuse others in the Last Days - v. 4

English Standard Version Chapter 5

4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.

(2) It is Sinful to Abuse others in the Last Days - v. 4

Don’t misinterpret me here. As I mentioned in the introduction, it’s not that these things aren’t sinful before the last days have dawned, it’s that being in the last days heightens and intensifies the sin because of our context.

James here tells us about these rich unbelievers who were abusing their own workers and failing to pay them on time. They were stealing from their workers by not paying them. They were abusing their workers by keeping back necessities from them. They were oppressing their workers by failing to give them their just reward for their work. They were hating their workers by failing to love them without partiality and according to the royal law of God in Christ (Jas. 2:1; 2:6-10).

James has already mentioned these rich unbelievers when he says this in Chapter 2: “Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honourable name by which you were called?” (James 2:6-7). And here he picks up with further accusations against these rich unbelievers. Not only are they dishonoring the poor man, they are abusing him by keeping his just reward of wages from him. Those who work deserve the reward for their work—money and payment. These poor people have families to provide for, children to feed, and neighbours to help—but these rich unbelievers were sinning and abusing their own workers.

Note this: Abuse is a serious sin against the law of God, the perfect law of love—and James tells us that the sin of abuse, if not repented of, will be evidence against you on the last day when Christ repays your deeds by his justice and wrath.

By principle here, James condemns abuse in all areas of life, whether it’s: abusing your wife, abusing your kids, abusing your neighbor, abusing your parents, abusing the elderly, abusing the poor, abusing the needy, abusing your rulers and leaders, abusing your church, abusing your community, abusing your country, abusing your position, or abusing your power. All of these things are condemned by the law of God as transgression and sin. James is especially condemning these rich unbelievers in the abuse of the lower-class.

Have you been abused before? You can take heart because Christ the Lord will pay your oppression back for their sin. Are you presently being abused? Get help immediately. Come and speak to the Elders or Deacons. We are here to care for you and help you, and get you to safety by all means. God cares for your safety, and well-being—there’s a reason that there were cities of refuge in the OT to protect people from harm when they were innocent (Numbers 35:6; 35:32).

James then give the people of God hope in their persecution and abuse from the world, he says: don’t worry, for “the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts” (Jas. 5:4b). The Lord of Hosts is God Almighty, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is the name of God that is frequent in the Old Testament. Here is what it means according to one scholar:

“The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord [of Hosts].” The mowers and the harvesters are the same people. Their cries are not heard by the rich, but the Lord hears his people. The New King James Version provides a literal translation of the Greek in the words the Lord of Sabaoth. … [which means] Lord of the armies in heaven and on earth. God the omnipotent is on the side of the downtrodden [and abused]. He puts his majestic power to work to vindicate his people and to mete out swift justice to their adversaries.

You who have been abused, or who are presently being abused, please get help! and also know that your God and Father has heard your cries. He knows the agony you have gone through. He knows the pain that has been caused to you. He knows the trauma that you have experienced. He knows the oppression, abuse, and sin that has come against you. Just as Yahweh heard the cries of Israel of old being abused in Egypt, so too does He graciously hear the cries of the Church as she is abused by tyrants and wicked leaders (Ex. 2:23). And the Good News is that this God Redeems us and Acts for us and for our salvation (Rom. 3).

James says: you can rest assured that your Father who is in Heaven has heard your cry, and that He is the God of infinite power with great armies and by no means will your abuser escape, for God shall pour out his justice against those who abuse his Church, and he will one day “wipe away all of our tears from our eyes” and bring us into the new-creation where their is neither “death nor pain [nor abuse]” (Rev. 21:3). The tender mercy of Jesus will be your song forever and ever—and that song begins now—for Jesus is “gentle and lowly in heart”, and in him, we can find “rest, restoration, and redemption” (Matt. 11:28-29; 2 Cor. 13:9; Eph. 1:7 )—in him alone who gives “grace upon grace” (John 1:16). And at last, our greatest foe, Satan himself, will be thrown into the lake of fire to never tempt us, oppress us, or attack us every again!

(2) It is Sinful to Abuse others in the Last Days - v. 4

This leads us to our third point:

(3) It is Sinful to live in Luxury in the Last Days - v. 5

English Standard Version Chapter 5

5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.

(3) It is Sinful to live in Luxury in the Last Days - v. 5

This is a short and simple point, but here is the just of it. James is saying that these rich unbelievers have hoarded and lived in luxury and in prideful self-indulgence, instead of being generous, giving, and caring for those in need. They have served money, rather than God—they have served the lust of their own flesh, rather than serve the King of kings.

They pass by the needy and say: “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (Jas 2:16–17.)

These rich unbelievers prove that they do not have faith, b/c they do not have good works. They do not have a refuge from the wrath of God. They are living in ultimate selfish-motives while millions perish with nothing, and are living for their own self-indulgent kingdom, rather than support the work of the Gospel going to the ends of the earth, to “every nation, tribe, and tongue” (Rev. 7:9). They are serving their own mission, rather than serving the great commission of God to build his world-wide kingdom through his church, in the spirit of the great commandment of love to our neighbour (Matt. 22:38-40).

James says, these rich unbelievers are fattening their hearts, without even living in the awareness that the day of slaughter is coming against them. Like a calf on his way to the butcher, so too are these rich unbelievers living as if no death or judgment is coming their way. One pastor says:

They are fattening themselves up for the day of their slaughter. They are like animals—grazing, stuffing themselves, heedless that every bite moves them closer to the day when they meet the slaughterer. Scientists have attached sensors to cattle as they walk the chute to the slaughterhouse. They conclude that the animals are placid—entirely unsuspecting of their fate. This is a comforting finding for tender-hearted steak lovers. The cattle need not know what lies at the end of the ramp. God has not written eternity into their hearts. But men should know; God has “set eternity in the hearts of men” (Eccl. 3:11). It is unsettling to watch aging humans gain ever more wealth so they can buy ever more pleasure, ever more stimulation for their failing senses. Eternity is coming (James 5:7). We shall meet the Judge. We must be prepared.

James is hammering home the point that a Day of Judgment is coming, and if these rich unbelievers do not trust in Jesus Christ the Lamb of God who can “wash away our sin” (Isa. 1:18), and do not repent of their sin “which is transgression against the law” (Jas. 2:11), that they will meet the “wrath of the Lamb” (Rev. 6:16) which torments them, rathee thani meet the mercy of the Lamb, which “triumphs over judgment” (Jas 2:13).

Oh what a comfort it is for the Christian to know that you have a refuge in Jesus from the wrath to come, from the day of slaughter!

For the church, Jesus is returning in salvation and blessing and grace and mercy and peace. “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him since he always live to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25). How? Through the “means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:12). Why? “So that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from their transgressions” (Heb. 9:15). To Where? To the promised eternal inheritance which is in the “New Jerusalem, the New Creation, the City of the Living God, the Kingdom of God” (Heb. 12:22-4; 13:14). Therefore, “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:1-2). Praise God the the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Praise God for the New Covenant of Grace. Jesus is not returning to condemn his saints; but to prove to the world through our fruit that we belong to him; to vindicate us as those who belong to Jesus Christ; to bring us through the judgment of God and into the everlasting shore of the everlasting land of Canaan, the land of promise—heaven in the presence of our King. Jesus is coming again FOR US; not against us—not like He is coming against these rich unbelievers.

Thus, these rich unbelievers need to repent of their luxurious living—and Christians need to continue to repent of their misuse of money, so they can use it for God’s glory- as they look forward to the promised crown of life!

For those who do repent and believe, this is the worst life they will ever live. The Unbeliever will be brought low and condemned. But for those who do repent and believe, this is the worst life they will ever live. The Believer will be brought high and exalted. Therefore “humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (Jas. 4:10).

(3) It is Sinful to live in Luxury in the Last Days - v. 5

This leads us to our fourth point:

(4) It is Sinful to Murder the Innocent in the Last Days - v. 6

English Standard Version Chapter 5

6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.

(4) It is Sinful to Murder the Innocent in the Last Days - v. 6

Here James brings us to the climax of the sin of these rich unbelievers. What have they done? They have legally “condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you” (Jas. 5:6). And their abuse is even more grievous, terrible, and wicked—for the victim is helpless; He does not, he is incapable of, resisting such a tyrant. One scholar says:

If murder is the most egregious sin among men, murder of unresisting innocents is most egregious among murders. As before (James 4:2), the murder is probably figurative. Yet by withholding their wages, the rich condemn the poor to poverty, even starvation.

These rich unbelievers have withheld the wages of their workers, have abused their workers by essentially starving them and their families, which is tantamount to murder. Wether this is literal murder or figurative murder, the point is made: The climax of sin in the last days leads to the murder of innocent people who are incapable of resisting. One commentator clarifies:

The rich were guilty of attacking not merely a righteous man but a man who was defenseless or who refused to fight back.

No, this does not mean that abusers must blindly remain in abuse. No, this does not mean that the oppressed should blindly continue under such oppression. No, this does not mean that these people should not seek help. The statement: He does not resist you, is a negative statement that shows the wickedness of such abuse and murder; even to the point of murdering the helpless who is incapable of resisting such evil oppression.

God desires peace, love, restoration, justice, safety, peace, and holiness—he does not desire that anyone blindly remain in abusive situations; God cares for the poor and needy.

Ezekiel 18 says that if anyone

oppresses the poor and needy … shall he then live? He shall not live. He has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon himself (Ezk. 18:12-14).

This shows God’s hatred of oppression and abuse and his ultimate justice against unrepentant abusers and oppressors. Where is the application of this today?

Where do we see this kind of evil condemning and murdering of the innocent today? Where do we see this kind of evil abuse and oppression? I’m sure in many areas of life and behind many closed doors which only God knows and which God Himself will repay for. But there is a blatant and obvious one isn’t there? Abortion, which is the condemning and murdering of the innocent infant in the womb who is unable to resist the evil and tyranny being brought upon it.

Abortion is the modern god and idol of “Molech” (rising up once again in all of it’s idolatrous and heinous sin, as children of the devil sacrifice their unwanted offspring on the alter of their luxury and self-indulgence because such a child would get in the way of their life pursuits). In ancient Israel Molech was the idolatrous god that the sinful nations sacrificed their children to. Abortion is an ancient practice, my friends, one always condemned by God almighty for its gross and wicked sin of murdering innocent life created in God’s image. Hear a collection of verses from the Lord on this matter:

Genesis 1:27 says that “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them”

Genesis 9:6 says: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image. Be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly on the earth and multiply in it”

Exodus 20:13 says this: “You shall not murder”

Leviticus 18:21 says this: “You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.”

Psalm 136: 13-14 says: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance”.

Luke 1:44 says: “For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy”.

Isaiah 5:20 says: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”

And Ephesians 5:11-2 says: “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.”

It has been far too long that Abortion has been morally acceptable in North America—it is a terrible sin of absolute grossness, idolatry and evil wickedness.

Life begins at conception—and that innocent life must be cared and nurtured for at all costs- not slaughtered because you don’t want it. All it takes is for you to see photos of an aborted baby at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 20 weeks … and onward. The sight of that little one who has been ripped to shreds, covered with blood, their limbs in pieces—and their innocent little face and blood cries out to God, the Lord of Hosts, crying out for justice against such wicked murder. Oh God help us. Oh God have mercy. Oh Lord of Hosts, tear down the modern god of Molech, and cause righteousness, justice, and peace to pervade this land as your Church shines the Light of Jesus Christ in this Dark World.

Who else was condemned and murdered, but was innocent and righteous? Who else did not resist the hands of evil men as they came upon him?

It was Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, who became a small infant, who nursed at his mothers breast, who grew in strength, was filled with the Holy Spirit, who obeyed perfectly in all of life, was entirely righteous, he never failed to love God or his Neighbor; in him was no sin or deceit, like a Lamb silent before it’s shearers did he get head to the Cross of Calvary. He willfully submitted himself to the plan of his Father to die an excruciating death, to satisfy the wrath of God, paying the price to the full, securing the mercy of God and the salvation of all the children of God, of all who who repent and believe. Then this Jesus rose from the dead, ascended to heaven and took his seat at the right hand of the Power on High—and He is coming again to judge the living and the dead. In Him is redemption, forgiveness, adoption, reconciliation, and all the blessings of eternal life.

James indirectly calls us all to behold Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory. He calls us to hope in, be patient for, and to “establish our hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (Jas. 5:8). He is coming again to save his people who are eagerly waiting for him, and to bring justice against all those who have oppressed the church, broke his moral laws, and spat in his face and therefore stand condemned in the court of heaven.

God will bring justice, beloved—and we will be safe from it as we cling to the Rock of Ages who was Cleft for us, so let us find ourselves in Thee. There is Hope in Him from the wrath to come.

(4) It is Sinful to Murder the Innocent in the Last Days - v. 6

This leads us to our Conclusion:

(C) In the Last Days the Church must call out Sin, avoid Sin, and Hope in the Saviour from Sin.

The people of God must be bold and courageous, not afraid to call out the coming judgment of God’s wrath.

The people of God must be holy and righteous, seeking to flee from sin as they follow Jesus Christ.

And the people of God must hope and trust in Jesus Christ, the only Saviour from sin.

Thankfully wrong uses of riches are not the unforgivable sin; thankfully hoarding is not the unforgivable sin; thankfully abuse is not the unforgivable sin; thankfully luxury and self indulgence is not the unforgivable sin; thankfully murder is not the unforgivable sin—but for all sinners Jesus Christ came to die to to offer hope, life, and forgiveness to.

There is more mercy in Christ than there is sin in us. You can run to Jesus who will accept you in the everlasting arms of his grace and mercy. The Father will adopt you, the Son will forgive you, and the Spirit will indwell within you.

The church must be known for proclaiming the law and sin (Jas 2:9), coupled with the hope of Christ Jesus who “gives grace” (Jas. 4:12) to those who repent and believe, fixing their eyes on Jesus Christ the Saviour from Sin (Jas. 1:21).

(C) In the Last Days the Church must call out Sin, avoid Sin, and Hope in the Saviour from Sin.

Amen, let’s pray.