Far Reaches of Sin: God's Solution

We have traced sin’s effects throughout the book of Genesis.

From chapter one to chapter six, it does not take the Lord long to reveal the issues of sin, the judgment of sin, and God’s desire to eradicate sin.

Time would fail us to consider the further reaches:

Paul says we are all infected with it. (Rom. 3:10; Rom. 3:23)

James says sin is born or rather comes to fruition from our own desires. (James 1:14-15). He goes on to define a believer’s most common sin (James 4: 17).

John reveals in the book of Revelation the results of sin apart from Christ. Rev. 21:8 - this is the second death.

Sin qualifies you for suffering.

Sin qualifies you for death.

Sin qualifies you for hell.

God’s solution is a sacrifice.

Lamb - We must understand the picture of the lamb in Scripture in order to grasp John’s meaning.

They are a creature. John 1:14; Phil. 2:7

They are defenseless. Matt. 10:16

They are obedient. Is. 53:7 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth.”

They are examples of purity. 1 John 2:2

Do you want rid of sin’s hold this morning? Are the shadows growing larger on the wall? Can you fill its cold grip? “BEHOLD! THE LAMB!

God’s solution is eternal.

In two ways, John describes the eternality or totality of God’s sacrifice:

First, the sacrifice was His. From Genesis through Malachi, we see the practice of faith was the bringing of a lamb to the temple.

One lamb to one sinner.

One lamb to one sin.

Yet, John says this Lamb did not belong to a sinner and was not for the sin of the offerer.

Second, look at the activity of this Lamb, “Who taketh away...”

Three pictures arise form this word:

An image of someone bearing the weight of a heavy burden.

The cancellation of a debt.

The declaration of death John 19:15 “But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him....”

EX: The difference between a cure and treatment.

God’s solution is for all.

Recognize this does not say all will be saved, but it does say the sacrifice was given for all.

When I came to this church, the search committee made it very clear that you believe God desires for all to be saved, and that all can be saved!

Conclusion:

Sin qualifies you for suffering; God’s solution qualifies you for salvation.

Sin qualifies you for death; God’s solution qualifies you for life.

Sin qualifies you for hell; God’s solution qualifies you for heaven.