The Problem of Sin

by Mike Johnson

God reveals the accurate picture of sin in His Word. In James 1:21, the writer points out the need to "...lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness." From this verse, sin has the description of "filthiness." We should look at sin as one would look at a filthy rag, looking upon it as disgusting and sickening. Further, according to the passage, we should stop committing all transgressions.

Note also 2 Peter 2, which speaks of those who, according to the context, had become Christians but turned back to sin. Verse 22 describes them in this way: "But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: 'A dog returns to his own vomit,' and, 'a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.'" This scene is not pretty.  

Another passage to consider is Isaiah 5:20, which 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!" A person can call evil good, but that does not mean it is. A person may call darkness light and speak of bitter as sweet, but merely calling it such does not change its true nature. Abraham Lincoln once said, "If you call a tail a leg, how many legs does a horse have? Four, calling a tail a leg does not make it a leg." Similarly, calling evil good does not change it at all.

Incorrect labels can produce devastating effects. A container with poison needs proper labels. A poison with no name on the container is dangerous. Mislabeled poison is even more hazardous. A bag with poison, for example, labeled as "sugar," could produce tragic results. The same principle applies to sin. 

Isaiah 59:1-2 makes it clear sin separates us from God. Romans 3:23 says, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 6:23 reveals, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

Fortunately, God has given a way for the sins we have committed to forever be removed from our record. The series of lessons on this website entitled, The Pathway of Salvation, will help explain how this can happen.