What sin does

[brightlights]

I think I understand what sin does to people. The scriptures seem to say that it puts them at enmity with God, that it kills spiritual life (and eventually all other dimensions of life), and that it enslaves people.

What I'm trying to understand is this: what does sin do to Christians? If I understand correctly, the scriptures teach that Jesus reconciles us to God, that he gives us spiritual life, and that he sets us free. Yet it's true to all of our experiences that we still, on occasion, sin. In what way does sin damage us now that we have Jesus?

Does it put us back into enmity with God? Does it kill our spiritual life all over again? Does it re-enslave us?

Insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[singpeace]

I think I understand what sin does to people. The scriptures seem to say that it puts them at enmity with God, that it kills spiritual life (and eventually all other dimensions of life), and that it enslaves people.

What I'm trying to understand is this: what does sin do to Christians? If I understand correctly, the scriptures teach that Jesus reconciles us to God, that he gives us spiritual life, and that he sets us free. Yet it's true to all of our experiences that we still, on occasion, sin. In what way does sin damage us now that we have Jesus?

Does it put us back into enmity with God? Does it kill our spiritual life all over again? Does it re-enslave us?

Insight would be greatly appreciated.

1 John 2:1-2
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

2. And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Verse 1 says "IF any man sin", which means of course that it is certainly possible for a Christian to sin. If a Christian sins then he needs to confess the sin and repent of it. Christians who sin must acknowledge their guilt and seek the mercy that comes from God through Jesus Christ.

Also there is this: Do not try to cover up your sin. For, "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy" (Prov 28:13).



Those of us who believe that we need to live holy lives (1 Peter 1:15; 2 Peter 3:11) need to be very careful so that if we do commit a sin we do not explain it away or excuse it as something other than sin.

Let us not seek to maintain a false righteousness for the sake of the letter of our doctrines. Rather, let us cleave unto Christ, the one who makes us holy. (Hebrews 2:11).

But if any man does sin, let him recognize his deplorable and shameful act but do not let him think that he is without hope. For there is an Advocate. Let him forsake his sins and call upon God for mercy and forgiveness.


And after you have confessed and repented of your sin, trust God to give you the grace and strength to overcome it in the future. "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace" (Rom 6:14). Don't be weakened in your faith. Don't let your trust and reliance in God waiver, for he is able to keep you blameless and present you before his presence faultless and with great joy (Jude 24).

 

[James-49]

In what way does sin damage us now that we have Jesus?

"And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me."
Mat 14:26-30 KJV

Sin seeks to make a Christian look at the wind - in order to render us ineffective in service.

 

[brightlights]

"And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me."
Mat 14:26-30 KJV

Sin seeks to make a Christian look at the wind - in order to render us ineffective in service.

So sin averts our gaze from Jesus and causes us to be fruitless?

 

[James-49]

So sin averts our gaze from Jesus and causes us to be fruitless?

Hi, brightlights,

Sin does exactly that because it is contrary to the will and glory of God.

"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."
Joh 15:8 KJV

Sin tries to render us useless to His service and glory.

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Mat 5:13-16 KJV

If we are rendered useless, sin then seeks to destroy each of us.

"If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death."
1Jn 5:16-17 KJV

 

[joshhuntnm]

I love the phrase; sin doesn't just break God's laws; it breaks His heart.

 

[AHJE]

I think I understand what sin does to people. The scriptures seem to say that it puts them at enmity with God, that it kills spiritual life (and eventually all other dimensions of life), and that it enslaves people.

What I'm trying to understand is this: what does sin do to Christians? If I understand correctly, the scriptures teach that Jesus reconciles us to God, that he gives us spiritual life, and that he sets us free. Yet it's true to all of our experiences that we still, on occasion, sin. In what way does sin damage us now that we have Jesus?

Does it put us back into enmity with God? Does it kill our spiritual life all over again? Does it re-enslave us?

Insight would be greatly appreciated.

If the sin is venial (meaning not so grave) it wounds charity but does not kill the life of grace in the soul of the believer.

But, if the sin is mortal (meaning a grave violation of God's Commandments done with full knowledge and full consent of the will), then yes it does kill the life of grace in the soul and it does renew the passion of the Lord as far as your heart is concerned, it recrucifies Jesus Christ.

At that point, your baptized soul is dead to the life of sanctifying grace, and you need to repent and seek God's forgiveness (not in Holy Baptism since there is only one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins) but in the Sacrament of Penance (Holy Confession). It is there that Jesus restores the soul to new life in Him and removes all guilt due to the sin and the blood of Christ cleanses you from that sin and you receive sacramental grace to OVERCOME that sin in your life.

Thanks be to God!