God said, “in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Mankind’s response - “took of its fruit and ate.”

Mankind’s consequent - “and he died, and she died.”

The history of mankind (Adam) reminds us all of the seriousness of disobedience (sin) to God’s word.  As I prepare to go to yet another funeral this week, I am reminded of the consequence of sin which is physical death.  We are all guilty, we are all born after the fallen image of Adam.  Romans 3:23 reminds us ‘for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and that “the wages if sin is death.” (Romans 6:23a).  Death of a loved one, family or friend is so devastating, no matter the age or circumstance.  Jesus Himself wept when He witnessed the grief death brought.  But Jesus came to conquer the grave and death - praise God the mission was accomplished!  Although in this life it doesn’t seem so as we grieve for our loved ones, but, we do not have to grieve as those who have no hope - our hope is in Jesus and Jesus alone!   And yes, although the wages of sin is death, but, “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!” (Romans 6:23b)

Jesus came not only to save us from the ultimate penalty of sin (eternal death) but the power of sin.  The same grace that saves us from the ultimate penalty of sin, is the same grace that saves us from the power of sin in our lives.  The power of sin can, and must be broken!

Just as God warned Cain “…sin lies at the door.  And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (Genesis 4: 7) 

It is said that “sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.”  One of the great delusions of our day is that we cannot live above sin. God told the women caught in adultery to “go and sin no more.”  God is not going to command us to do what He won’t empower us to do.  Peter reminds us that God has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” (2 Peter 1: 3)  Another delusion of our day is how we define sin.  We like to repackage it, relabel it, redefine it but God clearly defines sin as going against Him and His word.  Jesus said, “if you love Me, you will keep My commands.”  Don’t believe the delusions of our culture about sin - but trust in the One whom cannot lie - God and His word.  Through Christ and His word you can be freed from the penalty and power of sin!

I am so thankful my loved one’s funeral that I will be attending this week knew Jesus as her Savior and Lord!  Yes, we will grieve, but not as those who have no hope!  Do you have that hope?  I pray that you do!  - Rodney