OUR INTIMACY WITH SIN

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2, KJV)

ABSTRACT

Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The article delves into the complex relationship between humanity and sin. It explores the struggle we all face, irrespective of our religious background. We examine this universal challenge. We use the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White. The goal is to understand the nature of sin. We also aim to discover the path to freedom offered through God’s grace. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23, KJV). “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2, KJV). “The soul who sees Jesus by faith, repudiates his own righteousness. He sees himself as incomplete, his repentance insufficient, his strongest faith but feebleness, his most costly sacrifice as meager, and he sinks low as at the foot of the cross. But a voice speaks to him from the oracles of God’s word. In amazement he hears the message, “Ye are complete in Him.” Now all is at rest in his soul. No longer must he strive to find some worthiness in himself, some meritorious deed by which to gain the favor of God.” (Faith and Works, p. 107, 1979). “The soul that is transformed by grace will admire His divine character; but if we do not see our own moral deformity, it is unmistakable evidence that we have not had a view of the beauty and excellence of Christ.” (Steps to Christ, p. 65, 1892). Grace offers us the only escape from sin’s grip. But what intimate bond does sin hold over us?

INTIMATE BOND REVEALED!

Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The Song of Solomon 8:6-7 speaks of love as strong as death. This powerful imagery sets the stage for understanding our connection with sin. “Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.” (Song of Solomon 8:6-7). Ellen G. White poignantly states, “The love of sin, which is the transgression of the law, separates the soul from God.” (Selected Messages, Book 1, 341). This quote highlights a fundamental truth. Sin creates a barrier between us and our Creator. It’s not just about breaking rules; it’s about a broken relationship. How does this separation manifest in our lives? Do we feel it as a dull ache, a constant sense of unease? This feeling is a direct result of our intimacy with sin. The slide also touched upon the concepts of peace vs patience. True peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a state of harmony with God. Patience, on the other hand, is our ability to endure trials with a hopeful outlook, trusting in God’s timing. When we understand the origin of negative emotions like worry, grief, and fear, we see they often stem from a lack of trust in God’s plan. Jesus faced these emotions as well, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane. Yet, He surrendered His will to the Father, demonstrating perfect peace and patience. (The Desire of Ages, 685-697). His example shows us that we can find peace amidst turmoil by aligning our will with God’s. This understanding helps us navigate life’s challenges, knowing that God is in control. The slide suggests we must understand where these feelings come from and learn how to respond as Jesus did. “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Psalm 51:5, KJV). “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6, KJV). “… bond of union between master and slave, king and subject, the gospel minister and the degraded sinner who has found in Christ cleansing from sin. They have …” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 460.1, 1911). “… the bonds that held them in the slavery of sin. Nor was this all. He declared: ‘Many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to …” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 464.1, 1911). Sin’s hold reveals our need for divine intervention. But why can’t we keep the law on our own?

LAW’S STRUGGLE UNMASKED!

Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. Romans 7 paints a vivid picture of our internal conflict. Paul’s struggle mirrors our own. “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.” (Romans 7:15). “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that do I.” (Romans 7:19). He cries out, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24). These verses resonate deeply, don’t they? They express the frustration we feel when we try to do good but fail. How does Paul know he’s doing bad? He measures himself against God’s law. “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:” (Romans 7:22). The law serves as a mirror, reflecting our shortcomings and revealing our need for a Savior. It shows us the standard of righteousness we cannot attain on our own. “The law of God is a transcript of His character. It is the expression of His love, His justice, and His will.” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 52). The law convicts us of sin. It points out our need for change and redemption. “The law is presented to us to show what God requires, and to convict of sin.” (Selected Messages, Book 1, 234). It’s not meant to condemn us, but to lead us to the solution. The Ten Commandments are central to this understanding. “The law is holy, just, and good. It points out sin and shows the need of a Saviour.” (Steps to Christ, 23). Even though as we are not under the law for salvation, we still aim to follow its principles. It’s about living a life that reflects God’s character, not earning our way to heaven. The ceremonial law, in contrast, served a different purpose. “The ceremonial law was a schoolmaster to bring the Israelites to Christ. It was designed to awaken in them a sense of their sinfulness and their need of a Saviour.” (Selected Messages, Book 1, 237). This distinction helps us understand that while the moral law remains relevant, the ceremonial law fulfilled its purpose in Christ. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24). “There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10, KJV). “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10, KJV). Sr. White explains, “He shows by His willing obedience that man may keep the law of God and that transgression of the law, not obedience to it, brings him into bondage…. Man cannot overcome Satan’s temptations without divine power to combine with his instrumentality. So with Jesus Christ; He could lay hold of divine power.” (The Faith I Live By, p. 71, 1958). “The law demands righteousness, and this the sinner owes to the law; but he is incapable of rendering it. The only way in which he can attain to righteousness is through faith. By faith he can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son to the sinner’s account.” (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 367, 1958). Our inability highlights grace’s necessity. But how does sin bind us like marriage?

MARRIAGE TO SIN EXPOSED!

Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. Romans 7:1 introduces a powerful analogy: marriage. This comparison helps us grasp the depth of our bond with sin. The law has dominion over a man as long as he lives. (Romans 7:1). But what does this mean for us? Verses 2-3 explain that a woman is bound to her husband by law as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is free to marry another. This isn’t just a legal concept; it’s a spiritual truth. “The two are no longer twain, but one flesh.” (The Adventist Home, 103). “They are to blend as one in their aims and purposes.” (The Ministry of Healing, 360). “The husband and wife are to be one in heart and soul.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, 46). Just as a married couple becomes one, we are intimately connected to sin. This union is so deep that it shapes our desires and actions. Romans 7:8 further reveals how sin uses the law to stir up our desires. “But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence.” The Greek word for “concupiscence” is epithymia, which means strong desire or lust. This highlights our inherent sin nature. Our natural inclination is towards sin, and the law exposes this tendency. “The happiness and prosperity of the married life depend upon the unity of the parties.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 361). “God made from the man a woman, to be a companion and helpmeet for him, to be one with him, to cheer, encourage, and bless him, he in his turn to be her strong helper.” (The Adventist Home, 25). These quotes show that a marriage is supposed to be a partnership of love and support. “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” (Romans 6:6, KJV). “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14, KJV). “… a bond of unity with one another. This unity is the most convincing proof to the world of the majesty and virtue of Christ and of His power to take away sin.—Manuscript …” (Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1, p. 30.1, 1977). “… strongest bond of union between us and Him—compassion for depraved, guilty, suffering souls, dead in trespasses and sins! The inhumanity of man toward man …” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 163.2, 1905). Sin perverts this sacred bond. But what characteristics make this relationship toxic?

TOXIC SIN TRAP!

Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. What are the characteristics of this “husband” we are bound to? The picture is far from pretty. “Sin has separated them from God.” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 13, 331). “Every human being is born with tendencies to evil.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 425). These statements are sobering. They reveal the inherent flaw in our nature. Jeremiah 17:9 describes the heart as “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” This is a stark contrast to the loving, supportive partner described in the ideal marriage. “The heart of man is by nature cold and dark.” (Steps to Christ, 19). Our natural state is one of separation from God, marked by darkness and deceit. “All have sinned, and the sentence of death has been pronounced upon all.” (The Signs of the Times, March 14, 1892). This is the universal condition of humanity. We are all under the condemnation of sin. Romans 7:8-11 and Romans 7:5 reiterate this, showing how sin deceives and ultimately leads to death. “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23). This relationship is toxic. Our “husband,” sin, does not help us. Instead, it convicts us every time we do something wrong. This relationship demands its own form of love, a selfish, destructive kind that separates us from others. It’s unholy and leads to death. Sin operates with a sense of entitlement, seeking control and manipulation. It lacks empathy and thrives on insecurity. This relationship is emotionally destructive, lacking accountability and exploiting our weaknesses. It’s characterized by a tendency to do evil, deceit, and wickedness. “Those who cling to sin, who cherish selfishness and pride, cannot comprehend the love of Christ.” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 104). The characteristics of this relationship reflect the nature of a narcissist. A narcissist demands constant attention and admiration, lacks empathy, and manipulates others for their own gain. This is precisely how sin operates in our lives. It demands our allegiance, blinds us to our own flaws, and keeps us trapped in a cycle of guilt and shame. This toxic relationship prevents us from experiencing true freedom and joy. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, KJV). “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12, KJV). Sr. White states, “Sin not only shuts away from God, but destroys in the human soul both the desire and the capacity for knowing Him. Through sin, the whole human organism is deranged, the mind is perverted, the imagination corrupted; the faculties of the soul are degraded.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 233, 1917). “Sin is the transgression of the law. And the true child of God will be delighted with the law, because it hedges him in from the evil he would otherwise commit.” (Signs of the Times, June 3, 1886). Sin’s toxicity demands a remedy. But what problem does sin pose for self-cleansing?

SIN’S PROBLEM SOLVED!

Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. Job 9:30-31 captures our predicament perfectly: “If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me.” No matter how hard we try, we cannot cleanse ourselves from sin. Our efforts are futile. The solution, however, is not in our own strength. “The law was given…to show man his need of a Saviour.” (Selected Messages, Book 1, 234). Romans 7:7 reiterates this: the law reveals our sinfulness and points us to Christ. The husband, our old self bound to sin, must die. Romans 7:2-3 makes this clear. Only through death can we be free from the law of sin and death. This is where the biggest challenge lies. “The warfare against self is the greatest battle.” (Steps to Christ, 47). Choosing Christ means choosing to die to self, to surrender our will to His. This is not a passive process. It requires active participation on our part. We must choose daily to deny ourselves and follow Him. “God does not require us to do the impossible, but to trust Him to work in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” (Steps to Christ, 31). This is where grace comes in. We cannot overcome sin on our own, but God empowers us to do so. It’s a partnership where He provides the strength, and we provide the willingness. This process of dying to self is not easy. It’s a daily battle, a constant struggle against our natural inclinations. But it’s a battle worth fighting because it leads to true freedom and life in Christ. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20). “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19, KJV). “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4, KJV). Sr. White affirms, “No renewed heart can be kept in a condition of sweetness without the daily application of the oil of grace. Divine grace must be received daily, or no man will stay converted.” (Our High Calling, p. 215, 1961). “To renounce their own will, perhaps their chosen object of affection or ambition, requires an effort at which many hesitate and falter and turn back. Yet this battle must be fought by every heart that is truly converted to God. We must contend against every sinful trait, and against every inward and outward temptation, however strong.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 513, 1889). Self-effort fails without Christ. But how do we recognize our sin?

RECOGNIZE OUR HELPLESSNESS!

Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. John 5:7-9 tells the story of the paralytic at Bethesda. This man was helpless, unable to heal himself. “The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.” (John 5:7-9). But when Jesus commanded him to rise, he obeyed and was healed. This illustrates the faith required for spiritual healing. We must recognize our helplessness and trust in Christ’s power to save us. This recognition is the first step towards renewal. We must acknowledge our need for a Savior. How does a sinner achieve forgiveness, reconciliation, and spiritual renewal? Step one is grace. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3:23-24). Salvation is not something we earn; it’s a gift freely given by God. This is the foundation of our hope. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, KJV). “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The sense of need, the recognition of our poverty and sin, is the very first step to salvation.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 152.1, 1900). “Unless there is such a training as will lead to a recognition and an abhorrence of sin, moral deformity will result.” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 204.2, 1913). Recognition opens the door to grace. But how do these concepts reflect God’s love?

GOD’S LOVE IN ACTION!

Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The entire process, from the revelation of sin to the provision of salvation, is a testament to God’s immense love for humanity. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). He doesn’t leave us in our broken state but actively seeks to restore us. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). His love is not passive; it’s a love that acts, that sacrifices, that redeems. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10). The law, often seen as restrictive, is actually an expression of His love, guiding us towards a life of wholeness and joy. “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97). By revealing our sin, He shows us our need for Him, and by offering grace, He provides the way back to a loving relationship. “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jeremiah 31:3). This is the ultimate demonstration of love: a God who pursues us relentlessly, offering forgiveness and a new life, even when we are undeserving. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1:7, KJV). “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” (Ephesians 2:4, KJV). Sr. White declares, “… His love and mercy, to study His wonderful work in the great plan of redemption. Then clearer and still clearer will be our perception of truth, higher, holier …” (A Call To Stand Apart, p. 24.6, 2002). “… and love of God in the plan of redemption. The Saviour, as He leads His children to the fountains of living waters, will impart rich stores of knowledge. And day …” (Child Guidance, p. 298.4, 1954). Love redeems us fully. But how has God done all the work?

GOD’S COMPLETE WORK!

Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. God has done all the work. “Christ overcame for us. By His victory, we are assured of success.” (The Desire of Ages, 123). We don’t have to strive in our own strength; we can rest in His finished work. “If we are willing to be made willing, He will accomplish the work for us.” (Steps to Christ, 68). Our part is to surrender, to allow Him to transform us from the inside out. Jesus said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5). This is not a statement of condemnation but an invitation to dependence. It’s an acknowledgment that true life and transformation come only through connection with Him. We are called to follow, step by step, the instructions He has given us. This involves daily surrender, prayer, and obedience to His Word. It’s a journey of faith, trusting that He will lead us and empower us every step of the way. This path leads to a life of purpose, joy, and true freedom. It’s a life lived in communion with God, where we experience His love and grace in tangible ways. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, KJV). “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37, KJV). Sr. White teaches, “… by surrendering the will to Christ. When we take the Saviour at his word, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight, complete unity will prevail. We shall …” (Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899), Ms 13, 1899, par. 20, 1899). “… that victories were gained in and through Jesus Christ. A holy influence was manifest. Angels made a faithful record of every sincere surrender of self. May …” (Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 – 1915), Lt 6, 1910, par. 12, 1910). God’s work secures our victory. But how does it apply to me?

GRACE APPLIED DAILY!

Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. I find myself deeply moved by this understanding of sin and grace. It’s not just an intellectual concept; it’s a reality that impacts my daily life. I see my own struggles reflected in Paul’s words, my own tendency to fall short. But I also see the hope offered in Christ, the promise of transformation and renewal. This understanding challenges me to examine my own heart, to identify the areas where I’m still clinging to sin, and to surrender them to God. It’s a call to live a life of authenticity and transparency, acknowledging my weaknesses and relying on His strength. It compels me to extend grace to others, recognizing that we are all on this journey together. We, as a community, need to embrace this truth collectively. We need to create spaces where people feel safe to be vulnerable, to share their struggles, and to find support and encouragement. We need to move beyond judgment and condemnation, and instead, extend grace and understanding to one another. We need to be a community that reflects the love and acceptance of Christ, a place where people can find healing and restoration. We see in our churches and society the devastating effects of sin. Broken relationships, addiction, injustice – these are all manifestations of our separation from God. But we also see glimpses of hope, moments where grace breaks through and lives are transformed. We are called to be agents of change, to be the hands and feet of Christ in a hurting world. We are called to share the good news of salvation, to offer hope to the hopeless, and to demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love. This is our mission, our purpose, our calling. “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6, KJV). “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV). Sr. White emphasizes, “Divine grace must be applied daily, else no man will stay converted.” (Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896), Lt 97, 1896, par. 56, 1896). “Christ has made it possible for every soul to appropriate His saving grace.” (Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909), Lt 56, 1909, par. 7, 1909). Grace transforms daily living. But what call beckons us to freedom?

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PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

OUR INTIMACY WITH SIN

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2, KJV)

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