Day 31

Dealing with Sin

Read: Leviticus 5-7

From this passage and many others in the Bible, it is obvious that God takes sin seriously. In a generation that takes sin lightly, we must evaluate it as God does and not as society does. In the description of offerings the Israelites were to make are three principles which apply to us today, even though the perfect offering for sin, Christ, has already been presented to God.

There is to be confession of sin. We must not make excuses for ourselves. We must not make light of our sin. We must honestly acknowledge our sin to God, and where appropriate, we must also confess it to our fellow human beings.

Second, we are to relate our sin to the sacrifice. In our case the sacrifice has already been made for us, but it is important to realize that we receive forgiveness not because God winks at sin but because Christ paid a high price for it. Looking at the cross, we see how serious our sin is and at the same time we can be assured that we are truly forgiven by God.

Third, though the sin has been forgiven, there are many cases where restitution is required. Sometimes we cannot undo the consequences of our sin; on other occasions something can be done. If we have cheated someone, we must repay them.

PRAYER
Father, we measure our lives by your requirements and we see how far we fall short. We confess specific sins to you and ask for forgiveness. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.