BY AMANDA HAWLEY

ransgression, iniquity, sin…oh my! In many circles, “sin” has become a new 3-letter word joining the ranks of words that are considered inappropriate, antiquated, judgmental, and dated. Too often I’m hearing the questions, “Is sin still a thing?” and “Are people still preaching about that?” And what’s even scarier is that more and more Christians are beginning to ask these questions as well.

The Bible is clear that “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” David declared that, “I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” While this is nothing to be proud of, the Believer does not have to fear at this reality. It seems as though we have forgotten the hope that is found in Christ.

Today’s society deems it mean and judgmental to call someone a sinner. It questions how can people be sinners when they do kind and loving deeds. This shows there is a great misunderstanding of sin. Sin goes beyond actions. It starts at the heart. Sin is about loyalty and submission. Sin is a rejection of God’s authority and will. Sin is rebellion against God. It is choosing to follow self or anyone other than God. It is denying our need for Him. Sin is choosing our own path.

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live… and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).

We have the ability to choose who we will follow and how we will live our lives. God always wants us to choose Him.

There are consequences to sin: death. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Sin is not something we have to be afraid of or uncomfortable with. God has a plan. Paul shared that, “…God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” While we were choosing to live in rebellion against God, Christ still died for us.

God loves us with an everlasting love. He has given us the gift of Jesus Christ. We cannot believe the lie that because the term “sin” is unpopular and antiquated that it doesn’t exist. Sin is not based on popularity, and not liking the term doesn’t mean it is less real. Believing this lie only separates us from God, and dulls our awareness of the problem of sin.

While sin may not be popular, it is real, but we have no reason to fear. We have a Redeemer and Savior, Jesus Christ. If you haven’t made the decision to follow Him, choose life today.

AMANDA HAWLEY, is a pastor, teacher, and speaker who works for the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventist.