We All Sin-What Then?

The Bible emphatically discusses the human nature of sinfulness, God’s Grace, and the absolute assurance of life in Heaven

1. Introduction:

• Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This foundational truth serves as a reminder that every individual requires redemption.

2. Our Human Sinfulness:

• Genesis 3: The account of Eve’s deception and Adam’s disobedience exemplifies how temptation can lead even the most innocent astray. “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was… desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.”
• 2 Samuel 11: David’s realization and acknowledgment of his wrongdoing is profound. “Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ Nathan replied, ‘The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.'”
• Luke 22:54-62: Peter’s denial shows that even strong believers can falter. “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.”
• Acts 9:1-2: Saul’s transformation by God’s grace is monumental. “Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.”

3. The Need for Repentance and Turning to God:

• Isaiah 55:7: “Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.” This emphasizes God’s readiness to forgive those who turn to Him.
• Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” This stresses the renewing nature of repentance.
• Luke 13:3: “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” A stern reminder of the imperative of repentance.

4. The Power of God’s Grace:

• Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This highlights that salvation is a divine gift, not earned by deeds.
• Titus 2:11: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” This speaks to the universal nature of God’s grace.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'” A testament to God’s unmatched strength in our vulnerability.

5. Assurance of Heaven through God’s Grace:

• John 14:2-3: “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” A comforting promise of eternal life.
• Philippians 3:20-21: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” This emphasizes our eternal connection to Heaven.
• 1 Peter 1:3-5: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” Celebrating the eternal inheritance believers have through Christ.

6. TheAbsolute Necessity of Baptism and Salvation:

• Acts 2:38: “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” A clear connection between repentance, baptism, and the indwelling of the Spirit.
• Romans 6:3-4: “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” A vivid picture of baptism’s symbolism of death to old life and rebirth into new life.
• 1 Peter 3:21: “And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Clarifying the true spiritual significance of baptism.

Throughout scripture, we consistently see the themes of human sin, God’s grace, and the hope of eternal life. By recognizing our inherent flaws and embracing God’s mercy and grace, believers embark on a journey toward the eternal promise of Heaven.