06/09/2013 - WHEN WE SIN GRAVELY

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Jerusalem has sinned gravely, therefore she has become vile. All who honored her despise her because they have seen her nakedness; yes, she sighs and turns away.

Lamentations 1.8

Who could imagine—Jerusalem, in which the Lord used to delight so much, became vile! Sadly, that is exactly what happens when a person saved by the precious blood of Jesus, baptized in the Holy Spirit and entrusted with a wonderful mission turns away from God and gives into temptation. And if he does not admit his error and repent, never again will he share in the wonders the Lord God has in store for him.

Before someone falls, the Holy Spirit warns him that his sin will cause great evil. After the transgression has taken place, the Holy Spirit brings sorrow into the heart of the sinner in order to produce repentance (2Corinthians 7.10; Romans 9.1-2). But if the person insists on his error, it will become a habit, and he will start acting irrationally. When you stop fearing the Lord, you begin focusing only on the results. And your sin is considered grave.

That is what happened to Jerusalem. The holy city had everything to remain in the hands of the Almighty God, but—as foolish as it sounds—it decided to walk the path of evil, straying from the Lord and leaving holiness behind until it became vile. Do not allow the same thing to happen in your life. If you have fallen into sin, doing things that have displeased the Lord, confess your error right now and receive God’s forgiveness.

If you do not mend your ways, however, the power of the Lord will leave you and will no longer honor your determinations. Sin leads to death and, without repentance, nothing can be done. Ignoring the voice of God is a serious sin. So, if you do not understand what God is telling you and fail to keep his commandments, you will become a candidate to continue in error.

Jerusalem had an epiphany. When it was falling into the sea of perdition, before sinking, it sighted. Later, when peace seemed to be returning, it allowed itself to be possessed again by the spirit of error, turning back to the enemy. Beware, brethren! The devil is not happy at your faith in the Son of God. He knows you are a threat to his evil schemes; he is to deceive you and determined to frustrate God’s plans.

Even if your sin is grave, go back to the path of the Lord today. He has his hand stretched out to rescue you. You can change your life at this very moment. So grab the Lord’s hand—he wants to deliver you.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares