FELLOW BELIEVERS: BE LAW-ABIDING AND NICE, AND YOU'RE GOOD? Is your greatest fear to be looked upon as judgemental? Most anyone can accomplish this. So why do you need Christ? Is He just your hostage before God, to pick up any slack? «"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.» (Matthew ‭7:21‬ ‭ESV‬)

Do you take a stand against sin, or do you live like a "hippie", accepting anything as long as people are nice to each other and stay away from hurting anyone's feelings? And you say, God is love and Jesus died, so all is good. But do you even care what "nice" is in the eyes of God?

By avoiding hurting your brother's feelings, do you actually help him or do you support his sinful practices? Don't you really help him by telling him about sin and by giving him an opportunity to repent? If he doesn't ask for forgiveness, he will not receive eternal life. He will be punished for not meeting the standards of God, and then die forever. «Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!» (Isaiah ‭5:20‬ ‭ESV‬)

Besides, we are not here to fulfill our own dreams and needs. «Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.» (Matthew ‭16:24-25 ESV). "‬Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.» (Matthew ‭10:37-39‬ ‭ESV‬)

Jesus declared: «“I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning! Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other!» (Luke ‭12:49, 51‬ ‭NLT‬)

 

HOW GREAT IS GOD'S LOVE?

Among christians there are those that point out that God's love is so great that it covers our sins to a such extent that we don't need to change. Actually we can pride ourselves with some sin because we are victims of our nature and God is love. Besides, we are not supposed to judge anyone, just love. Is this the teaching of the Bible?

In this article you may come across bibletexts that are difficult to accept, but they still remain. If we find texts repulsive, we need to consider if we mistakenly have created God in our own or in our culture's image. In any case, we need to get a balanced view by drawing on several texts before concluding.

 

WHAT IS GOD ?

«Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for GOD IS LOVE .» (‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:7-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

We can learn more about love in f.ex. 1. Cor. 13. Usually people today associate love with a type of weakness towards someone or a type of feminin, soft, intimate acceptance of everybody and everything. But note that this chapter also points out this about love: "it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.» (1 Corinthians ‭13:6‬ ‭ESV‬) Love for sin is not love.

But God is not just love. He is also the judge over all things and a consuming fire:

«You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is THE JUDGE OVER ALL THINGS. ..... You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” .... Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by WORSHIPING HIM WITH HOLY FEAR AND AWE. FOR OUR GOD IS A DEVOURING FIRE.» (Hebrews ‭12:23-26, 28-29‬ ‭NLT‬) This doesn't sound very soft or weak, does it? We are asked to take our relationship with God very seriously since our lives depend on it.

Not only that. God also has a great capacity for anger and retribution:

«he also will drink the wine of GOD'S WRATH, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be TORMENTED with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.» (Revelation ‭14:10‬ ‭ESV‬) «And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord JESUS WILL KILL with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.» (2 Thessalonians ‭2:8‬ ‭ESV‬)

He is also jealous. «You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you.» (Exodus ‭34:14‬ ‭NLT‬) Well, you say. I don't worship other Gods. "You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.» (Ephesians ‭5:5‬ ‭NLT‬) God wants absolutely all of you. He wants to have top priority in your life. He will not accept anyone or anything to share His space in your innermost being.

Does God even hate? Yes. God hates evil, sin:

"But to the Son he says, “......... You rule with a scepter of justice. You love justice and hate evil. ..... , ......”» (Hebrews ‭1:8-9‬ ‭NLT)‬

God even asks us to join him in hating evil:

"You who love the LORD, hate evil! ........" (Psalms ‭97:10‬ ‭NLT‬) «Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; .......» (Amos ‭5:15‬ ‭ESV‬)

And look at this: Israelites had sexual relationships with some Moabite women. God let 24 000 die until a man killed a couple having sex. Then God told Moses: ....... “Phinehas ..... has turned my anger away from the Israelites by being as zealous among them as I was. So I stopped destroying all Israel as I had intended to do in my zealous anger.» (Numbers ‭25:10-11‬ ‭NLT‬) In the new covenant we are not encouraged to use physical violence ( «But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.» (Matthew ‭5:39‬ ‭NLT‬) ), but we still need to make a visible statement against sinful practice, among believers and non-believers: «If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths.» (Ezekiel ‭33:8‬ ‭NLT‬)

So God is love. He is also the judge over all things that hates sin. He is jealous and a devouring fire with a great capasity for anger. He will torment, repay and eventually kill every sinner on the day of judgement. He expects his followers to also hate sin and uphold truth. And the definition of evil is found in His Word. The definition of sin is not found in your emotions or your perceived needs. «“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?» (Jeremiah ‭17:9‬ ‭NLT‬)

 

SIN - NOT SO BAD?

We are encouraged to hate sin. Period. No diplomacy is needed. Kindness to sin is sin. Sin is defined by the Bible. Sin is not defined by our culture, our peers, our needs, our emotions or our reasoning. (For further comments on defining sin, go to the article on homosexuality on this website, chapter "When you read the Bible, what is your guiding light?")

Sin is repulsive and deadly. If we stay in our sins we will be punished and die. Sin killed the Creator in our place if we repent and turn away from sin.

Jesus warned against the practice of sin:

«From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. ”» (Matthew ‭4:17‬ ‭NLT‬) We are asked to turn away from sin, not to find an excuse to embrace it.

«And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.» (Matthew ‭18:8-9‬ ‭ESV‬) The consequences of sinning are much greater than any calamity we can imagine.

«“No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John ‭8:11‬ ‭NLT‬) Forgiveness does not authorize you to sin.

«But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.”» (John ‭5:14‬ ‭NLT‬) Stop sinning, otherwise your body will suffer.

«Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.» (Romans ‭12:9‬ ‭ESV‬)

Then how can anyone who has received the forgiveness from God think that Gods mercy will enable them to embrace sin? This is what will happen if we continue to refuse to listen:

«But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil.....» (Romans ‭2:8-9‬ ‭NLT‬)

«“Therefore, Jeremiah, go and warn all Judah and Jerusalem. Say to them, ‘This is what the LORD says: I am planning disaster for you instead of good. So turn from your evil ways, each of you, and do what is right.’” But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires.”» (Jeremiah ‭18:11-12‬ ‭NLT‬)

«When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that ANYONE LIVING THAT SORT OF LIFE WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD.» (Galatians ‭5:19-21‬ ‭NLT‬)

«Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.» (Galatians ‭6:7-8‬ ‭ESV‬) Are you deceived?

«For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.» (Galatians ‭5:13‬ ‭NLT‬) Our life in Christ is not meant to be an excuse to keep on enjoying sinning.

«And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.» (Ephesians ‭4:30‬ ‭NLT‬)

 

THREE STRATEGIES TO DEAL WITH THE EXISTANCE OF SIN

Who is without sin? Nobody. «Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.» (John ‭8:34‬ ‭NLT‬) We are slaves of our sinful needs and desires. We all have some dark hole, a secret place, some strongly attached habit that we are ashamed of. Then how can we critizise others? They may have other weaknesses than us, but we all need God's grace and forgiveness.

There are three strategies to deal with our own sin:

ONE STRATEGY is to judge and comdemn others. Keep in mind that it is always easier and more "fun" to deal with other people's weaknesses than your own, especially if their weakness is someting else than yours. "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;» (Luke ‭6:37‬ ‭ESV‬) You can read more in Rom. 2:1-13.

When I judge you, by definition, I elevate myself above you by denying my own sin or thinking that my sin is nothing compared to your sin. Who am I to declare anyone to be guilty? Who am I to declare someone to be NOT guilty! We are all in the same "boat" needing God's grace. Who wants to be the least sinner to go to hell? Whether I don't make it by a foot or by a kilometer, who cares? The destination is the same. We will all one day stand before the mighty Judge.

When I condemn you, by definition, I declare that God has given up on you, that you are lost. No human is in a position to make that call. God who knows all things is the only one who can condemn. And he will definetely condemn us one day if we remain in our sins.

ANOTHER STRATEGY for dealing with our own sin is to redefine sin to be a virtue or at least "not so bad" in the shadow of God's love and grace. This happens when we use grace as an excuse not to turn away from sin: God is love, he knows I am weak, as long as I am nice and don't hurt anyone it's ok, I need this, and so on. This behavior also encourages our brothers in Christ to accept and embrace their own sins. The warning in the Bible is clear: "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self ........., lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2 Timothy ‭3:1-5 ESV) "‬For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,» (2 Timothy ‭4:3‬ ‭ESV‬) As we have seen, this delusion allows us sliding right down to hell.

THE THIRD STRATEGY for dealing with our own sin is to confess our sins. Confession is an admission of wrong, that we turn our backs to sin. That is the essence of confession - regretting our sins. Without it there is no forgiveness, no salvation. «if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.» (2 Chronicles ‭7:14‬ ‭ESV‬) "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 ‭ESV‬) «And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.» (Matthew ‭3:6‬ ‭NLT) This ‬also includes us offering forgiveness to others.

The basic underlying elementary truth for all who seeks the grace of God is that none of us has anything to boast about before God. He is so holy and clean. The only way to aproach him is in the clothes we receive from Christ, undeserved and by grace.

The next step has to do with how change our lives.

 

SINLESS ?

As christians, we may have turned our backs to sin, but still see sin alive and well in our daily lives. Please look at another article on this website that deals with this dilemma.

«So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.» (Romans ‭7:17-20‬ ‭ESV‬) The dilemma exists because I want to be without sin, otherwise there would be no conflict.

"I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life." (John ‭5:24‬ ‭NLT‬) If you, in the power of God, manage to overcome sin, that's great! If you do not overcome sin in your life, remember that your salvation is based on Christ's merits, not your own merits. The ultimate sin is to turn our backs on the salvation Jesus offers us through repentance and faith.

«But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.» (John ‭16:7-11‬ ‭NLT‬)

CREATING A TEMPTATION-FREE ENVIRONMENT

So on the one hand we hate sin. On the other hand we know that we are all sinners. Should we then just shut our mouths and be quiet about sins? Yes, but No! We need to warn against sin. Whatever I dare to proclaim against myself, I can proclaim against others. Remember these words of Jesus: How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.» (Luke ‭6:42‬ ‭ESV‬)

So this is the frame of mind we need to have: "I may be a bigger sinner than you, so are you willing to create an environment for me where I am not led into temptation? Can I do the same for you?"

That is what it is all about, wanting to transform myself into the image of God first, and to create an environment where my brothers don't fall into temptation. That is what the communion teaches us. Christ's body was broken for our sins so that we are forgiven. His blood is the power of the new covenant that is ours. All that is Christ's work. This is our part: We can wash each others feet - our journey through life - by creating circumstances for each other that will help us not to get into temptation and extending forgiveness to each other.

How can this be done?

I can invite an alcoholic brother to a party where alcohol is not available. I can ensure that a pedophil brother does not come in any situation where he has an opportunity to commit offences. I can show patience and tolerance to someone who easily gets upset. I can dress in such a way that you are not tempted to look at me as a sexual object. Etc. etc. I can use my influence to create a circumstance for you to blossom in Christ instead of sliding into sinful practices.

Yes, we do influence each other, for better or for worse. «“What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.» (Matthew ‭18:7‬ ‭NLT‬) It is obvious that we are partakers in a crime if we through our words or behavior tempt someone to sin.

I can also "wash your feet" by telling you when you hurt me, letting you know that I extend my forgiveness, if you want it. «“If another believer sins against you (some manuscripts do not include "against you") go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.» (Matthew ‭18:15‬ ‭NLT‬) Through forgiveness we can uphold God's purity and expose sin without declaring hoplessness and despair (judging and condemning) over each other.

 

STANDARDS WITHIN OUR CHURCH

Do you remember the story of Ananias and Sapphira and their "little" lie? It is a terrible story, but it is a part of our church history under the new covenant. Here is a little bit:

«And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.” Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened.» (Acts ‭5:9-11‬ ‭NLT‬)

Jesus gave the apostles great authority: "Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”» (John ‭20:22-23‬ ‭NLT‬) Church leaders have a great authority, even corrupt ones. «"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.» (Matthew ‭23:2-3‬ ‭ESV‬) They set public standards for the church members that are binding.

Here is another story in which Paul critizised the church for their proud acceptance of a brother's sinful sexual practice: « ......... I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.» (1 Corinthians ‭5:3-7‬ ‭ESV‬) Publicly known sins within the church calls for a public responce.

Does this sound like extending an including embracing love? No! It doesn't sound that way. But these brutal words are love in action. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing. We are not to accept open public sinful practice among us. We are expected to make a statement, set a standard. We are never ever in the Bible given the authority to allow anyone to continue in sin, no matter how helpless that sinner is in his sin. The solution to sinful practice has never been acceptance, but judgement. Not judgement of that person, but of that practice. But to the extent that a person proudly claims the right to continue his sinful practice, the church body is expected to also judge the person himself. « .......... Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?» (1.Corinthians ‭5:12‬ ‭ESV‬)

Keep in mind, the practice described above has to do with members of the church, only. «I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone WHO BEARS THE NAME OF BROTHER if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—NOT EVEN TO EAT WITH SUCH A ONE. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you."» (1 Corinthians ‭5:9-13‬ ‭ESV) ‬Defending sinful behavior within the church, directly or indirectly through quiet tolerance, by many thought of as love, is a terrible and devastating thing.

How did the story of this man end? «For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.» (2 Corinthians ‭2:6-8‬ ‭ESV‬) There is a time for judgement, but when someone regrets and seeks forgiveness, we need to be ready to comfort and include. How many times do we forgive? 70 times 7, in other words - always.

 

CHALLENGES AND ENCOURAGEMENTS

«I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.» (Romans ‭12:1-2‬ ‭ESV‬)

«Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”»
‭‭(John‬ ‭14:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

«Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.» (Revelation ‭14:12‬ ‭ESV‬)

«Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.» (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Amen!

If you are touched by these words, share your experience with someone. The body of Christ was broken on the cross for our sins, and his blood was poured out so that we can experience his revitalizing power. Praise him! He is alive and he wants to spend eternity with you.