We are all familiar with Isaiah’s reaction to the presence of the LORD in Chapter 6. While the Seraphim announced that God is “Holy, Holy, Holy,” Isaiah recognized his own lack of holiness, “Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips.” [vs 3, 5 HCSB]
Over and over and over in Scripture we are told that God is holy and that we are to be “holy” because He is holy. We are also told that God hates sin. “For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil cannot dwell with You.” [Psalm 5:4 HCSB]
God hates sin because it is the very opposite of His Holy nature. His Holiness is the core of His nature. God also hates sin because He knows that it separates us from Him. He knows what sin can and does do. I think, however, there are times when Christians are cavalier about sin. We may not fully comprehend the depth of God’s hatred of it.
We must never miscalculate the power and the seriousness of sin. We must never underestimate what sin will do when it gets a foothold in our life. It will leave us wretched. And as it progresses, destruction follows in its wake.
“Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” [James 1:15 HCSB]
There is no such thing as a “small” or “insignificant” sin. Sin never remains static. It grows and will eventually ruin. That is why it is imperative we take care of sin when it is first conceived.
Thankfully, God has made the way (Christ Jesus’ cross and resurrection) for us to do that.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9 HCSB]
