The Wages of Sin
Scripture Reading — Romans 3:9-18
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sin is a topic that many people tend to avoid. Others make light of it. Las Vegas, for example, is sometimes called “Sin City,” and foods that are tasty but not healthy are often called sinfully delicious or decadent. Sadly, a world that chooses not to reflect seriously on sin does so at its own peril.
But what is sin? Sin can be described as having two sides, like a coin. One side of sin involves breaking the commands of God. God’s commands are in the Bible—for example, the Ten Commandments and various other passages. The other side of sin involves not living up to God’s good purpose for our lives. Jesus summarized our purpose when he said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (see Mark 12:30-31). Acting contrary to God’s commands and failing to love God and others are the two sides of sin. Sometimes these are called sins of commission and sins of omission.
But is sin really that serious? After all, we are only human, some would say. But the Bible is clear. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and “the wages of sin is death.”
But the Bible brings good news as well! While “the wages of sin is death,” “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”!
Lord God, we confess that every day we sin against you in the things we do, and in the things we fail to do. Please forgive us, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
About the author — George Koopmans
George Koopmans has served as an ecumenical chaplain at Medicine Hat College in Medicine Hat, Alberta, since November 2021. Prior to entering into chaplaincy, George served as a pastor to two congregations—one in Minnesota (Luverne), and the other in Medicine Hat. George and his wife, Emily, have four adult daughters and three grandchildren. Hiking, biking, and birdwatching are his favorite hobbies.
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