Guilty As Charged Pt. 2
Since we’re under the power of sin we have developed a reputation before God. It is vital to understand how God sees us. This is especially significant because many of us rationalize and justify our sin by saying to ourselves and others ‘I’m not hurting anyone’. We’ve somehow arrived at the notion that as long as my rebellion doesn’t harm a third party then it my own business. We fail to realize that any act of sin, is a declaration of defiant rebellion which says to the Lord, that we are the final judge regarding what is right and wrong. Having done so, we engage in actions that serve to create, cause, and perpetuate chaos in His universe. So when God looks down on us He views a people who are unrighteous, uninterested, unworthy, and unable.
We are unrighteous - He sees our heart for what it really is, totally incapable and unwilling to live up to His righteous standards. In one sense we know what God’s Word says, but simply refuse to comply with it. Romans 3:10
We are uninterested - He sees us in a relentless pursuit of self-seeking and self-indulgent pleasure and comfort. This is true for the religious and non-religious. For example Jesus said that we should seek his kingdom and righteousness above everything else, yet we’ve built a whole doctrine around the pursuit of materialism. vs. 11 How much time do we really spend thinking about, talking about, and acting on the things of God?
We are unworthy - There is nothing to be done with us, we are beyond a reformation, we need a resurrection. Since we’re not even remotely fulfilling our purpose which is to worship and serve God through Jesus Christ we are worthless, that is unless a change is made there is nothing to be done with us. Instead of serving God, we have decided to serve ourselves, thus plunging the race into a cesspool of selfish and self-centered sinful activity.
We speak evil to and about other people. Our speech is an indication of our hearts. What we really saying is that I wish I could kill you. In Matthew 15:18 Jesus said that what comes from our mouths indicate what’s really in our hearts. Without restraint our murderous thoughts, and words turn to action. Moreover, we live in a world marked by the misery that injustice, selfishness, irresponsibility, and oppression causes. We live without fear of God. That is we conduct our lives as though we’ll never have to answer to Him for our rebellion. We are unable to become justified by the law. It only shows us how really sinful we are.
Though this isn’t a pretty picture it is vitally important that we have a correct diagnosis if we are to apprehend the right prescription. You would never ask your doctor to intentionally mislead you regarding a diagnosis about your health. Likewise we must not sugarcoat the reality of our depravity. For if we did we would deceive ourselves into believing that there is probably something we could do in order to change the situation.
Paul rightly and aptly describes us in Ephesians 2 saying: As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
But thank God the story doesn’t end there. For just as God finishes His closing argument and is about to pronounce the judgment of death on those who committed the crime, He chooses to act graciously and new life to those dead in sin, enabling them to not only hear, but respond to the command of the gospel. Verse 4 of Ephesians 2 introduces a radical cure for our radical depravity: But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.
It’s as if the jury has returned to the courtroom. They’re asked to read the verdict and in solemn tones they say that upon careful examination of all the pertinent evidence in the case of Lance Lewis v. the God of creation we find the defendant guilty of crimes of high treason. He is therefore sentenced to eternal damnation as an object of God’s wrath. And just as I hang my head and prepare to be led away Jesus Christ approaches the bench and says to the judge, I have already paid the price that Lance owes for His rebellion. Though he is most definitely guilty and did the crime, he will not have to do the time.
Because of the work of Jesus Christ God grants new life to those dead in sin through the Holy Spirit. We can now hear, understand, and positively respond to the call of the gospel. This change has at least three ramifications.
First, we’re no longer subject to the penalty of sin.
Second, enjoying new life in Christ brings us into a relationship with God in which He meets all of our needs. Therefore, we don’t have to indulge in the destructive practice of sin in a vain attempt to find lasting satisfaction.
Third, no one can ever place a guilt trip on us for our past sins.
Conclusion: The question is this: how are you going to plead before God? You can right now enter a plea of guilty and throw yourself at the mercy of a kind, compassionate and gracious God. Or you can take your chances and face the One who sees you for who you really are.
For Christ, His Church and the Truth
Lance Lewis