Introduction
The question often asked, ldquo;If Jesus died for our sins, why is sin still around?rdquo; challenges the core beliefs surrounding the meaning and impact of Jesusrsquo; sacrifice. This discussion delves into the theological, scriptural, and philosophical aspects of this inquiry, aiming to provide clarity and insight.
1 What Is Sin?
The concept of sin is often misunderstood. In the religious and philosophical context, sin is not necessarily defined as breaking rules made by a divine being, but rather, it is a state of rebellion against the true nature and will of God. Philosophically, sin can be interpreted as a deviation from the natural order, leading to harm and disharmony. Thus, sin is not an unchangeable state but a condition that can be transformed.
2 Jesus DIED for Our Sins
The belief in Jesusrsquo; sacrifice stems from the idea that he took the punishment for our sins, freeing us from eternal consequences. According to the Christian understanding, Jesus, being without sin, willingly accepted the burden of our sins out of love and obedience to God. This event is pivotal in the narrative of salvation, as it reconciles humanity with God.
John 1:29: "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, lsquo;Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!rsquo;"
This scripture emphasizes the symbolic role of Jesus as the means of atonement, offering salvation to all through his sacrifice.
3 Sinning and Redemption
The juxtaposition of Jesusrsquo; death with the prevalence of sin in the world can be explained through the lens of redemption and free will. While Jesusrsquo; sacrifice provided the means for redemption, humanity's continued sinful nature stems from an ongoing struggle between choosing the misguided path and embracing the path of righteousness.
According to 2 Corinthians 5:21: ldquo;For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.rdquo; This indicates that Jesusrsquo; sacrifice allowed us to be reconciled with God, transcending our sinful states.
4 Jesus and Sinlessness
It is a fact that Jesus is described as being without sin, as stated in Isaiah 9:6: ldquo;For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.rdquo; This passage portrays him as the promised Messiah, free from the stain of sin, emphasizing his unique nature.
No person on Earth could have matched his sinlessness. This sinless nature is not about being free from the possibility of mistakes but about being free from the consequences of sin, which is central to the Christian understanding of salvation.
5 Jesusrsquo; Mission Wasnrsquo;t Only to Take Away Sin
Jesusrsquo; mission was multifaceted, beyond solely dealing with sin. According to Isaiah 9:6, Jesus was to bring about Godrsquo;s government and peace. His sacrifice was part of a broader mission to reconcile humanity with God.
John 3:16-17: ldquo;For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.rdquo;
Here, the sacrifice of Jesus was meant to bring about salvation, not just the removal of sin. The ability to choose between right and wrong remains pivotal in the human experience.
6 Contextual Understanding
It is crucial to understand the context in which Jesus lived. Jesus, being sent from heaven, was seen as a representative of divine justice and love. His suffering and death were not just to avenge sin but to show compassion and mercy. Sin, therefore, remains a challenge in the world, but humanity has the choice to pursue righteousness.
7 Persecution and Obedience
The narrative of Jesusrsquo; persecution highlights the resistance to the message of God. According to John 3:16-21: the worldrsquo;s hatred of Jesus and his teachings indicates the struggle between those who choose to follow Godrsquo;s will and those who resist it. This struggle is not about physical consequences of sin but about spiritual choices.
Conclusion
The persistence of sin in the world does not negate the significance of Jesusrsquo; sacrifice. Instead, it underscores the need for continued spiritual growth and the choice to reject sin and embrace righteousness. Jesusrsquo; death was a pivotal moment in history, but the journey of redemption is an ongoing process that involves will and decision.