Sin is one of those words that has great meaning to some, and little to no meaning to others. To the believer, sin is that struggle of our flesh, the waiting death and corruption. It destroys our lives, relationships, peace, and joy. Sin is the enemy we struggle with every day. Sin is talked about throughout the New Testament, and we know verses about the cost of sin, the slavery to sin, and the destructive power of sin.
To a non-believer, sin is just a word. It may represent things you shouldn't do, but there is no real desire to avoid sin. For those who do not know Jesus as Savior, sin isn't a big deal and not worth even discussion. Everyone knows they do it, but not everyone really cares. The unregenerate person does not struggle to avoid or flee from sin. It is a distinct difference.
Sin is seen as a danger or not a big deal, but much of our culture really understands the power of sin. Sin holds those who are unbelievers in bondage. They are slaves to sin; they have no way to even combat the sin that holds them captive. Sin is more than just doing bad things, it becomes a lifestyle and a mindset. It becomes so ingrained that sin becomes a way of life. People are selfish, self-focused, and self-centered in the core of their being. Sin isn't something that they just do, but it really takes root as the core of the person. They are slaves, driven by the power, the longing, and the desire to sin. It sits like blinders on their eyes, unaware of their sin, unaware of the distance between them and God. They are blinded to His Holiness and Goodness, and they do not recognize their need for salvation. Sin has the power of control, the Holy Spirit is the only way to break free from sin.
In the lives of the believer, sin can become an addiction. It is not as controlling as it is in the life of the unsaved person, but it can become a trap or snare. A Christian can find themselves in sin and unable to find a way get free. They lose part of themselves as the sin separates them from God. It destroys life and peace and hope. A Christian who is mired in sin will slowly sink into its darkness.
There is hope for everyone. For the lost, the hope of faith in Jesus Christ. His death covers the sins of those who are in Christ. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, the penalty of sin is paid. A saved person can become right with God through the grace and forgiveness of Christ. For the Christian, the Holy Spirit, the power of God, the Bible, and the Church are the tools a Christian can use to pull themselves out of the depths of sin. The only hope any of us have is to repent, to turn from the sin in our lives and fully trust ourselves to Christ. That is where we find the abundant life that He promised to us all.
