Sin Leads To More Sin

Sin causes a downward trend, or spiral effect, when we sin even a little bit.  One sin leads to another and then another until we are completely consumed by it.  I am not just talking to ‘non-believers’ but I am also talking to ‘true born-again believers’ and also to ‘people that are self-righteous’ and think they are right with the Lord but are not.  One small sin can lead to much bigger sins and also more heinous sins and can be harder to be set free of because of the hardening of the heart that continuing in sin causes.

When the non-believer sins we expect it, but what about those that claim to be righteous?  Of course we know that not everyone that claims to be righteous is, even though they may be a part of a denomination.  Being in a church or a denomination doesn’t mean that they are born again and the only way a person can be righteous is to be born-again and be covered by the righteousness of Christ, God’s only begotten Son.

There are a lot of people that have never known the freedom of being born-again so they just keep working to achieve it, thinking that their good works will be enough to get them in good with the Lord.  It will never work because your good works before you are born-again, no matter how good your intentions, are just not good enough to get you a relationship with the Lord.

The Word of God says this, read Isaiah 64:6-7, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.”

Just like the Israelites, when they sinned, the Lord turned His face from them and what do you think He does when we sin?  Read Isaiah 59:1-2, “Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

God is Holy and He cannot tolerate sin in any form so where does that leave the people in the three categories mentioned above if they sin or any other category?  If Jesus, when on the cross said, “Father why hast thou forsaken me,” because God could not look at the sin that Jesus our Savior bore, what do you think happens when we sin?  Our sin separates us from God also.  But there is good news, and I mean great news, God still loved us even when we were His enemies because of our sins and what He seeks is the humble and contrite heart, which He will not despise.  

Read what King David said in his repentant prayer after committing adultery with Bath-Sheba and having her husband killed.  Read Psalms 51:3-17, “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”

Now read verses 16 and 17 again, “For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”

God seeks repentance through a humble and contrite heart.  So regardless of how you fit into these categories, repent and ask God to forgive you!!  None will make it by being self-righteous, or by their own works, or by unbelief, God’s Word says the righteous will live by faith.  

There is a promise in 1 John 1:9 that you should also read, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

And know this, God loves you and is trustworthy, so accept God’s forgiveness by faith and stop striving to accomplish this on your own.  God’s Word says that the righteous will live by faith.  And if there be any believers that are holding unconfessed sins, repent and confess, as David did when he acknowledged his sins to God and found forgiveness.  Something to think about and may you have a super day and may the good Lord bless you and yours with His perfect peace, love and joy!!