Yolanda Ramseur

Imagine this – A friend invites you to their house for dinner, the table is set beautifully and the food is delicious! You lick your plate clean and then at the end of the meal your friend charges you $100 to pay in return for eating the meal.

What would you do? You would be confused right? Maybe a bit offended that the friend that invited you to their table to eat, is now charging you a fee for it?

This is much like sin. It looks like a friend, with a beautiful inviting table for you to come and dine in. It allows you to kick your feet up and get comfortable. It may even be enjoyable for a time, but then, when you least expect it, you pay a great price.

This is the thing – Sin always has a cost, but God’s forgiveness is always free. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV)

When Jesus died on the cross, He made the ultimate sacrifice. He paid the greatest price. He bore our sin and sickness upon Himself that we might die to our sins and live for righteousness. (1 Peter 2:24)

But it didn’t stop there. He took death upon Himself and He holds the keys of death (Revelation 1:17-18). He rose again, He conquered the grave and claimed authority over death. (Romans 6:9)

This is the thing – Christ died for our sins so we wouldn’t have to. (1 Peter 3:18). Christ canceled the debt of sin by dying on the cross for us. He gave us forgiveness for our sins and made us alive again in Him. (Colossians 2:13-15)

Whether this is the first time you have heard the message of Christ’s redemption or the 100th time, it is worth repeating, and this message is for you. Why? Because as humans we all fall short of God’s glory, we all sin. We all have taken the bait and have fallen into sin at one time or another. Our sins can range from telling a “little” white lie to gossiping, self-righteousness, judging others, greed, laziness, impure thinking, unforgiveness, anger, envy, pride, or betrayal. Or quite simply, not putting God first.

Maybe the consequences of our sin have been small or maybe they have caused great pain. Regardless…

This is the thing – Sin is sin. All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23)

Wherever you find yourself in this moment, in the future or in the past, remember this final thing – Christ has forgiven you!

Prayer: Abba father, thank You for Your gift of salvation. Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice that You paid when You died on the cross for me. Thank You for rising again and for conquering death. You have given me freedom from the bondage of sin and death. I declare that I am free from the entanglement of sin in my life, and I declare victory over sin right now in the name of Jesus. Sin no longer has a hold on me. Abba as I spend these next few moments with You, please show me the areas I have fallen short.

 (Pause & reflect)

Abba, I repent for my sins. Forgive me. Thank You for wiping me clean. I accept Your forgiveness. I surrender to Your will as You help me to live according to Your will and Your purpose. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Reflect

• Is God first place in my life? What have I placed ahead of Christ? (career, education, family, money)
• Have I been walking in right-standing with God? Where have I fallen short of God’s grace?
• Is Jesus truly Lord over my life? What areas of my life have I not surrendered to Christ?