Jun 19 – Wages!

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Every month we receive wages for the work we do. When we receive that salary, our hearts are filled with joy and gladness. With those earnings, we buy the things needed for our family.

In the same way, when we commit sin, we too receive wages for it. The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death.” When the Lord told Adam not to eat the forbidden fruit, He also said, “for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” This death was spiritual death. It separated man from God. Physical death came to Adam in his nine hundred and thirtieth year. At the same time, there is also the second death — the lake burning with fire and brimstone.

The word “sin” in Greek is called hamartia. Its meaning is “to miss the mark.” It means to depart from God’s purpose and plan, and to disregard the order established by the Lord. Just as an arrow misses its target when shot off course, sin occurs when a person strays from the path of righteousness God has prepared for him.

When does a person realize that he has sinned? Yes, when he is convicted by his conscience, he clearly understands that he has sinned. God has placed a conscience within every person as a divine voice. Along with that conscience, He has also given us the commandments in the Scriptures. Anything done against conscience and against the Word of God is sin.

There are three evil powers that drive man toward sin. First, the world. Second, the flesh. Third, the devil. Satan, who was once an angel, became proud and exalted himself against the Lord, and was cast down from heaven to the earth. From that day onward, he has been working against God and continually tempting people to sin.

“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning.” (1 John 3:8)

But some argue wrongly, saying, “It is impossible to live without sinning. Nothing can be accomplished without giving or taking bribes. We have to sin in order to get things done. It cannot be avoided.” Whatever explanation may be given, sin is still sin. It brings the wrath of God. Children of God, never forget that God will bring every sin into judgment.

Verse for further meditation: “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)