THE CURE FOR SIN (2)

 

THE CURE FOR SIN (2)

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 By Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi

 Isaiah 64:6 KJV " 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."

     Attempting to achieve righteousness through self effort does more harm than good : it requires denying the need for God's saving power which works through  love . Self righteousness is the driving force behind the hatred, intolerance in society and religious extremism through terrorism the world over , it promotes selfishness .The scriptures compares self righteousness to filthy rags. The word 'filthy' is the Hebrew word 'ed' which means 'menstrual flux' and the word 'rag' is the word 'beged' which means :a covering, i.e. clothing; very (treacherously), a wardrobe, self -righteousness makes a person appear as having menstrual flux with a wardrobe malfunction.

    Religious bigotry destroys nations ; credibility is often lacking where self-righteousness thrives. The self righteous fellow makes God's word appear inconsistent and lives in self-deception ( 1John 1:8-10). If one claims to be righteous than others, it therefore follows that all acts aimed at spiritual excellence should have ceased to be practiced  and such a person should be in a perpetual state of peace with self and the universe and become as God .The scriptures says in Hebrews 4:10 " For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." But this is contrary to what is observed in the lives of so-called mystics and religious folks the world over ,they are all engrossed in acts aimed at making them appear more righteous. They are caught up in the vicious circle of fear , uncertainties with no guarantees for salvation, the scriptures describes this in 2Tim.3:13" But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being receiver." The word 'seducers ' is the Greek word 'goes' and it means a wizard or mystic. Self-righteousness is deceptive and followers of those who teach this theology are victims of a grand fraudulent scheme and have fallen from grace .
      Apart from God's grace, the human heart is exceedingly deceitful beyond cure. (Jer.17:9) and in the light of God's righteous standard, we are very sinful (Isaiah 6:1-5) and salvation starts from the point of the acknowledgement of one's sins.
    Sin results in fear , unhappiness and bondage (2Pet.2:19) and only a sinless (saviour ) can make us free (John.8:31-36) Sin alienates us from God and outside the grace of Jesus Christ, we are at odds with God and hopeless (Ephesians.2:12-13,Col.1:21-22).
       The attempt to be righteous through the laws of Moses only makes matters worse because the law increases sin consciousness and guilt  (Rom.3:20 )The law was given to help us identify with sin  (Rom.7:7) it is a spiritual diagnostic tool for sin . God's laws are centered on love for God and one's neighbour (Matt.22:37-40) and they are expressed in the ten commandments (Exodus 20:1-17)
       For justice to be satisfied,  punishment must be meted against sinners, therefore, God in His justice punishes sinners (Gen.2:16-17) and the punishment for sin is death (alienation from God)(Rom.5:12,6:33).The sinful nature of man brought curses upon humanity that must be taken away for one to enter heaven (Gal.3:10) the proof of the operation of the curse is the overwhelming fear,absence of peace and the sense of guilt in the heart of man.  Jesus Christ took away our curses and gave us his righteousness. (Gal.3:13)

Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me for my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation, I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and grace to overcome shameful satanic addictions in Jesus name.  .Prayer / counseling + 2348098536911 + 2348035536911 Email : Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com