There is a virus that lurks yet remains undetected by high-powered microscopes. It does not create the same symptoms as other diseases might. It prowls on a different playing field and creates long lasting and devastating effects. Most of the world is unaware of its profound and negative impact.
All of us test positive for it, and there is only one cure. The most lethal virus in all the universe is our sin. The sole antidote is Jesus’ death and resurrection. His forgiveness is our only cure.
But you might say, “I live a pretty moral life. I am relatively good.” Or, “I go to church. I am religious.” These are all good things, but they don’t address the issue. God’s word says that all of us have sinned. The Bible says that we all fall short of God’s glory and the wages or payment of our sin is death (Romans 6:23). Many of us understand that sins like adultery and murder are grievous to the Lord, but did you know that all sin shouts in the face of God. Galatians 5:19-21 says, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." All sin separates us from our Maker.
As mentioned before, there is only one cure for the prevalence and power of our sin. That cure is Jesus and what He did for us by hanging on the cross and resurrecting to new life. He did this because of His great love for us.
If we will confess our sin and declare Christ’s Lordship over our lives, we will be forgiven and saved from hell’s torment. We will be given access to a wonderful relationship with God, and we will one day meet Him in heaven. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ’Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Before all mankind lies a chasm between ourselves and God. We are separated from a relationship with God because of our sin. But Jesus bridged the gap so we can walk to safety. Jesus Himself became our bridge. There is no other way to cross to the other side. The following cannot provide us a relationship with our Creator: good works (Ephesians 2:8-9), attending church, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and other spiritual practices and world religions that are not supported by the Bible.
It may seem narrow-minded to say that Jesus is the only way (See John 14:6), but if there was only one cure or vaccine for a pandemic that really worked, would you say that those who offer that cure were narrow-minded. No, I believe you would gladly accept the cure.
During these trying times with COVID-19 on the rise, our society has been greatly challenged. I understand that the virus we face is real and that it is deadly. My prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones or who are facing a positive diagnoses of the virus. This blog entry is to serve as a reminder that our sin is even more deadly than COVID-19. Sin has eternal consequences, but Jesus has given us the cure. Won’t you embrace a relationship with God through the power of Christ’s sacrifice? Your relationship with Him is only a prayer away….
Dear Heavenly Father,
I can see that my efforts to please You are not sufficient. I understand that my sin has separated me from You. I turn to You and I ask for Your forgiveness for you are the only cure for my sin problem. I declare that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I believe He died and rose from the dead for my sake and for the sake of all mankind. I thank You, Lord, that I am saved. I thank you that I can now begin a wonderful relationship with You, and that one day I will dwell with you in heaven. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Congratulations! The stain of sin has been removed from your life. This does not mean you will walk completely free from its grip from now on, but it does mean you know the cure for those times that you fall. 1 John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins to the Lord, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Living for the Lord is a process. As you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. He will help you grow in Him. Make prayer and Bible study a part of your daily walk with Him. Find a Bible-believing church and attend it faithfully. Thank you for taking the time to read this post and to pray the prayer included above. I believe you will never be the same.
© Copyright 2020 by Tom Toya
